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Learn why people **trust wikiHow**](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) - [Categories](https://www.wikihow.com/Special:CategoryListing "Special:CategoryListing") - [Hobbies and Crafts](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Hobbies-and-Crafts "Category:Hobbies and Crafts") - [Collecting](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Collecting "Category:Collecting") - [Coins](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Coins "Category:Coins") # [How to Find Rare Coins](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [ Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) Explore this Article Steps [Steps](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#Steps) Other Sections [Questions & Answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#qa_headline) [Tips and Warnings](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#tips) [Related Articles](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#relatedwikihows) [References](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#References) [Article Summary](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#summary_wrapper) **Co-authored by** [Dean Kinzer](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Dean-Kinzer) [Last Updated: February 19, 2026](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Approved](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [ Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) X This article was co-authored by [Dean Kinzer](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Dean-Kinzer). Dean Kinzer is a Numismatics Expert. He is a specialist in ancient coins and is the founder of Kinzer Coins, a rare ancient coin dealership and educational coin resource hub. At Kinzer Coins, Dean has built the premier destination for authenticated ancient coins from Roman, Greek, Byzantine, and Biblical periods. Kinzer Coins’ mission is to bring history to life by connecting their clients with the legacy of ancient civilizations through authentic coins. He hosts the Ancient Coin Hour Podcast, which connects his audience directly with leading numismatists and ancient coin experts. The podcast helps listeners avoid common pitfalls while building an investment-grade collection that appreciates in both financial and historical value. Dean’s father was a numismatics expert himself, and taught Dean to recognize authentic ancient artifacts, understand their historical significance, and connect people with tangible pieces of history. He received a Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University with a Certificate in Leadership. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 84% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 79,799 times. You've decided to pursue the fascinating hobby of numismatics (coin collecting). Now all you need are some coins. Read on to find out how to find rare coins without paying a fortune. ## Steps [ Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-1-Version-2.jpg) 1 **Get rolls of coins from banks.** Trade in your paper cash for coins at any local bank. You might get old coins if the rolls have been in the bank for a long time. Occasionally, you'll find a rare or foreign coin that's been mixed up with the others. 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-2-Version-2.jpg) 2 **Check pocket change for key date or error coins.** Familiarize yourself with the "key dates" of coin series, meaning the years that are rare and valuable. Although it's not likely, people have found rare coins worth hundreds, and even thousands of dollars in their spare change\! - For example, in the US, coins marked with the mint mark S are almost always more valuable. 1942—1946 nickels are another item to look out for, as they are 35% silver and worth a little more than normal. Advertisement 3. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-3-Version-2.jpg) 3 **Visit garage sales and flea-markets.** Make regular expeditions to hit up all the used good sales in your area. Chances are you will find the occasional coin collection at a good bargain. - Fairs are a great place to look for coins. Ask a local tourist board if there are any happening in your area. 4. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-4-Version-2.jpg) 4 **Talk to older friends and relatives.** Many people have a change jar or a coin collection stashed away somewhere. Talk to older people, especially people who have lived in the same house for decades. They may be delighted to show you their old coins, and let you keep some or split the profit if you identify a rare one. - Ask relatives for permission to search their attics, basements, and closets as well. - Let all your friends and relatives know that you'd love to see any old coins they find. Keep paper money or new change around, to trade for the change they pick up in circulation. 5. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-5.jpg) 5 **Buy from coin specialists.** Visit auction houses, antique stores, pawnshops, and coin collecting clubs to find rare coins for sale.[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#_note-1)X [Expert Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [Dean Kinzer Numismatics Expert](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Dean-Kinzer) Expert Interview This is the easiest way to *locate* a rare coin, but, of course, it won't always be affordable. Try searching once you have a small collection of your own and are interested in expanding your hobby. - Many dealers have "bargain bins" of coins that you can pick through. Although bargain bins usually contain common, lower quality coins, sometimes a rare coin slips through. - You can often buy special collectors' coins directly from the mint. 6. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-6.jpg) 6 **Search in areas with tourists and immigrants.** If you're interested in foreign coins, be smart about where you look. Visit neighborhoods full of recent immigrants, and ask the cashiers in local stores whether they have foreign change they'd like to trade. Tourist hot spots are another place full of people who have coins they'd like to trade you. - Look at the sidewalk too, while walking through these areas. 7. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-7.jpg) 7 [**Make a metal detector**](https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Metal-Detector "Build a Metal Detector")**.** Metal detecting can be a low-budget hobby if you build your own equipment. You'll have to dig up a lot of junk before you find any coins, but where else in life will you get to find buried treasure? - Learn the laws of your region before you head out to the park. In many areas, metal detector use is illegal in certain areas. Some of your findings may also be illegal to take, in particular anything associated with human remains. ## Community Q\&A Search [Add New Question]() - Question Where can I purchase a book about old coins?  Community Answer Ask a librarian to help you find books in the library or through interlibrary loan. If you still feel you want to buy a particular book, you have had the opportunity to evaluate several and choose the most helpful. Then you can check Amazon. **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.** **Thank you for your feedback.** If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Not Helpful 5](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Helpful 23](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) - Question Where can I sell my rare coins if I am a child?  Community Answer Talk to a trusted adult for help. **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.** **Thank you for your feedback.** If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Not Helpful 40](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Helpful 40](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) - Question How can I tell if my coin has any value?  Community Answer You can always look at the date of the coin and then google it. For example, if you had a penny manufactured in 1921, you could search "value of a 1921 penny." Check a couple of links and compare the responses. **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.** **Thank you for your feedback.** If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Not Helpful 13](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Helpful 43](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [See more answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Questions/Find-Rare-Coins#offset=3) Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement ## Tips - To get a new coin collection started for free, make a habit of trading new pennies for old at grocery store "take a penny, leave a penny" dishes. You won't get many rare coins this way, but you can try to collect a penny for each year. Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial [Submit](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! Advertisement ## Warnings - Beware of suspiciously good deals, or extremely rare coins on limited time offers. These may be fakes. Thanks [Helpful 16](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Not Helpful 1](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) Advertisement ## You Might Also Like [ How to Find Silver Half Dollars ](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Silver-Half-Dollars) [ How to Sell Rare Coins ](https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Rare-Coins) [ How to Value Old Coins ](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-The-Value-Of-Old-Coins) [All the Best Ways to Sell Old Coins: Tips, Tricks, & More ](https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Old-Coins) [ How to Find Easy Money ](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Easy-Money) [ How to Identify Old Coins ](https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Old-Coins) [ How to Sell Silver Coins ](https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Silver-Coins) [ How to Find Treasure ](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Treasure) [1944 Steel Penny Value: What Is Your Coin Worth? ](https://www.wikihow.com/1944-Steel-Penny-Value) [ How to Metal Detect ](https://www.wikihow.com/Metal-Detect) [ How to Sell Your Silver ](https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Silver) [Here’s What Your 1943 Steel Penny Could Be Worth (And How to Value It) ](https://www.wikihow.com/1943-Steel-Penny-Value) [ How to Clean Rusty Coins ](https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Rusty-Coins) [5 Easy Ways to Tell If a 1965 Quarter Is Silver ](https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-1965-Quarter-Is-Silver) Advertisement ## References 1. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#_ref-1) Dean Kinzer. Numismatics Expert. Expert Interview ## About This Article  Co-authored by: [Dean Kinzer](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Dean-Kinzer) Numismatics Expert This article was co-authored by [Dean Kinzer](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Dean-Kinzer). Dean Kinzer is a Numismatics Expert. He is a specialist in ancient coins and is the founder of Kinzer Coins, a rare ancient coin dealership and educational coin resource hub. At Kinzer Coins, Dean has built the premier destination for authenticated ancient coins from Roman, Greek, Byzantine, and Biblical periods. Kinzer Coins’ mission is to bring history to life by connecting their clients with the legacy of ancient civilizations through authentic coins. He hosts the Ancient Coin Hour Podcast, which connects his audience directly with leading numismatists and ancient coin experts. The podcast helps listeners avoid common pitfalls while building an investment-grade collection that appreciates in both financial and historical value. Dean’s father was a numismatics expert himself, and taught Dean to recognize authentic ancient artifacts, understand their historical significance, and connect people with tangible pieces of history. He received a Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University with a Certificate in Leadership. This article has been viewed 79,799 times. 35 votes - 84% Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 79,799 Categories: [Coins](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Coins "Category:Coins") [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#summary_wrapper) To find rare coins, try exchanging cash for rolls of coins at the bank. Then, look through the coins to see if any of them are old and rare, like a U.S. nickel from 1942-1946 or a U.S. coin with the mint mark "S" on it. Alternatively, you can look through some spare change you have lying around the house. Or, you could ask an older friend or relative to look through their stash of old coins to see if there are any rare ones in it. For more tips, like how to find rare coins at garage sales or using a metal detector, read on\! Did this summary help you? Yes No [In other languages](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#other_languages) [Spanish](https://es.wikihow.com/encontrar-monedas-raras) - [Print](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) - [Send fan mail to authors](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 79,799 times. ## Reader Success Stories -  Debra Spate Jan 11, 2023 "I know what to look at to tell if my 1965 quarters are more valuable. I have been finding a few silver quarters from machines that give back quarters for paper money. You know if you have one because they stand out."..." [more](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [More reader stories](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Hide reader stories](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Share your story](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) ## Did this article help you? Yes No [](https://www.wikihow.com/Am-I-Smart?utm_source=wikihow&utm_medium=bottom&utm_campaign=smart_quiz) Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our [cookie policy](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Cookie-Policy).  Co-authored by: [Dean Kinzer](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Dean-Kinzer) Numismatics Expert Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 79,799 84% of readers found this article **helpful**. 35 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote  Debra Spate Jan 11, 2023 "I know what to look at to tell if my 1965 quarters are more valuable. I have been finding a few silver quarters from machines that give back quarters for paper money. You know if you have one because they stand out."..." [more](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins)  Lynn Hunter Jun 26, 2020 "Well, I'm new to the coin collecting thing, and was needing some sound advice on what to look for. And got a lot of information from these articles. Thank you,"..." [more](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins)  Sophia Taylor Jun 16, 2017 "My brother is starting to collect money so I tried to get some good research & wikiHow helped me a bunch!!! " Rated this article: [Share yours\!](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [More success stories](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [Hide success stories](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) ### Quizzes & Games [ Find Out How Much Your Dime is WorthAnalyze](https://www.wikihow.com/Rare-Dime-Value-Calculator) [ Rare Dollar Bill Value CalculatorAnalyze](https://www.wikihow.com/Rare-Dollar-Bill-Value-Calculator) [ How Lucky Am I QuizTake Quiz](https://www.wikihow.com/Test-Your-Luck) [ How Rich Will I Be QuizTake Quiz](https://www.wikihow.com/Will-I-Be-Rich) ### You Might Also Like [ How to Find Silver Half Dollars](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Silver-Half-Dollars) [ How to Sell Rare Coins](https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Rare-Coins) [ How to Value Old Coins](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-The-Value-Of-Old-Coins) [All the Best Ways to Sell Old Coins: Tips, Tricks, & More](https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Old-Coins) ### Trending Articles [ Am I a Princess, Angel, Supermodel, or Baddie?](https://www.wikihow.com/Am-I-a-Princess,-Angel,-Supermodel-or-Baddie) [ How to Tell if Your Boyfriend Is Gay](https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Boyfriend-Is-Gay) [ What Is My Mental Age Quiz](https://www.wikihow.com/Mental-Age-Test) [ What Greek Goddess Am I? 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[ Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) [ Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) You've decided to pursue the fascinating hobby of numismatics (coin collecting). Now all you need are some coins. Read on to find out how to find rare coins without paying a fortune. 1. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-1-Version-2.jpg) Trade in your paper cash for coins at any local bank. You might get old coins if the rolls have been in the bank for a long time. Occasionally, you'll find a rare or foreign coin that's been mixed up with the others. 2. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-2-Version-2.jpg) Familiarize yourself with the "key dates" of coin series, meaning the years that are rare and valuable. Although it's not likely, people have found rare coins worth hundreds, and even thousands of dollars in their spare change\! - For example, in the US, coins marked with the mint mark S are almost always more valuable. 1942—1946 nickels are another item to look out for, as they are 35% silver and worth a little more than normal. Advertisement 3. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-3-Version-2.jpg) Make regular expeditions to hit up all the used good sales in your area. Chances are you will find the occasional coin collection at a good bargain. - Fairs are a great place to look for coins. Ask a local tourist board if there are any happening in your area. 4. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-4-Version-2.jpg) Many people have a change jar or a coin collection stashed away somewhere. Talk to older people, especially people who have lived in the same house for decades. They may be delighted to show you their old coins, and let you keep some or split the profit if you identify a rare one. - Ask relatives for permission to search their attics, basements, and closets as well. - Let all your friends and relatives know that you'd love to see any old coins they find. Keep paper money or new change around, to trade for the change they pick up in circulation. 5. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-5.jpg) Visit auction houses, antique stores, pawnshops, and coin collecting clubs to find rare coins for sale.[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#_note-1) This is the easiest way to *locate* a rare coin, but, of course, it won't always be affordable. Try searching once you have a small collection of your own and are interested in expanding your hobby. - Many dealers have "bargain bins" of coins that you can pick through. Although bargain bins usually contain common, lower quality coins, sometimes a rare coin slips through. - You can often buy special collectors' coins directly from the mint. 6. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-6.jpg) If you're interested in foreign coins, be smart about where you look. Visit neighborhoods full of recent immigrants, and ask the cashiers in local stores whether they have foreign change they'd like to trade. Tourist hot spots are another place full of people who have coins they'd like to trade you. - Look at the sidewalk too, while walking through these areas. 7. [](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#/Image:Find-Rare-Coins-Step-7.jpg) [**Make a metal detector**](https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Metal-Detector "Build a Metal Detector")**.** Metal detecting can be a low-budget hobby if you build your own equipment. You'll have to dig up a lot of junk before you find any coins, but where else in life will you get to find buried treasure? - Learn the laws of your region before you head out to the park. In many areas, metal detector use is illegal in certain areas. Some of your findings may also be illegal to take, in particular anything associated with human remains. Search [Add New Question]() - Question Where can I purchase a book about old coins?  Community Answer Ask a librarian to help you find books in the library or through interlibrary loan. If you still feel you want to buy a particular book, you have had the opportunity to evaluate several and choose the most helpful. Then you can check Amazon. - Question Where can I sell my rare coins if I am a child?  Community Answer Talk to a trusted adult for help. - Question How can I tell if my coin has any value?  Community Answer You can always look at the date of the coin and then google it. For example, if you had a penny manufactured in 1921, you could search "value of a 1921 penny." Check a couple of links and compare the responses. [See more answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Questions/Find-Rare-Coins#offset=3) Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement - To get a new coin collection started for free, make a habit of trading new pennies for old at grocery store "take a penny, leave a penny" dishes. You won't get many rare coins this way, but you can try to collect a penny for each year. Thanks Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! Advertisement - Beware of suspiciously good deals, or extremely rare coins on limited time offers. These may be fakes. Thanks Advertisement ## References 1. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#_ref-1) Dean Kinzer. Numismatics Expert. Expert Interview About This Article [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins#summary_wrapper) To find rare coins, try exchanging cash for rolls of coins at the bank. Then, look through the coins to see if any of them are old and rare, like a U.S. nickel from 1942-1946 or a U.S. coin with the mint mark "S" on it. Alternatively, you can look through some spare change you have lying around the house. Or, you could ask an older friend or relative to look through their stash of old coins to see if there are any rare ones in it. For more tips, like how to find rare coins at garage sales or using a metal detector, read on\! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 79,799 times. Reader Success Stories -  Debra Spate Jan 11, 2023 "I know what to look at to tell if my 1965 quarters are more valuable. I have been finding a few silver quarters..." [more](https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Rare-Coins) ## Did this article help you?