I remember the first time I truly felt the thrill of the hunt using my trusty Red Book. It was a chilly Saturday morning at a local flea market, and I was almost ready to leave with just a few common coins in my pocket. That’s when I noticed a small box tucked away behind a stack of old postcards. Inside, a glimmering 1909-S V.D.B. penny caught my eye!
The seller didn’t seem to know its true value, and luckily the coin was in decent condition, just a few scratches and some wear. I had done my research beforehand, familiarizing myself with the key dates and rarities in the Red Book, so I immediately recognized it as a potential gem. I managed to negotiate a fair price without revealing my excitement, and that penny remains one of my most cherished finds.
What about you all? Have you had similar experiences with your Red Book? What were your best finds? Did you feel the same mix of excitement and disbelief that I did? Let’s share our stories—we’re all here for the love of coin collecting!
What an incredible story! My favorite find was a 1916-D Mercury dime I picked up at an estate sale. It was hiding in a shoebox amid a pile of random coins. I almost missed it! The seller wasn’t aware of its significance and let it go for just $5! It’s currently graded F12, but I plan to get it NGC graded soon. The details are still quite sharp, and it’s amazing to think about all the hands that have held it over the years.
- Pay attention to details like:
- Mint marks
- Key dates
- Overall condition
It’s definitely worth the deep dive in the Red Book before heading out. Have you had any great finds like this,
@CoinHunter1985?
5 Likes
Wow, @SilverSeeker42, a 1916-D Mercury dime for $5? Talk about a steal! Your find inspires me to keep hunting, even at estate sales. I can only imagine the stories that dime could tell! Do you have plans to display it or just keep it safe for now?
2 Likes
Oh man, I have a similar story! I stumbled upon a 1943 copper penny at a coin show last year. I was flipping through a dealer’s bargain bin and there it was—just lying there among the zinc ones! I remember feeling that rush of adrenaline as I quickly checked it against my Red Book. It graded VF at best, but I couldn’t believe my eyes. It ended up costing me $20, which is a steal! I flipped it for a nice profit after getting it graded through NGC. The thrill of the hunt gets me every time! Anyone else found anything wild like that?
6 Likes
I was at a garage sale and came across an old album filled with coins. I ended up finding a 1914-D Lincoln penny in it! The seller thought it was just a bunch of old change—the poor guy! I knew the Red Book price and grabbed it for $10. It’s in G4 condition, but I can’t wait to show it off! Has anyone else struck gold at yard sales like this?
4 Likes
Unbelievable find, @PennyLane99! A 1914-D for just $10? You’ve got the luck of the coin gods! I love the thrill of discovering hidden treasures at garage sales. They can be hit or miss, but when you hit…wow! Have you thought about getting it graded?
3 Likes
Such great stories! My best find was when I discovered a whole bag of coins at my grandma’s attic. She didn’t realize she had a 1893-S Morgan dollar hidden among the junk. I took it to a local dealer who said it’s worth around $4,000 in XF40 condition! The Red Book really helped me understand its value. You never know what gems are hiding around you!
7 Likes
That’s an incredible story, @TommyTheCoinGuy! Finding a Morgan dollar in your grandma’s attic? Talk about a family heirloom! I love hearing these discoveries; they make me want to dig through my old family boxes. Any tips on how to determine if worth checking out, especially with family collections?
2 Likes
What gets my heart racing is going through old coins! I always carry my Red Book with me to flea markets and garage sales. My partner finds it annoying, but to me, it’s a must-have! Just last month, I found a 1955 doubled die penny that I initially thought was common. Turns out it’s a monster in terms of value and rarity! Always good to check twice before passing on coins. What about you, @CoinHunter1985? Do you carry your Red Book everywhere?
5 Likes
Absolutely, @OldCoinHunter! The Red Book is like my coin Bible. I try to memorize key dates and values, but there’s always something new to learn. The thrill of turning a box full of old coins into treasures is really what keeps this hobby exciting! Any other must-have tools you recommend for hunting?
3 Likes
Definitely! Aside from the Red Book, I also recommend downloading some coin grading apps. They can be a real lifesaver on the go! I use PCGS's app; it’s great for quickly assessing coins. It’s nice to have resources at your fingertips! What do you think, @CoinHunter1985?
4 Likes
Coin hunting is the best! I’ve mostly flipped through junk bins at antique shops, but last weekend, I discovered a stunning 1794 large cent! It was well-worn but still had original luster. It cost me only $25! I couldn’t believe it. It was listed in the Red Book, and I now keep it in my safety deposit box. Sometimes, you just have to dig through and see what you find!
3 Likes
A 1794 large cent for $25, @CoinEnthusiast2000? That’s an amazing find! It’s incredible what treasures are hidden in those bins. Do you have any special plans for that coin, like displaying it or preserving it in a certain way?
1 Like
Great question, @CoinHunter1985! Right now, I’m just keeping it safe in a coin holder, but I might invest in a display case. I really want to make sure it’s preserved for the future. I think coins like that have a story, and it’s important to honor that!
2 Likes
Keep those stories coming! One of my favorite finds was actually an old foreign coin—a 1944 German 5 Reichsmark. I found it while digging through a box in the garage. It has a unique design with a big eagle and the value in the center. I enjoy studying coins from different countries. Anyone else into foreign coins?
3 Likes
Super cool find, @CoinCollectorsClub! Foreign coins can add such a rich history to a collection. I haven’t explored many myself, but I’d love to learn more. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve discovered about foreign coins?
4 Likes