My Very Lucky Coin Haul: Discovering a Rare Walker Half Dollar

You know that dream every coin collector has—the one where you stumble onto something amazing? Well, it just happened to me! During a routine bank run to pick up quarter rolls for CRH, I spotted a teller setting aside a stack of half dollars. Halves are scarce in my area, so I immediately asked if I could buy them. Minutes later, I walked out with a handful of silver treasure, including one coin that made my heart skip a beat.

The Serendipitous Find

There I was, waiting in line at my local bank with my quarter rolls, when I noticed that pile of half dollars. Since they rarely show up around here, I didn’t hesitate to ask for them. The teller handed them over without fuss, and suddenly I was holding what felt like pirate loot—mostly silver Kennedy and Franklin halves, plus one coin that stood out like a beacon.

Unpacking the Haul

Back home, I spread the coins on my desk and realized I’d hit the motherlode: nearly all were 90% silver except a single 1996 clad piece. But the showstopper was a 1923-S Walking Liberty half. At first glance, I admired its gorgeous antique toning, but research revealed it might be far more special than I imagined. Here’s why:

• Rarity and Strike: Early San Francisco Walkers like this are notoriously hard to find with bold details—something about the mint’s production quirks left many weakly struck.
• Condition Clues: Though Liberty’s gown shows wear (making me think VG+ initially), the overall sharpness suggests it could cross into XF territory.
• Market Value: Numismedia values this date around $990 in XF40 condition. Not bad for a bank find!

Practical Grading Advice

This Walker got me seriously considering grading for the first time—I’d never owned a coin worth slabbing. Here’s what I learned along the way:

• Assessing Condition: Check high points first, but remember Walkers often have soft strikes. Don’t dismiss one too quickly!
• Economical Options: For single coins, ICG’s Skip service offers grading without membership fees.
• Submission Strategies: If you’re not a regular submitter, partner with a trusted dealer or wait for a major coin show. I’ve started a “grading candidates” folder with four other coins to meet batch minimums.

Storage and Care Tips

Suddenly owning a potential four-figure coin means stepping up my preservation game. Here’s my new routine:

• Immediate Protection: Into a flip it went—no more bare coins on the desk where scratches (or cat paws!) could ruin everything.
• Preferred Holders: I’m partial to Whitman holders—they’re simple, sturdy, and let the coin speak for itself.
• Handling Best Practices: Always by the edges now, stored away from humidity to preserve that beautiful toning.

Reflections and Takeaways

This experience reminded me why I fell in love with coin collecting—that electric moment when ordinary routines yield extraordinary finds. That 1923-S Walker might just be life-changing, and it’s taught me to scan every teller’s tray with fresh eyes. If I could offer fellow collectors one piece of advice? Celebrate these wins, keep good records, and when you find something special, don’t hesitate to explore grading. Finds like this are why I’ll be back at the bank next week, quarters in hand, chasing that next rush.