My Roll-Searching Adventures: Post Your Results!

My Roll-Searching Journey

Roll-searching has been my obsession for years – honestly, it’s what keeps coin collecting exciting for me. Whenever I get my hands on pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, halves or dollars, that moment before opening a roll feels like unwrapping a present. You just never know when you’ll uncover a rare date, some silver, or an odd variety. Finding even one keeper in a whole batch makes the hunt worthwhile and keeps me coming back.

Denominations I Focus On

• Pennies: Always hunting for wheaties and Indian Heads – still remember spotting that 1906 Indian Head in a work roll and nearly dropping my coffee!
• Nickels: Pre-1960 coins and wartime issues (1943-P gets my heart racing) plus RPM varieties. My white whale was pulling a 1913-S Type 1 Buffalo in F-12 condition.
• Dimes: Mercury dimes from the 30s-40s turn up regularly, but finding EF teens specimens still makes me do a little victory dance.
• Halves: The silver content alone makes these exciting. Scored some 40% Kennedys like a ’68-S, but I’m still chasing that dream Franklin or Walker find.
• Dollars: Tough to find in rolls, but when I do get Morgans, I’m checking every VAM die variety – even un-attributed ones can be worth slabbing.

Memorable Finds That Made My Day

• That magical roll of halves with Franklin halves, Walkers, Barbers AND an 1878 Seated Half in VG-F – paid face value for what felt like pirate treasure!
• A 73S Kennedy with DDO-002 variety – proof modern rolls can still surprise you
• Random proof coins from the 60s in quarter/dime/nickel rolls – usually with fingerprint smudges but still exciting
• Oddballs like a 1989-S proof nickel or missing clad quarters – reminds you persistence pays off

Practical Tips for Successful Roll-Searching

• Get friendly with banks: I sweet-talk tellers for rolls – when they don’t have halves, I recruit family. My dad still brags about scoring me some!
• Scrutinize everyday change: Taught my spouse what to spot at work – and I check every coin in my pocket. Found AM wide cents this way!
• Try online rolls: eBay’s good for targeted hunts – found RPMs in Jefferson nickel rolls there. Just watch seller reputations.
• Embrace the grind: Not every roll delivers – once did $100 in nickels for one lonely 1959. But that one keeper? Worth it.

Insights on Grading and Market Value

Folks always ask how uncirculated coins end up in mixed rolls. From what I’ve seen, they’re either early saves or mint set refugees – like that AU ’68-S or Unc ’72-D dime I found. Grading matters most: I’m always squinting for RPMs/DDOs using CONECA guides, especially before attribution updates. Silver coins like 40% halves have built-in value, but rarities like my 1913-S Buffalo can really jump in price. My rule? Document everything and protect those finds!

Why Roll-Searching is Worth the Effort

For me, it’s not just about the coins – it’s that electric moment of discovery. Building a collection this way keeps it affordable and personal. What I’ve learned? Patience and sharp eyes turn ordinary rolls into treasure chests. If you collect coins, love silver, or just enjoy the hunt, grab some rolls. Your next great find might be waiting!