Puttier

[WoodenJefferson]

One who employs a putty-like substance to hide slide marks or scratches on a (usually) Mint State or Proof gold coin. When tonguing, fingering, or thumbing doesn't work, the coin is sent in to a professional puttier to enhance its appearance. He applies either automobile bondo or (a later discovery) window glazing compound such as "33 Glazing" lightly to the affected area. This softens the luster; it prevents the light from reflecting back brilliantly off any marks or hairlines into the observer's eye. (For many months before they caught on to the practice, it enabled the owner to get a higher grade from the eagle-eyed grading services than the coin warranted.)