My Once-in-a-Lifetime Coin Find: 62 Silvers from 9 Rolls

I’m still buzzing with excitement over an incredible coin hunting adventure I had recently—one that feels like the pinnacle of my collecting journey. As a long-time numismatist, I’ve had my share of dry spells and small wins, but this discovery blew me away: 62 silver coins pulled from just nine customer-wrapped rolls (CWR) of half dollars. Let me walk you through the details, share some insights, and offer practical tips for your own searches.

The Unbelievable Find

It started innocently enough. I dropped by my local bank branch on a whim, as I often do, to check for loose or rolled coins. Yesterday, I grabbed one roll of halves and immediately noticed a few silvers peeking out. Stunned, I rushed back today and snagged the remaining eight rolls. After carefully unwrapping them all at home, I counted a staggering 62 silver coins. I was literally shaking—this kind of haul is what we silver searchers dream of, and it’s a rare reminder that perseverance can pay off big time.

Breaking Down the Treasure

Here’s exactly what I found in those rolls, with a mix that showcases the variety in silver coinage:

• 6 Walking Liberty halves (dated 1916-1947)
• 6 Franklin halves (1948-1963)
• 3 Kennedy 90% silver halves (1964 only)
• 47 Kennedy 40% silver halves (1965-1970)

That adds up to a total actual silver weight (ASW) of 13.58 ounces, with a melt value around $358.92 based on current silver prices. The rest of the coins were clad, mostly from the 1970s and 1980s—nothing too recent or remarkable, but I didn’t dwell on them with all that silver stealing the show. For context, my last big score was seven years ago with about 20 silver halves in a store’s cash drawer, and before that, a coin star reject tray yielded 50 silver dimes a decade back. This find? It felt like I’d peaked, and it underscores why I love this hobby.

Practical Advice for Coin Hunters

Based on this experience and years of collecting, here are some key tips to boost your own chances:

• Always prioritize customer-wrapped rolls (CWR) over machine-rolled ones. Banks often get these from older customers who might unknowingly hold onto silver.
• Be persistent—visit banks regularly, even during dry spells. I’ve seen branches close post-lockdown, making sources scarcer, so building relationships with tellers can open doors.
• Focus on half dollars for silver; they’re less searched than dimes or quarters and can hide gems like Walkers or Franklins.
• Check every roll thoroughly. I almost missed some silvers because they were tucked in the middle, so take your time and use good lighting.

Remember, luck plays a huge role—right place, right time, as they say—but consistency builds opportunities. If you score big, consider it a sign to celebrate, maybe even buy that lottery ticket for fun!

Grading and Valuing Your Finds

When you land a haul like this, grading is crucial to maximize value. Most of my Kennedys were circulated, but the Walkers and Franklins had decent details. Here’s my approach:

• Handle coins carefully with gloves to avoid scratches. Silver tarnishes easily, so store them in acid-free flips or tubes.
• For common dates like these, melt value is a solid baseline, but check for key years. For instance, 1964 Kennedys in good condition can fetch a premium over melt.
• Use a magnifier to spot wear or mint marks—coins in better grades can be worth more numismatically. In my case, none were rare, so I’ll likely hold them for silver’s long-term appreciation.

Market-wise, silver prices fluctuate, but finds like this highlight why physical metal remains a tangible asset. With inflation concerns, stacking silver through hunting is both fun and financially smart.

Wrapping It All Up

This experience has reignited my passion for coin collecting. It’s a reminder that even after years of searching, the thrill of a big score keeps us going. If you’re out there hunting, stay patient and persistent—you never know when luck will strike. Happy collecting, and may your rolls be full of silver!