Insights from My Laundromat Coin Haul Adventure

I’ve been hunting coins for more than ten years, and honestly, that rush of finding something special in ordinary places never gets old. Just last week, my regular laundry day turned into a collector’s dream when I fed some bills into the change machine and got back a handful of quarters – including a real head-scratcher: a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway piece. Let me walk you through what I discovered about this little mystery, perfect for folks who love chasing modern rarities.

Solving the Quarter Puzzle

That 2015 S Blue Ridge quarter jumped out at me right away in my laundry haul. At first, I couldn’t pin down whether it was a proof or regular strike – proofs usually have that beautiful frosted look against mirror backgrounds, but this one had clearly been circulating and lost those obvious markers. After studying it under my desk lamp, I realized it was a business strike. Here’s the giveaway: proofs keep hints of their original polish even when worn, while business strikes look like regular quarters just in nicer shape. When you’re examining coins like this, always look for:

• Missing mirror/frost contrasts? Probably a business strike
• Copper edges peeking out? Confirms it’s clad, not silver
• Softer shine compared to proofs? Classic business strike trait

Finds like this remind me that modern coins – especially America the Beautiful quarters with S mint marks – can still deliver surprises.

Why S Mint Marks Matter

Here’s something I’ve picked up over the years: Since 2012, San Francisco has made both proof and regular versions of coins like this Blue Ridge quarter. Those S-minted business strikes went straight to collectors, with only about a million per design – actually scarcer than individual W quarters but often flying under the radar. What really fascinates me is how they end up in places like laundromats. Sometimes collectors spend extras from rolls they’ve bought, turning everyday spots into hunting grounds. I once found an S-minted Kisatchie National Forest quarter the same way, proving these do circulate if you keep your eyes open.

Field-Tested Hunting Tips

Based on my regular routine, I’d suggest focusing on places with constant coin flow like laundromat change machines or car wash coin slots. I’ll duck in, swap cash for quarters, and give them a quick look – surprisingly effective for finding fresh coins. Here’s what works for me:

• Change machines are goldmines: They pull from commercial rolls where collector coins sometimes hide
• Wash up afterward: I never skip this after handling public coins
• Lighting is crucial: Snap phone pics to check mint marks if you’re unsure
• Don’t sleep on S-mints: They’re not as trendy as Ws but could gain value over time

My Coin Hunting Ritual

I make monthly laundromat runs, swapping about $100 for fresh quarters. It’s become my secret weapon for interesting finds, and I’ve got my system down: After depositing the coins at the bank, I scrub my hands like a surgeon – no exceptions! What I’ve learned is simple: Patience rewards you. Even the most ordinary locations can cough up extraordinary coins. If you collect, give this approach a try – you might just find your own unexpected treasure. Happy hunting, and never forget that every coin has a tale to tell!