Coin Roll Hunting: What It Is and How to Start
Imagine walking into your local bank, picking up a few rolls of coins, and walking out with silver dimes, rare varieties, or even error coins. That’s the thrill of coin roll hunting (CRH) — a hobby that’s become one of the most popular (and affordable) ways to collect coins in recent years. Whether you’re hoping to find silver, build a collection from pocket change, or just enjoy the hunt, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What Is Coin Roll Hunting?
Coin roll hunting is the process of searching through bank-wrapped rolls of coins to find valuable pieces. Collectors buy rolls or boxes of coins at face value, then look through them for:
Silver coins (dimes, quarters, halves)
Wheat cents and older copper pennies
Error coins like doubled dies, off-centers, or missing clad layers
Varieties such as the 1955 doubled die cent or 1972 doubled die cent
High-grade coins worth sending for grading
Anything you don’t want gets returned to the bank, so your only real cost is time and effort.
Why People Love Coin Roll Hunting
Low cost of entry: You’re only spending face value.
Treasure hunt feel: You never know what you’ll find.
Beginner-friendly: Great for kids, families, or new collectors.
Still possible to find silver: While rare, silver coins do show up.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Bank account: Most tellers won’t sell rolls to non-customers.
Coin rolls or boxes: Start small with a few rolls; upgrade to full boxes as you get comfortable.
Good lighting and magnification: Helps spot errors and varieties.
Storage: 2x2 holders, flips, or coin albums for your finds.
Return strategy: A coin-counting machine (at a different bank than you buy from) makes it easy to dump rejects.
Best Denominations to Hunt
Pennies: Great for beginners. Look for wheat cents (1909–1958), copper (pre-1982), and errors.
Nickels: Search for Buffalo nickels, war nickels (35% silver), and key Jefferson dates.
Dimes: Watch for silver (1964 and earlier).
Quarters: Silver 1964 and earlier, plus state quarter varieties.
Half Dollars: The most popular denomination for silver hunters (1964 = 90% silver, 1965–1970 = 40% silver).
Tips for Success
Be polite with tellers: Building relationships helps.
Start small: Don’t order $500 boxes until you know the ropes.
Know your key dates and errors: A quick reference guide (or app like Coin Collecting Tools) helps.
Be patient: Not every roll has treasure. Success comes with persistence.
Final Thoughts
Coin roll hunting is one of the most exciting — and affordable — ways to collect coins. Every roll has the potential for silver, errors, or hidden gems. Even when you don’t find something valuable, you’re still learning, collecting, and enjoying the hunt. Grab a few rolls from your bank, and you might just discover your first silver coin today.