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

I’m still buzzing from an incredible coin hunting adventure that felt like hitting the jackpot – finding 62 silver coins in just nine customer-wrapped rolls! It’s the kind of story that reminds you why we love this hobby, and I can’t wait to share every detail with fellow collectors.

The Unbelievable Find

It all started with a routine bank visit where I picked up one roll of half dollars. My jaw hit the floor when I saw it was packed with silver. I raced back the next day and grabbed the remaining rolls – nine CWRs total. Cracking them open felt like Christmas morning as I counted 62 silvers, including:

• 6 Walking Liberty halves (those timeless beauties minted before 1947)
• 6 Franklin halves (iconic designs from 1948-1963)
• 3 90% silver Kennedy halves (that key 1964 year we all chase)
• 47 40% silver Kennedy halves (1965-1970 issues still packed with precious metal)

With total silver weight hitting 13.58 ounces, the melt value alone came to $358.92. My hands were shaking – you just don’t stumble upon hauls like this often in modern coin hunting.

Practical Tips for Silver Hunting Success

After this windfall and years of collecting, I’ve picked up some strategies that might help your hunt. Persistence pays off – I hadn’t found silver halves in seven years before this score. Here’s what works for me:

• Always ask for customer-wrapped rolls at banks – they’re untapped treasure troves compared to machine-rolled ones
• Make checking CoinStar reject trays a habit – I once grabbed 50 silver dimes from one
• Hit multiple bank branches, especially since many reduced services post-lockdown. Getting to know tellers often leads to tips
• Stick with it through dry spells. As my buddy says, it’s about being ready when luck strikes

Market Value and Melt Down Insights

That $358 melt value shows why these coins are more than collectibles – they’re real assets. When silver prices swing, I use online tools to calculate actual silver weight for quick valuation. Remember: 1964 Kennedys are 90% silver collector favorites, while 1965-1970 are 40% silver workhorses. You could cash out the melt value, but I’m holding mine – they might gain collector value too.

Grading and Collecting Wisdom

When you score like this, grading matters. My Walkers and Franklins had minimal wear, possibly grading Fine or better. Here’s a trick: check the eagle’s feathers or Liberty’s features – crisp details mean uncirculated coins that command premiums. Always handle finds carefully, and consider certification for your stars. That extra step can really pay off.

Wrapping It Up

This whole experience proves coin collecting thrives on surprises – where patience, knowledge and luck collide. Whether you’re into precious metals or history, keep searching. Your dream find might be waiting in the next roll.