How to Properly Roll Coins in Wrappers

Coin wrappers provide a convenient way to organize loose change, whether for deposit at a financial institution or simply to keep your coins tidy. Understanding the proper method ensures your efforts are efficient and your coin rolls are readily accepted.

Preparing Your Materials

Coin wrappers come in various forms, including flat paper wrappers that you fold yourself, pre-formed paper tubes, and more durable plastic tubes. You can often obtain paper wrappers for free from local banks or credit unions, or purchase them affordably at dollar stores, office supply stores, and online retailers.

Each denomination requires a specific quantity of coins to form a standard roll. For pennies and dimes, a full roll contains 50 coins. Nickels and quarters, on the other hand, require 40 coins per roll. Having the correct number for each denomination is important for banks to accept your rolls. Additionally, select a clean, flat, and well-lit surface to work on, which helps prevent coins from scattering and allows for accurate counting.

Rolling Your Coins

Begin by accurately counting the exact number of coins for each roll; for instance, 50 pennies, 40 nickels, 50 dimes, or 40 quarters. Precision in counting is important because financial institutions expect standard quantities in each roll.

Next, prepare your coin wrapper. If using flat paper wrappers, you typically fold one end to create a base for the coins. For pre-formed paper or plastic tubes, one end is often already crimped or sealed, making them ready to fill. Carefully insert the counted coins into the wrapper. For paper wrappers, you might gently tap the roll on your work surface to settle the coins snugly within the wrapper.

After all coins are inserted, securely seal the open end of the wrapper. For paper wrappers, you will fold down the remaining paper to enclose the coins, often crimping it tightly to prevent them from falling out. Pre-formed tubes may have a pre-crimped end and an open end that you can seal by hand or with a coin crimper.

Exchanging Your Rolled Coins

Many banks and credit unions accept rolled coins for deposit into your account or exchange for cash. It is advisable to contact your specific bank beforehand, as policies can vary, with some requiring coins to be pre-rolled by the customer.

Alternatively, coin-counting machines, often found in grocery stores or some bank branches, offer another way to process loose change. These machines, such as Coinstar kiosks, count your coins automatically but typically charge a service fee, which can range from approximately 10.9% to 12.9% of the total value for cash payouts. However, some machines offer fee-free options if you choose to receive your funds as a gift card or donate to a charity.