Old Copper Pennies: Which Ones To Save & What They’re Worth

by

Joshua

Coin Values, Hobbies & Crafts

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I love collecting copper pennies.

While some people may think that all pennies are made entirely from copper, virtually every one-cent coin made since late 1982 has a composition consisting of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.

Copper Pennies

The coppery color of modern-day pennies is merely a thin plating of copper on a 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper core.

These newer, zinc-based Lincoln cents are often called Zincolns and are widely available in circulation today.

Older copper pennies are 95% copper and 5% something else.

To be precise: Copper pennies made up until 1962 had a 5% balance of tin and zinc, and from 1962 to 1982 the extra 5% of material was entirely zinc.

Why Save Copper Pennies?

What’s the big deal about the copper pennies? Why are they important to many coin collectors?

First of all, they’re worth more than face value. As of this writing, they’re worth 2 to 3 cents each due to their copper value.

Copper Pennies

Some would debate whether or not copper pennies are worth their weight as scrap metal, but their intrinsic copper value is nevertheless higher than the face value of the denomination itself — making it worthwhile to check your change and hold aside all pre-1982 pennies.

These old pennies are getting harder to find as more and more people are looking for copper pennies and are removing them from circulation.

Which Copper Pennies To Save

Here are some old copper pennies worth saving…

#1 – “S” Mint Lincoln Memorial Copper Pennies 

How often have you found an “S” mint Lincoln Memorial copper penny in pocket change?

Among the Lincoln Memorial cents, there were 7 years during which the San Francisco Mint placed its “S” mintmark under the date on business-strike, non-proof pennies.

These include:

  • 1968-S, 261,311,510 business strikes minted
  • 1969-S, 547,309,631
  • 1970-S, 690,560,004
  • 1971-S, 528,354,192
  • 1972-S, 380,200,104
  • 1973-S, 319,937,634
  • 1974-S, 412,039,228

Notice that those mintage numbers for the business-strike S-mint Lincoln pennies are in the millions, not billions like most Philadelphia and Denver pennies from that era.

Most of these S-Mint Lincoln Memorial cents have been pulled from circulation, so they rarely turn up in pocket change anymore.

Officially, they’re worth only face value if worn, but I’ve seen many circulated S-mint Lincoln Memorial cents selling at coin shops for 5 to 10 cents. Keep that in mind!

#2 – Other Copper Pennies That Are Valuable

Along with the “S” mint Lincoln Memorial cents, there are several other interesting and valuable pieces to search for.

These include:

  • 1960 Small Date, worth $1.50
  • 1960 Large Date, 3 cents
  • 1960 Small Date Over Large Date, 3 cents
  • 1960-D Small Date, 3 cents
  • 1960-D/D Small Date Over Large Date, $100
  • 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse, $25,000
  • 1970-S Small Date, $25
  • 1970-S Doubled Die Obverse, $2,500
  • 1972 Doubled Die Obverse, $250

*Values are for coins in Extremely Fine-40 grade

#3 – Old Copper Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Copper Pennies

So far, this article has been mainly centered around looking for copper Lincoln Memorial cents — which were minted from 1959 through 1982.

But that’s doesn’t mean Lincoln wheat pennies (which were minted from 1909 through 1958) are, as they say, “chopped liver.”

In fact, their numismatic values makes them worth more than most Lincoln Memorial pennies. And, yes, they’re made from copper, too — with one exception: steel pennies.

Steel cents were made in 1943, though a few 1944 steel pennies were made by accident. But steel pennies are a topic for another article.

Today, we’re talking about copper coins.

All Lincoln wheat pennies are worth a minimum of 3 to 5 cents each, though many are worth more.

I’ve written extensively about the values of Lincoln wheat pennies and invite you check out a few of these articles:

Here ‘s how to tell what a penny is made of — whether it’s a copper penny or a copper-plated zinc penny. And here’s the story behind zinc pennies.

Tips For Finding Copper Pennies

What’s the easiest way to search for copper pennies?

Of course, pocket change still yields plenty of copper cents. In my 3 to 5 weekly cash transactions involving 2 to 4 pennies, I probably find between 2 and 5 copper pennies each week. Sometimes more, sometimes fewer.

Of course, receiving 5 copper pennies weekly isn’t a very efficient way of building a nice hoard of copper pennies. So, that’s why I turn to coin roll searching.

One time, I found about 200 copper pennies among 20 rolls of pennies, or $10 worth of one-cent coins.

That means about 20% of the pennies passing through my hands in those rolls were copper ones. And, that 1:4 ratio of copper pennies to zinc Lincoln cents seems to be about my probability of finding copper one-cent coins in circulation today.

The difference with looking through rolls of pennies is that I’m looking at many more coins that way than I ever would through my cash transactions alone.

So searching coin rolls is a much faster way to build your hoard of copper pennies than by simply pulling old coins out of spare change alone.

Can You Melt Pennies For Their Copper Value?

Here’s the short answer — the one you probably don’t want to hear: “NO!” As of this writing, anyway.

The United States government banned melting copper pennies in 2006. Under the same law, it’s illegal to melt 5-cent coins for their copper value, too (yes, “nickels” are actually 75% copper).

If you get caught scrapping pennies, you could end up paying $10,000 in fines and spend 5 years in the slammer — prison, that is.

So, don’t do it. Don’t even think about trying to sneak a “few” copper pennies over to the scrap yard. It’s just not worth it.

Many people who hoard copper coins these days are simply waiting for the penny melting laws to change, which may happen someday.

I, on the other hand, am simply holding onto my copper pennies with no particular plans except to perhaps search them someday for varieties, errors, and other interesting numismatic aberrations.

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117 thoughts on “Old Copper Pennies: Which Ones To Save & What They’re Worth”

    • Hi, Sandra —

      A well-worn but undamaged (and uncleaned) 1833 large cent is worth about $15 to $30, though more if it’s in better condition. Damaged or cleaned pieces are worth about half the lower amount listed above.

      Reply

  2. My 6 year old has 1927 wheat penny. No mint mark what so ever. He and I were both curious about why there is no marking and what these are valued at. Thank you!

    Elaine

    Reply

    • Hi, Elaine —

      Great questions! First, that 1927 Lincoln cent is worth about 10 to 15 cents. You should also know that the coin is worth more with its original brown color than if it’s cleaned. So, my best advice about taking care of that old coin is to simply not clean it and keep it in a cool, dry place.

      As for the reason there is no mintmark is because the coin was struck at the Philadelphia mint. The first “P” mintmark from Philadelphia wasn’t used until 1942, and even to this day, virtually all one-cent coins without a “P” mintmark were made at the Philadelphia mint.

      Here’s some more info that you may find useful: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/mint_marks_letters_on_coins/

      Reply

  3. Hi. I have a 1987 s proof constitution bicentennial silver dollar, and it is in the original, unopened seal that it came in. I was wondering how much this would be worth.

    Reply

    • Hello, Connor —

      Given the condition of the coin, I’d put the value right around $20 to $22.

      Thanks for your question!
      Josh

      Reply

    • The fact that is sticks to a magnet would certainly indicate you have a standard steel cent from that year. The sound is another matter, though:

      If you mean different from copper or zinc cents, that would be reasonable because the metals have different characteristics.

      If you mean different from other 1943 cents, you’d need to have someone look at the coin in person.

      Reply

  6. In 2009, the U.S. mint released an anniversary set of Lincoln pennies. The set contained each of the 4 different reverses issued that year. But what I found most interesting and appealing about the set, was the fact that they were minted using the original 95% copper formulation that the original 1909 coins consisted of. I liked them so much, I bought sets for each of my nieces and nephews for Christmas that year. As a side note, I tend to give them different coins every year, usually with some silver content. I’m pretty sure they don’t much care for them now (Money you can’t spend!? Ug), but I hope some day they will. Also, I want them to think about money and savings. I like the fact that after the clothes have been outgrown, and the toys broken, my coins are still there squirreled away somewhere.

    Reply

  7. Joshua, I have a lot of pocket change that I need to cash in. Can you tell me what change I should absolutely hold on to and what change I can go ahead and spend?

    Reply

        • Hi, Momo —

          Absolutely, I think you should hang onto all pre-1982 pennies. If you can determine the weight of your 1982 pennies, keep the heavier (3.11 gram) pieces, too!

          Best,
          Josh

          Reply

  8. Hello Joshua. It is good to know someone else shares this kind of unique hobby. I’ve been hoarding copper pennies for about two years now. I do it strictly by hand, so I am limited to sacrificing some of my limited and valuable free time. It is kind of odd, but I enjoy it. I’m in Northern Virginia and I suspect the rates may vary geographically. I keep pretty good stats and am pulling about 22% copper. I’ve collected close to $1,000 by now. I have separated about $20 worth of wheat pennies, $8 of canadian, and about a dozen Burmuda/Bahama; a dozen Panama; a couple dozen dimes that have gotten mixed in; but am really happy to have found 3 Indian Head Pennies doing this (2 1907s and 1 1904). The boxes don’t vary greatly, but I’ve noticed a very very very slight and gradual decline. I suppose this is due to pennies being lost in time and perhaps more people are hoarding than I realize. I’ve managed to go through an average of just a little over two $25 boxes a week. I’ve got a bank that has a change machine free to use for customers… so dumping the pennies I don’t want isn’t too much of a hassle. I had one question, I have come across a box (NOT Customer Wrapped and NOT all new uncirculated pennies) But the box contained literally less than 1% copper. I am certain that this had to have come from a huge batch that had already been sorted, but somehow that batch stayed pretty much together when they were machine wrapped at whatever facility does that. Have you ever come across a “dead” box like this of virtually NO copper? Just curious. I’d like to exchange notes sometime if your interested. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Brian,

      Thank you so much for sharing your keen insights with us here. It’s always wonderful when collectors write in with their circulation observations. While I have yet to find a dead box of pennies, I’ve come across completely zinc rolls, which is frustrating. I have also seen fewer worthy finds in rolls, and this also extends to half dollars, which seem to be yielding less and less silver these days, at least in my experience.

      Reply

    • Hi, Bret —

      I am sorry for the delayed reply. I didn’t see this message until just now. If you are still interested in learning about your 1914-D Lincoln penny, please feel free to upload a photo here and I would be glad to help.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  10. Hi , Joshua . would take a look at this 1960 D the date and tell me if there any thing . And thanks for all ..#1

    Reply

    • Hi, David —

      This is a 1960-D Large Date penny, and it’s worth about 5 cents in what appears to be About Uncirculated/Uncirculated.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Adam –

      That IS a good question! I have not been able to find any conclusive information on exact mintage figures, but what I can tell you is the following:

      *The West Point Mint (no mintmark in 1982) made the first zinc Lincoln cents on January 7, 1982
      *About 1.6 million zinc Lincoln cents were made at the San Francisco Mint in 1982 (not denoted by an “S” mintmark)
      *The Denver Mint began production of zinc Lincoln cents on October 21, 1982

      In all, about one-third of the Lincoln pennies made in 1982 were zinc-based.

      I hope this helps!
      Josh

      Reply

  15. Joshua,
    A bank called Ally Bank has been hiding pennies in plain view that are worth $1000.00 cash in value, but this ends at the end of the year.
    I thought this might interest you in the event someone post a picture of a strange penny they found.
    Here is the link.
    https://www.allyluckypenny.com/

    Reply

    • Hello, Christopher!

      Thank you for sharing this info — yes, I’ve heard about this promotion and it’s really neat. The “pennies” entered circulation in several major U.S. cities and could turn up virtually anywhere. Keep your eyes peeled!

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

  16. I also have a 1961 D penny that weighs 2.70 grams and a 1952 that weighs 3.32 grams I know the weight should be 3.11 grams what would make one under weight and the other one over weight thanks for any help you could give.
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/737ed1f5dd622f00f1a55e79d38b53217eecd68f8523dcc79b1e529d0d50c75c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cf8510281b46dbe5ddef10b6188574532885e607540719e01f1f89504786de2f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e605d146e92376857957b27752f03ac9fd40e44edb5f61b4768908b21be5a510.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/98c8fb5cd4135290e266037d145e927ac810275f2d5f534ce6ba532441a2fb21.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Sandra —

      The photos are a bit grainy…I can’t tell from the images alone the cause behind the 1961-D weighing less than usual and the 1952 weighing more.

      I’m sorry; perhaps an in-hand evaluation with a coin dealer would be helpful in this case.

      All my best,
      Josh

      Reply

      • I’m sorry I posted the 1970 D photo that has circles around the neck and the 1941 with cracks on the face. I did not post the 1961 D and 1952 pic but I will let a coin dealer look at them.

        Reply

  17. Hello my namen is Fred and I am new. By looking into old pennies I stumbel on a 1972 s 3.11 grams on which the L of Liberty is out of place and out of line.
    Can anybody tell me more about this error ?
    Thanks Fred

    Reply

  19. Joshua, in order to have Wexler look at a Coin you have to send it in correct? I’ve been to his site and haven’t seen any place to just run it by them and see if it’s worth sending in. Although, when I purchased supplies I did buy 3 cardboard malers. I guess you have to send nickels to a different place?
    If there is no way other than sending them in, I guess I’ll wait until I have at least 5 of them to send in.
    I have another question: are all double punch mm worth more than face value? Because I have run across several that seem to be slightly off.
    I went through my first roll of those pennies my son picked up for me and 45 of them were copper with the majority being 1981. No wheats though….or 1982.Two of the remaining were from the tribute series. I’ll see what else I find….I still have mose to the nickels still too! This is going to take a while! Hehe

    Reply

    • Hello, Leah —

      As I understand, yes, you will have to send your coins in to Wexler for him to examine them. Very legit… But it might take a while for him to review and provide a response.

      Are all double punched/repunched mintmarks worth more than face value? As with all value-related questions, the answer always depends on each coin’s overall collectibility. In a word, yes, all repunched mintmarks generally have some nominal numismatic value, but how much varies greatly. I’ve seen some list for as little as 25 or 50 cents, and others sell for $10 or more. It’s really a matter of each issue’s/variety/s overall desirability, and that is often an equation involving scarceness and demand. I’d always recommend saving all repunched mintmarks, though they may not necessarily bring in much money.

      1981 pennies are definitely worth saving, as each is worth 2 cents for its copper value.

      Keep searching, Leah! You seem to be doing a wonderful job!

      Cheers,
      Josh

      Reply

  20. Hi, Mia —

    1983 pennies are known for their doubled die reverse error variety, and those pieces generally are worth about $150 and up.

    The half-and-half coloration on your coin is due either to environmental damage or a past cleaning. In either case, the coin is worth face value.

    I hope that you keep your eyes on 1983 doubled die cents, because you can legitimately find them in pocket change (most people don’t know they exist) and they are worth a tidy sum.

    Good luck!
    Josh

    Reply

  21. Hi Joshua,
    Today is nice weather and made some new pictures outside of the 1948 D.
    Hope they are good enough !
    With regards,
    Fred
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b12724f7f385f94763412d6f848604fc4075fb95dffa98e026824b3db9e194b9.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9d61700841ff735a64823022550e85ecb7b2a953864b306b44aa176eb2abb770.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8e4a84be1d47d7339a8c70ca94fd0f01e8ce5ea61e70519085b4afa7b9173b6a.jpg

    Reply

    • Hello, Frederik –

      From what I can tell, I don’t believe this is an error upon closer look. It appears the fourth digit of the date was either weakly struck or has taken some extra wear, thus giving it a softer look and profile. Assuming this is the case, this 1948-D Lincoln cent is worth about 5 to 10 cents.

      I hope this info is helpful,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Hi Joshua,

        Thanks for your reply !
        No an easy task to find nice and rare coins !

        With regards,
        Fred

        Reply

  23. Hi Josh, are you also familiar with Canadian coins ?
    I wander what’s the best way for this 1973 25 cents Large Bust coin in almost perfect condition to put on sale.
    And by the way what do you think about this half dollar 1967 Kennedy coin missing part of the 6, would that be of any interest ? Hope to hear from you, Fred

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a4fa0ad47c49a0a5af3c80f5f1a00338dbefc5bf169954d3096f8c762aa79374.jpg

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5646e0bef6ee3d7e72bdf5e7ef77e2bc3f12319de0c99d3b6a11d9d54ebae2fa.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7bd6e61f3d97640218ae7fb751aa9b4d9cf43ed2f28a20923782f91de7b6adc7.jpg

    Reply

    • Hi, Frederik,

      I’d definitely take any Canadian coins, such as your 1973 Large Bust Mountie quarter, to a dealer who specializes in world coins, and more specifically Canadian coins, for the best price. It’s always hard to grade coins by photo alone due to lighting variances, etc., but your piece looks higher grade; uncirculated specimens sell for around $200.

      The “6” on the 1967 Kennedy half dollar looks weakly struck or heavily worn; this wouldn’t add any value to the coin, which is currently worth about $3 for its silver content.

      Neat coins!
      Josh

      Reply

  24. I would like to know why are the shield pennies thinner than the post 82 Lincoln memorial cents? They both weigh the same. I’m also finding some of the 82 & 83 pennies are varying in weights 2.5 , 2.8 and 3.1 . Is there any reason for the three difference’s?

    Reply

    • Hi, Paul —

      The official thickness of the Lincoln Shield nickels should be the same as the Lincoln Memorial cent, both of which measure 0.0598 inches (1.52 mm) in thickness. As for varying thicknesses, it might be that one side of the planchet is thinner than the other, which does happen and may give the appearance that they’re thinner than older pennies, especially depending on what side of the coins are being compared to each other.

      The weights of the 1982-83 cents do vary a little based on wear, etc. and don’t forget that there are tolerances — a government-permitted variance from the published weights of these coins. I’d be curious on what the 1982/83 cent that weighs 2.8 grams looks like. That’s nowhere near the typical copper (3.11 grams) or zinc-based (2.5 grams) weights.

      Thank you!
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Ruth —

      It looks like there may be some epoxy/adhesive residue on this coin, perhaps from being glued to the back of another Lincoln Memorial cent. If this coin is soaked in acetone for a few minutes, there’s a very good chance that second imprint will come off. If not, please let me know!

      Thank you,
      Josh

      Reply

  26. I have a forty pound bag of pre 1959 Lincoln pennies. I have read through your site and appreciate your tips. Should i really go through thousands of pennies hoping I find a 43 or another high yielding penny?
    I would love to find a coin shop or collector who can help me price what I have. I also have a few hundred half dollars, some silver dollars and early 70’s minted with a chip collection of all coins.
    This was all recently gifted to me from someone who passed away. Just wondering how I should proceed as it is overwhelming to a non-collector.
    Thanks,
    Mike

    Reply

    • Hello, Michael —

      I’m sorry to hear of your loss. However, I’m glad that you have the chance to go through the coins and see if there’s anything there that may be rare and valuable.

      As for digging through the thousands of pennies, yes — if you want to look for old coins there’s a possibility there could be some rare or other scarce pennies worth your while. There are actually many pennies worth significantly more than face value and you’ll find a list of those valuable pennies here: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/valuable-pennies/

      You could also sell the pennies to a dealer as a bulk lot, for which you might receive 2 or 3 cents per coin. So, that’s more than face value, but not as much as you might get if there are some rare coins in that bag. It’s your call on whether or not you have the time to afford a search or if you’d rather go for the “quick cash,” as it were.

      You mention some other potentially valuable coins. I’ve included a link that might help you further: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/us-coins/

      Plus, some info on dealing with a coin dealer: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/

      I hope you find something of value, Michael! Please let me know if I might be of further assistance.

      Good luck,
      Josh

      Reply

  27. Hello To USA. I have found metal detecting a 1922 Peace Coin , in the letters TRVST instead of trust, is this silver coin only worth silver price or other Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi, Robert!

      Neat find! You have a 1922 Peace silver dollar. In most cases, these are worth right around their spot silver price in circulated condition.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

      • Than you so much I have researched and found out, its all good and I own it now ,I also have 2 two dollar bills 1986 but they both have same serial numbers, is this possible or my pawn dealer a fraud . thanks Joshaua

        Reply

  28. I have a 1942 D wheat penny. Passed the magnet test, as it did not stick. Weight is 3.6 grams. I am hopeful its a copper penny. Without a pic or not having professional and personal inspection can’t say with certainty the value. Can You give me some direction as to how to proceed? I will contact ANACS if you recommend. I have a few steel pennies and their characteristics are different than this coin. Thanks

    Reply

    • Hello, Amy —

      Do you happen to have a couple really clear images of this coin? If the weight of your coin is correct at 3.6 grams, I’m afraid that is well above the tolerances of a regular bronze cent, which is 2.98 to 3.24 grams. Otherwise, I’d say to submit the coin to ANACS, PCGS, NGC, or ICG for evaluation but be prepared that it might not be authentic if the weight tests out to be as high as you said it is.

      Those are my thoughts at the moment…. I hope it helps give you some direction.

      Best,
      Josh

      Reply

  29. I have a post 1982 Lincoln cent which has the memorial on the back and blank zinc on the front (a planchet?) How much is it worth?

    Reply

    • Hi, CJ —

      While there are some 1984 Lincoln cents with a doubled die exhibiting a doubled ear on Lincoln this is not a doubled die that has been much reported on 1983-D cents. If these verify as actual doubled dies and not merely machine doubling they could be worth $5 to $10 apiece or more depending on demand among collectors. Do you have any clear photos of these coins I may see? If so, please post them here and I’ll be glad to help further.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

    • Hi, Toni!

      A 1905 Indian Head cent in worn condition is generally worth $1 to $3, and only about 25 cents if cleaned or severely damaged.

      Best wishes,
      Josh

      Reply

  32. …since copper is softer than steel…they’re good for removing topical and lightly pitted rust from firearms….I espectially LOVE using those minted in San Francisco for that purpose….since it would be so politically incorrect….laughs.

    Reply

  33. Hello every one and Joshua, How is everyone? This is my first post so…I was wondering if you can tell me where to post question about 1988 coins I do not see that date any where or is date no good??? and Thank you. I am editing this thingy thank you I found what I was looking for, Thanks again, and awesome site!

    Reply

    • Hi, Gold Eagle!

      Thank you for reading TheFunTimesGuide and for your kind comments! For the most part, circulated 1988-dated United States coins are worth only face value, which is why you don’t see much about these coins here. However, errors and uncirculated pieces are worth more than face value, though these values are generally in line with prices for other similar coins from the late 20th century.

      I hope this info is helpful!
      Josh

      Reply

      • I get it, thank you for reply reason I was asking is … It seems to me that every 1988 coin I have has DDO or whatever you call it so I was trying to get more info concerning this, I thought errors?? so fine I get sllly with the silly, (no offense to the silly) but I see them! what I would say yeah error ……for example coin says IN GOD WE TPUST the r leg is not there or bearly seen, I no nothing about coins …. so is it ok if I upload one with the DD thingy so you could tell me if I am seeing right? one more thing reason I liked this site is ….You are very patient.

        Reply

  35. Hi Joshua, I hope you are well. I’ve been collecting coins since I was a kid but I’ve only just recently gained more of an interest in learning more about all of it. So, with that being said I honestly still feel fairly new to coin collecting as I’ve realized their is still a lot I don’t know about all of it. I’ve been reading a lot of your articles you’ve posted on various different types of pennies over the past couple of days and I find them very informative and helpful, but I still don’t understand a lot of the different terminologies that are used to describe things with the coins, I’m interested to continue learning more about all of it though.

    Anyways, in this particular article I saw that you mentioned you turn to coin roll searching for most of your copper penny searches. My question is where would you say is the best place to come across old coin rolls to purchase? Would it mainly be just at coin shows or flea markets? And also how much would you say an old coin roll would typically cost? I realize my comment is very long, so thank you for taking the time to read it Joshua. Have a blessed day.

    – Drew

    Reply

    • Hi, Drew —

      I appreciate your reading my articles and reaching out. Usually when I purchase rolls of coins for searching I buy them straight from the bank. Buying rolls of old coins from coin dealers is great if you want to purchase bulk amounts of old coins but isn’t necessarily the best searching grounds for rare coins because these are usually picked through for scarce dates and such.

      Your best bet of finding valuable coins in dealer rolls is generally confined to obscure errors and varieties that might elude the selling dealer’s knowledge base. That’s not to say you can’t find a surprise or two in dealer rolls, but the ones you buy from the bank are usually more likely to contain things the average public doesn’t know is valuable but that we collectors do.

      I hope this answers your question…

      All the best on your collecting adventures!

      Cheers,
      Josh

      Reply

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