My Purr-fectly Lucky Coin Haul: When Silver Half Dollars Landed in My Lap

The Day Luck Struck

There I was at my bank, just trying to grab some quarter rolls for future searching when I spotted something unusual. Lately, my collecting time’s been scarce, but I always keep a few random rolls on standby. As I waited in line, I noticed a teller stacking half dollars – practically unheard of around here! I practically blurted out “Can I take those?” before thinking. When they said yes, I walked out with a handful of silver, grinning like I’d won the lottery.

The Treasure Trove Revealed

Back at my desk, I spread out my unexpected bounty. Most were 90% silver halves – always a thrill – but one made my heart skip: a 1923-S Walking Liberty. The rest included a lone 1996 clad piece, but the silvers were the stars. Why was this Walker special?

• The 1923-S is tough to find with a strong strike, especially from San Francisco
• That lovely aged patina suggests it’s at least XF grade – maybe better
• Numismedia pegs it around $990 in XF40 condition, making this my best roll find ever

Comparing it to others, I noticed typical wear on Liberty’s gown stripes, but overall it had that crispness collectors love.

Assessing Value and Condition

We all know condition makes or breaks a coin. With this Walker, I took my sweet time examining it. Early Walkers often show soft strikes, and this was no exception, but it held its details beautifully. I shot some proper photos to double-check – I’d put it solidly in the VG+ to XF range. Seeing what similar coins sell for, I knew grading could boost its value, but one wrong move could ruin it. No claws or scratches here – straight into protection it went!

Practical Grading Tips I Considered

Honestly, this was my first find worth slabbing. But grading single coins? That gets pricey with PCGS/NGC memberships. Here’s what I figured out:

• Budget-friendly choice: ICG offers solid service without mandatory memberships
• Coin show trick: Many big shows accept walk-in submissions (usually 5-coin minimums)
• Dealer help: Your local shop might bundle your coin with their submission
• Future-proofing: I’ve started a “maybe slab” pile for coins like this

For now, I’m waiting until I have a small group to submit together – a useful approach if you find one special piece.

Handling and Storage Wisdom

Protecting finds is collecting 101. I’m partial to Whitman holders – simple, sturdy, and they let the coin shine. After seeing how easily a fingerprint or scrape can knock down value, I never handle coins bare-handed anymore. Flips work great for short-term storage, especially for silver that tarnishes if you blink wrong. Lesson reinforced: treat every potential gem like fine china!

Reflections on a Lucky Streak

This whole experience reminded me why I adore coin hunting – sometimes the hobby just hands you magic. That 1923-S wasn’t just valuable; it felt like uncovering buried treasure. To my fellow collectors: keep your eyes peeled at the bank. You never know what’s hiding in plain sight. Whether you chase silver, history, or just the rush of the hunt, moments like this? They’re why we do it. I’ll be holding onto this beauty and cracking open those stashed rolls soon – who knows what else is waiting!