Where To Look For Old Coins In Old Homes

If you're like most people, you probably dream of running across buried treasure at some point in your life -- and if you've recently inherited a home that's been lived in for generations, this may your chance. These days, coins are relatively rare compared to their presence in past generations, and you probably never have a pocketful of change the way your counterparts of the past did. Many people emptied the change out of their pockets as a matter of routine in those days, and it ended up in some unexpected places. Treasure isn't going to find itself, so if you've found yourself in possession of an old home and its contents, its time start searching the nooks and crannies. Here's where to look:

In Old Furniture 

Stray coins are frequently found under chair and couch cushions, but they're lurking in other furniture hideouts as well. Old desks provide prime hunting grounds for coins, and some even have built-in coin receptacles toward the back of the primary drawer specifically for keeping coins. Searching armoires, vanities, and chests-of-drawers may also yield happy surprises. If Victorian-era furniture is a part of the picture, check the legs of chairs and tables for signs that they may be hollow -- this was a common ruse in those days that provided homeowners with a place to hide valuables. 

In Rolls of Coins

Most people simply take the rolls of coins they find in this situation to the bank for deposit. However, opening the rolls and looking for old coins could pay off. A good coin grading service can let you know the value of any treasure that you find.

In Old Cookie Jars 

Stashing money in the cookie jar isn't just an old wives tale -- it happened with some frequency back when coins were the most commonly used currency. Family members sometimes got wise to this strategy, however, so thrifty moms moved on to other kitchen objects for hiding their change. Be sure to look in canisters and other items, and never neglect to leaf through old cookbooks -- you might strike precious paper money hidden in their pages. 

In Rusted Tin Cans 

Just like moms typically hid coins in cookie jars and other items in the kitchen, dads often stashed theirs in outbuildings and garages -- and tin cans were one of their preferred receptacles. Often, they would cover the coins with nails, screws, or nuts-and-bolts in order to disguise their treasure, so be sure to search the cans thoroughly. 

Contact a dealer, like Rocky Mountain Coin , for more help.