A Very Lucky Feeling: My Unexpected Half Dollar Windfall

You know those moments that remind you why we love coin hunting? I had one recently—a completely unexpected find that felt like hitting the numismatic jackpot. As someone who’s hunted rolls for years, it’s these surprises that keep me checking every bank visit, even during routine errands.

The Unplanned Discovery

A few months back, I was at my local bank just grabbing quarter rolls for future hunts—nothing special. Then I spotted a teller stacking half dollars. In my area, these are rarer than hen’s teeth, so I casually asked if I could take them off her hands. When she said yes, I practically floated out the door clutching those coins! It reinforced my golden rule: always ask about unusual denominations. You never know what treasures are hiding in plain sight.

Assessing My Haul

Back home, sorting through them felt like Christmas morning: mostly 90% silver Walkers with just one modern 1996 coin. But the star was a 1923-S Walking Liberty half. At first glance, it seemed worn—Liberty’s gown stripes looked soft—but under good light, I realized it might actually be Extra Fine (XF) condition. Numismedia puts this around $990 in XF40 thanks to its scarcity and San Francisco’s typical weak strikes. What really grabbed me:

• That beautiful patina telling its century-old story
• How weak strikes from that era mean minor wear doesn’t automatically mean low grade—it’s about overall detail
• A great reminder to always scrutinize older halves; they often hold hidden value beyond silver content

Grading Tips from My Experience

Facing my first potential grading submission, I discovered it’s more accessible than I thought. If you’ve got a single standout coin like this, try these approaches:

• Team up with a dealer or collector friend who submits regularly—they might include yours to avoid membership fees
• Visit major coin shows where grading services sometimes waive membership rules for on-site submissions (though you’ll need at least five coins)
• Start a “maybe someday” stash for promising coins so you’re ready when you find a gem

For this ’23-S, I’m considering ICG for affordability but will consult a trusted collector first. Remember—if you’re not selling, grading isn’t essential. Good preservation matters most.

Practical Advice for Preservation

I immediately slipped these into flips—no sense risking scratches! For long-term storage, I stick with Whitman holders; they’re simple and let the coins shine. New collectors, take note: always handle by the edges and store in a cool, dry spot to prevent toning or damage. Small steps make big differences in maintaining value.

This lucky find reignited my CRH passion and proved persistence pays. Whether you’re hunting silver, errors, or just the thrill—keep looking. Your own “wow” moment might be waiting in the next teller’s tray.