A Very Lucky Feeling: My Unexpected Coin Haul Adventure

You know that rush when you stumble upon something amazing by pure chance? That’s exactly what hit me during a routine bank visit last week. I wasn’t even planning to hunt for coins that day, but luck had other ideas.

The Serendipitous Find

While waiting in line, I spotted a teller stacking half dollars – which almost never show up around here. Naturally, I asked if I could take them off her hands. When she said yes, I walked out with a stack mostly full of 90% silver Walking Liberty halves. And there she was: a gorgeous 1923-S shining like a beacon in the pile. Honestly, it’s my biggest score in years of coin roll hunting.

Coin Details and Value Insights

Most were 1940s issues, but that ’23-S was the real showstopper. At first glance I just thought it was cool, but when I looked closer under good light, I realized it might be special. The wear on Liberty’s gown suggests it could grade XF, with Numismedia listing around $990 in XF40. Here’s what I learned:

• Early San Francisco Walkers often have weak strikes, so finding one with clear details like this is tough
• The natural toning gives it real character – though I’ll be extra careful to preserve it as-is
• Values shift constantly, so I’ll double-check with my Red Book and local dealers before deciding anything

Practical Grading Tips

Since I’ve never submitted a coin for grading before, this find sent me down a research rabbit hole. For one special coin like this, the process felt overwhelming at first. Here’s what I figured out that might help you too:

• Services like ICG offer lower fees if you’re not in a hurry to sell
• Major coin shows often accept submissions without memberships – sometimes just five coins minimum
• I’ve started a “maybe” box for potential grading candidates. It makes more sense to submit several at once

I’m leaning toward getting this Walker graded to lock in its condition, but I’ll show it to my buddy at the coin shop first.

Storage and Handling Advice

For storage, I’m partial to Whitman holders – they’re simple, cheap, and let the coin speak for itself. Here’s how I treat my finds:

• Straight into protective flips after discovery – no exceptions
• Fingerprints are the enemy: edges only when handling
• Silver stays happiest in cool, dry darkness to slow toning

This whole experience reminded me why I fell for coin collecting: that electric moment of discovery, the history in your hands, and how patience pays off. Keep looking closely at every roll – your lucky day might be coming!