To celebrate National Coin Week (April 21-27), more than 200 members of the group Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers will place thousands of old coins—from century-old Indian Head and early Lincoln cents to vintage silver dimes and quarters and older paper money—into circulation around the US in The Great American Coin Hunt.

The Great American Coin Hunt
In what’s being called the biggest coin drop in American history, the goals of The Great American Coin Hunt are to inspire a new generation of coin collectors and dealers, increase traffic to local mom and pop coin shops, and gain national media attention about coin collecting as a hobby and profession. Coins will be put into circulation at dozens of locations around the US including grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. Many participants have already posted those locations and more are expected to add drop points, although it’s strictly voluntary. The exact locations are pinpointed on this map.

Besides spending the coins, some will be hidden in places where they can be found with a metal detector. And while no million-dollar items will be dropped, some of the dealers will put specially marked coins with hologram stickers on them. When these coins are found, treasure hunters will be able to take the coins to a participating dealer listed on the Great American Coin Hunt website. That dealer will trade the stickered token for a true rare coin with a Red Book value of up to $100. Coins can also be redeemed through the Great American Coin Hunt website if there’s no participating dealer nearby. There’s also a possibility that so-called “golden tickets” worth much more may be added, so be sure to check your change. No telling what you might find.

To learn more, visit www.greatamericancoinhunt.com, and you can follow the hunt on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram under the hashtag #GreatAmericanCoinHunt

Collecting for Fun and Profit
National Coin Week is an annual promotion by the American Numismatic Association to increase public awareness of coin collecting. The reasons for becoming a coin collector can be many, but ultimately, they come down to simply enjoying it. True, it can be a profitable hobby, but much of the joy of collecting comes in the thrill and satisfaction of the hunt. And The Great American Coin Hunt adds another layer of excitement to the process.

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, The Great American Coin Company® has a wide selection of collectible coins and currency. Our best advice is to buy the highest grade of any coin you can afford, consistent with your collecting goals. Then, as your collection fills out, look for opportunities to upgrade as you keep your eye on the current market.

Be sure to browse the selection of collectible U.S. and foreign coins and banknotes available online from The Great American Coin Company. We keep adding items as they become available, so visit us frequently. And while you’re there, be sure to check out our blog
for interesting and timely articles about coins, currency and precious metals.