By Tim Shuck

Many collectors have occasionally discovered an older coin in circulation. I have, usually Wheat Lincoln cents of various dates or, more infrequently, a silver dime or quarter. I’ve never been too surprised at these finds because the cents, dimes, and quarters of 40 or more years ago look much like the ones minted more recently. Thus, they often pass back and forth without drawing attention.

Occasionally, a non-collector might notice the ‘wheat’ on the back of cents, and a few might have wondered about the different surface and edge coloration when silver coins are encountered. But those older coins are the same diameter and approximately the same weight as their modern versions, and don’t stand out unless you’re carefully looking.

Roll-searchers of course find a great variety of coins, not only older U.S. coins but often world coins as well. I’m not a roll-searcher and confess that though I do look through the coins I receive, I am not as vigilant as many coin collectors in closely examining change.

Recently however I was notified of a in-circulation find that I’m fairly certain even I would have noticed. In an email from my brother in the Richmond, Virginia, area, he noted that a co-worker had discovered an unusual coin in his pocket change. A U.S. coin, but one that didn’t quite look right. I contacted the finder, and he provided me with this narrative (slightly edited for publication):

“I went through the drive-through at the local Chic-fil-A to get a milkshake. I confess to a serious addiction to their milkshakes. I got the change and stuffed it my pocket and drove off for home.

When I was getting ready to throw the change into the coin jar on the kitchen counter, I noticed that a couple of quarters looked very new. My wife is saving state quarters to make full sets for the grandkids and I’m under instructions to check any good ones to see if she needs them. (more…)