Scoring W Quarters: My Laundromat Treasure Hunts

You know, as a coin collector, I never expected my local laundromat to become such a treasure trove for W quarters and other surprises still circulating out there. Just last year, I pulled nine W quarters from those machines – each discovery gave me that same rush as finding buried treasure. What amazes me is how these coins survive in the wild despite daily wear, and I’d love to help fellow collectors spot more of them.

What I’ve Found in Laundromats (And Their Condition)

My best scores include not only regular W quarters but special ones like the V75 privy mark honoring WWII’s 75th anniversary – that single coin made my whole month! Most come with battle scars though – scratches and dings from who-knows-how-many wash cycles. I’ve gotten pretty good at examining them under bright light to catch details despite the wear. Beyond Ws, I’ve been lucky enough to find pre-1965 silver quarters and five ‘S’ mint national park quarters, all from these same laundry runs. It’s wild to think rare coins still turn up in such ordinary places!

My Real-World Hunting Approach

Here’s how I search without seeming suspicious: I visit about twice monthly, exchanging bills for $100 in quarters each trip. The trick is keeping it low-key – spacing out visits helps avoid odd looks. If anyone asks, I just say I’m washing bulky items. Some tips that work for me:

• Stick to bill-to-quarter machines since they’re usually less watched
• Go during slow hours when fewer people mean fresher rolls
• Be polite and move along if staff seem uncomfortable

Persistence matters – I average one find every three visits, so don’t get discouraged!

Why These Finds Matter

W quarters are tough to find because the mint made so few for collectors – that’s why discovering one feels so special. Values range from a few bucks for common dates in rough shape to $20+ for privy marks like the V75. Laundromats work so well because folks often dump coins without checking them first. Those pre-1965 silvers (90% silver, remember?) add extra excitement when they appear. It’s this mix of history and tangible value that makes checking everyday coins so rewarding.

Handling Your Finds

Since most coins show heavy wear, I always inspect with magnification to spot mint marks and key details. For keeping them safe:

• Clean gently with distilled water and a soft cloth if absolutely needed – never chemicals!
• Use acid-free holders to stop further damage and note their condition (I use simple Good to Fine grades)
• Remember that eye appeal matters – even worn coins with clear features can be great additions, especially for series like national parks quarters

This keeps finds protected without overdoing it.

Honestly, laundromat coin hunting has become one of my favorite low-cost hobbies, adding some real gems to my collection. Give it a shot if you love coins – stay respectful, enjoy the chase, and you might just find your own W quarter surprise!