The best way to get started is to pick up a few rolls of coins the next time you go to your local bank or credit union. As suggested in a previous “class”, it is a good idea to call the bank ahead of your arrival to request rolled coins.

There is a small amount of paperwork that needs to be done by a teller to transfer coins to their window. The transfer is sometimes done from the vault to the teller or from one teller to another. In any case, it is best not to just walk in and ask for an unusual number of rolled coins. Being a thoughtful and courteous roll searcher, it is important that you never take a teller by surprise with your request for coins. Ultimately, you want to have the bank look forward to your transaction and never look upon you as a nuisance.

Old Style Coin Bag

Always be sure to bring along a bag of some sort so that you can carry your coins out to your vehicle.

In the past when the Mint used to supply loose coins in bags, it was common to get a few of these from a bank now and then. It is what I now use to carry rolls of coins in. Since they are no longer used by the Mint, they have actually become collectors items in their own right.

Keep in mind that there are only so many rolls of halves, for example that you can carry in your pocket before you run into serious trouble. I’ll leave that picture up to your own imagination.

Since coin bags like the one shown will probably not be available, I might suggest an easy to obtain, nylon shopping bag for carrying your rolled coins.

Above all, always be cautious and remain diligent when returning to your vehicle. Carrying any amount of rolled coins can be hazardous if there are any unscrupulous persons in the area.

Over the years, I’ve found well over five thousand coins that are from countries other than the United States! Coins like the ones below from Fiji, Venezuela, Switzerland, The Kingdom of The Netherlands, and the former Socialist Republic of Czechoslovakia were all found while searching through rolls of what should have been all United States issued coins.

Non-United States coins

You may also find coins such as the one seen below. The Euro is currently the legal tender used by 15 of the European Union Countries. Some territories of those countries also circulate the Euro. Other countries have agreements with some of the issuing countries to use these coins as well. They all share a design on one side. This is the common side of all the 1 EURO pieces that are minted.

A One Euro Coin

Found on the other side of the coin is an identifying National symbol. This One Euro coin, dated 2002 was issued by Italy.

A Euro of Italy

Keep it pleasant and you can find all kinds of coins as you search through rolls!