My Very Lucky Feeling: A Numismatic Treasure Hunt

A few months back, I had one of those numismatic moments you dream about, and I’ve been itching to share it. I was at my local bank, grabbing some fresh quarter rolls to add to my collection—I squirrel away hundreds of rolls for future hunts, even if I don’t crack them open as often lately. While waiting, I noticed the teller beside me stacking a small pile of half dollars. Seeing halves in the wild is rare around here, so I jumped at the chance and asked if I could take them. They said yes! Though there weren’t any more to be had, walking out with that handful felt like I’d just won the lottery.

The Coins I Snagged

Here’s what landed in my lucky hands:

• A full roll of 90% silver half dollars—most in solid shape, a true win for any silver stacker.
• One unexpected 1996 clad half dollar, definitely the odd duck in the group.
• The real showstopper: a 1923-S Walking Liberty half dollar, instantly a special addition to my collection.

Honestly, this was my best coin roll find ever, and I’m still riding the high. The mix of silver and history made it feel like striking gold.

Unpacking the 1923-S Gem

That 1923-S coin grabbed me right away with its deep, beautiful patina—it stood out starkly against the others. At first glance, I just loved how it looked, thinking it was merely a cool old coin. But under good light, I started thinking it might grade Extremely Fine (XF). Numismedia lists it around $990 in XF40, which was mind-blowing! Sure, there’s wear like the smoothed stripes on Liberty’s gown, but that’s typical for early Walkers, especially from San Francisco. They’re notoriously hard to find well-struck, so this one feels extra sweet. It’s safely tucked into a protective flip now—gotta keep those surfaces pristine while I decide its fate.

Practical Advice on Grading

This find actually has me thinking about grading for the first time—I’ve never owned a coin worth sending in! I dabbled in comic book grading last year for kicks, but coins are different. From chatting with seasoned collectors and digging around, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Look for more affordable options if you’re watching costs. Services like ICG (I hear Skip there is helpful) can be easier on the wallet than the giants.
• Membership fees aren’t always needed. Big coin shows often have grading services accepting submissions without one, though there’s usually a minimum, like five coins. I’ve started setting aside a few candidates myself.
• If shows aren’t doable, partner up. Find a trusted dealer or collector who submits regularly. They might add yours to their batch for a small fee—a smart way to split costs.
• For storage, I really like Whitman holders. They’re simple and let the coin take center stage—perfect for pieces like this while I figure things out.

Since I only have one standout coin right now, I’m leaning toward the coin show route or finding a submission partner. It’s all about being savvy with your hobby dollars.

Wrapping Up My Numismatic Adventure

This whole surprise haul reminded me why I love collecting: that electric jolt of finding something special and the history it holds. It’s not just the potential value; it’s the chase and the community. I’m still mulling over grading, but for now, I’m just enjoying that lucky feeling and plotting my next bank run. Who knows what else is hiding in plain sight? Moments like this? They make collecting absolutely purr-fect!