Coins Don't Stink - You Do!
Tuesday September 9, 2008
Have you ever noticed that characteristic metallic smell when handling certain kinds of coins? It's hard to describe, but it's usually a deep, iron-like stink that's especially noticeable when the coins are either really dirty, or just warm or damp. Well, it turns out that science has discovered the source of the smell: it's not the coins that stink -- you do!
I ran across this interesting little bit of trivia in an article published in the Lake Norman Coin Club's Quarter Dollar, the North Carolina club's quarterly coins newsletter. Although the Quarter Dollar didn't cite a source, a quick check in Google led me to LiveScience.com, where an article about the source of the smell from coins explains the facts. The odor we detect isn't actually coming from the coins themselves, but from your skin. Oils in your skin break down when they come into contact with certain metals, releasing the characteristic "coin stink." It has long been known that coins and banknotes are carriers of a multitude of germs, including bacteria and viruses, (not to mention tons of other less dangerous but nasty types of filth,) which is why I always recommend this simple method to clean coins before letting children handle them if the coins come from circulation.
Comments
Being a Microbiologist I take exception to the statement about coins carrying germs.Please check the scientific validity of this statement. Most coins are bacteriostatic,which means that they inhibit the growth of bacteria. Viruses(not all) on the other hand can be transmitted via the surfaces of coins.
I remember reading a a story in the lates 80’s that said over 80% of all 100 dollar bills contained traces of cocaine.
As far as coins smelling I agree 100% with the poster above. You really need to verify these stories before posting them on here.
I buy bulk world coins by the thousands. After spreading out 3,000 or more coins and looking at them all, my hands are usually covered in black filth. Now I know that the filth is actually…people!, it sure does make things more interesting.
Latex gloves can also be helpful if you are going through a lot of circulated coins like I go through.