Been Awhile for Silver: My Return to CRH Treasures

You know that feeling when you dig out an old hobby after years away? That’s exactly what happened when I pulled out my stash of 2019-2020 quarter rolls recently. After this long break from coin roll hunting, cracking open those rolls felt like catching up with an old friend. And get this – I actually found a silver quarter and two W mintmarks! Talk about a welcome-back gift from the coin gods.

My Exciting Finds

In just this one batch, I landed a Lowell W quarter, a Tallgrass W, and that beautiful silver surprise. Finding silver in circulation these days? I’d almost forgotten what it felt like! Around here, Tallgrass Ws turn up more often than the others – probably because our region got flooded with them back in 2020. But that silver quarter? That took me straight back to my early hunting days.

Scarcity Insights by Location

Here’s something I’ve noticed over the years: what’s rare changes completely depending on your zip code. Take the El Yunque quarter – in my neck of the woods, you’d think they were made of unobtainium. I’ve gone through thousands of rolls without finding enough to fill half a roll! Meanwhile, collectors elsewhere complain about different scarcities. Moral of the story? Chat up local collectors and learn your area’s patterns before you hunt.

Distribution Theories for W Quarters

From what I’ve seen with fresh rolls, distribution quirks make all the difference. Back in 2020, only my Tallgrass rolls ever coughed up Ws – about one every three or four rolls. The other 2020 designs? Not a single W to be found. Makes you wonder if tourism or special releases shaped what hit circulation. Hunting tip: if you’re after W quarters, think about where certain designs were heavily released. And grab uncirculated rolls early if you can!

Lessons Learned and Collecting Regrets

Okay, confession time: I’m still kicking myself for not going all-in on Tallgrass rolls when they were everywhere. Hindsight’s always 20/20, right? That experience taught me a solid lesson: when the mint drops something hot, move fast and grab what you can. It’s not about hoarding – it’s about smart timing when new releases hit the streets.

Practical Tips for Fellow Collectors

• Hold onto rolls when the time is right: Tuck away fresh rolls during big mint years – you’ll thank yourself later when treasures emerge
• Keep notes on what’s scarce near you: Tracking finds helps spot patterns for trading or focusing hunts
• Pay attention to condition: Even worn W quarters can be worth grading if they’ve got sharp details
• Hunt where the good stuff was: Research which designs flooded your area to boost odds for silver or W finds

Jumping back into CRH has totally rekindled my love for this hobby. Whether you’re chasing silver or modern rarities, never forget that every single roll holds possibility. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some coins waiting to be searched!