An electronic faucet assembly having a faucet body and a mounting shank. At least one electrically controlled valve is disposed in a fluid line between the fluid supply and a fluid passageway supported by the faucet body. A controller is configured to control operation of the valve. A circuit component supported on the faucet body is in electrical communication with a proximal portion of the mounting shank. A spring clip in electrical communication with the control circuit is mounted on a smooth cylindrical surface of the distal portion of the mounting shank. The mounting shank may be aluminum with an aluminum oxide layer on the smooth cylindrical surface. Electrical signals may be conducted between the spring clip and mounting shank by capacitive coupling without conduction of electrical current between the spring clip and mounting shank. The spring clip may be dimensioned to prevent incorrect installation on the mounting shank.