Bank Strap Hunting vs Coin Roll Hunting
Coin roll hunting has grown rapidly in popularity, but many collectors are now hearing a related term: bank strap hunting. While both methods involve searching coins obtained from banks, they are not the same — and each has its own advantages.
If you’re wondering which method makes more sense for you, here’s a clear breakdown of bank strap hunting vs. coin roll hunting.
What Is Coin Roll Hunting (CRH)?
Coin roll hunting is the practice of searching bank-wrapped rolls of coins for:
Silver coins
Errors and varieties
Key dates
Older or collectible issues
Collectors usually request rolls of:
Pennies
Nickels
Dimes
Quarters
Half dollars
Coins are searched, keepers are removed, and the rest are returned to the bank.
What Is Bank Strap Hunting?
Bank strap hunting involves searching sealed bank straps — typically $100 or $500 bundles of loose coins that are not rolled.
These straps often come from:
Commercial deposits
Coin-counting machines
Cash-handling businesses
Instead of opening rolls, collectors sort through loose coins.
Key Differences at a Glance
FeatureCoin Roll HuntingBank Strap HuntingCoin formatRolledLoose, strappedTypical sourceTeller rolls or machine rollsCommercial depositsSearch speedSlowerFasterStorage needsModerateHigherAvailabilityWidely availableLess common
Pros of Coin Roll Hunting
Coin roll hunting remains popular because:
Easier to obtain consistently
Less intimidating for beginners
Cleaner handling
Easier re-depositing
CRH is especially effective for:
Pennies (wheat cents, copper)
Nickels (war nickels, older issues)
Half dollars (silver finds)
Pros of Bank Strap Hunting
Bank strap hunting offers some unique advantages:
Faster searching
Larger volume access
Higher chance of mixed sources
Less pre-sorted by machines
Straps can occasionally contain:
Older circulation dumps
Silver overlooked by sorting machines
Foreign or odd coins
Cons of Coin Roll Hunting
CRH downsides include:
Time-consuming
Increasing machine sorting reduces finds
More handling per coin
Cons of Bank Strap Hunting
Bank strap hunting challenges:
Harder to obtain
Requires more space and equipment
Can strain bank relationships
Heavier and messier
Many banks limit or refuse loose-coin straps to individuals.
Which Method Finds More Silver?
Neither method guarantees success.
Results depend on:
Location
Bank policies
Coin source
Volume searched
Many experienced hunters use both methods depending on availability.
Best Strategy for Beginners
For most beginners:
Start with coin roll hunting
Build a bank relationship
Track results by denomination
Experiment with straps when possible
Combining both methods improves learning and variety.
Final Thoughts
Bank strap hunting and coin roll hunting are two sides of the same hobby — searching circulating coinage for hidden value.
Coin roll hunting is more accessible and beginner-friendly, while bank strap hunting offers speed and volume for advanced hunters.
Whichever method you choose, patience and consistency matter more than luck.
To track finds, record silver content, and manage coin roll hunting results efficiently, visit CoinCollectingTools.com.