People Love to Find Old Coins (I know I do)
Finding old coins is an exciting hobby, and today, I’ll share the best places where you can find them without spending a dime!
Old coins can pop up in pocket change, coin jars, buried underground, and other surprising spots. Unless you’re at a coin dealer, it can be tricky to find rare and valuable old coins by accident. However, there are ways to increase your chances. You just need to know where to look!
Here are 6 proven methods to discover old coins without paying a coin dealer!
#1 – Search Your Pocket Change
Your pocket change can be a great source for old coins. Let’s start with the most obvious yet often overlooked source: spare change!
It may seem simple, but checking your change is always profitable.
Throughout the year, you likely carry around thousands of coins. You’ve probably come across several of the 50 State Quarters, pre-1960 Jefferson nickels, or even wheat pennies. You might have unknowingly received a silver dime or quarter. Silver coins still appear in circulation occasionally!
To find old coins, start by collecting all the coins you receive. Store them in a jar and when you have time (or just feel like checking), go through them and see what treasures you’ve collected.
Here’s a list of coins to keep an eye out for:
- 1941 Lincoln penny (my first find!)
- Buffalo nickels
- Silver dimes and quarters
It may not always be easy, but it’s possible to find valuable coins in your change.
Tip: If your change is lacking, ask your friends if you can check their pockets too. You may just discover something special!
#2 – Look Through Rolls Of Coins
Visiting your local bank is an often-overlooked strategy for finding old coins. Banks carry a wide variety of coins, including less common denominations like half dollars and dollar coins.
Coin rolls are one of my favorite ways to find exciting and valuable coins. I’ve found:
- Wheat pennies
- Buffalo nickels
- Wartime Jefferson nickels
- Silver Kennedy half dollars (40% and 90% silver)
Coin roll hunting is an enjoyable way to discover coins that may not be available in your daily change. If you’re new to the hobby, check out some video tutorials to get the hang of it!
#3 – Check ‘Take-A-Penny-Leave-A-Penny’ Trays
Some stores and gas stations have little trays filled with spare change, usually near the register. These trays often contain pennies, and occasionally nickels and dimes, left by others.
I’ve found several valuable old pennies in these trays, including uncirculated 1950s Lincoln wheat pennies!
If you decide to check out these trays, carry a few pennies to swap. It’s polite to offer an even exchange when you take a coin.
#4 – Search Through Old Coin Jars
Coin jars can hide a wealth of old coins. I’ve discovered several valuable finds in my parents’ coin jars, including wheat pennies and 1930s–50s nickels.
If you don’t have a coin jar of your own, ask friends or family if you can search through theirs. Just be sure to bring your own coins to exchange, or offer a helpful favor in return!
#5 – Check Vending Machines (You Can Trade Coins There!)
Vending machines often spit out old coins, especially if someone left them behind or if you’ve inserted a bill and received change.
Vending machines are a treasure trove of coins, especially for non-penny denominations. You might find quarters, dimes, and nickels that are much older than you’d expect.
A fun trick I’ve used is to hit the “change return” button before making a purchase. This will give you a mix of coins that could include some older ones.
#6 – Use A Metal Detector
Many collectors enjoy using metal detectors to search for old coins buried underground. While I don’t use one myself, I know people who have uncovered great finds!
Common places to use a metal detector include:
- Beaches
- Parks
- Vacant lots
- Old houses and buildings
- Schoolyards
Just be sure to avoid trespassing on private property. Always ask for permission before searching on someone else’s land.
In summary, there are plenty of places to look for old coins without spending money on them. Whether you’re checking your change, searching through coin rolls, or using a metal detector, the key is to keep your eyes open and be persistent. Happy coin hunting!
FAQ
Q: How can I find valuable old coins in my pocket change?
A: Start by regularly checking the coins you receive in everyday transactions. Look for coins like wheat pennies, silver dimes, quarters, or rare nickels. Store your change in a jar and go through it when you have time to spot valuable coins.
Q: Is it worth checking coin rolls from the bank?
A: Yes! Banks often have rolls of coins with less common denominations like half dollars and dollar coins. Searching through these rolls can uncover valuable finds, including silver coins and older pennies.
Q: What are “Take-A-Penny-Leave-A-Penny” trays?
A: These are small trays where people leave spare change, often at cash registers. You can find old pennies and occasionally rare coins like wheat pennies in these trays. Just make sure to exchange a few coins if you take any.
Q: How can I find old coins in a coin jar?
A: Check old coin jars at home or ask family and friends if you can look through theirs. These jars often hold forgotten coins, including valuable old pennies, nickels, and other treasures.
Q: Can I really find old coins in vending machines?
A: Yes, vending machines sometimes dispense old coins, especially if you use the “change return” button after inserting money. It’s a fun way to get a mix of coins that may include older ones.