Meow Did Some CRH: My Surprising Coin Finds and Numismatic Insights

Rediscovering Coin Roll Hunting

Lately I’ve had some extra time on my paws, so I decided to dust off my coin collecting gear. I had a mountain of quarter rolls stashed away—honestly, more than any cat should reasonably hoard—and finally dove back into coin roll hunting (CRH). It had been ages since I’d done this, but cracking open those rolls turned out to be the perfect way to spend an afternoon and maybe find something special.

Unexpected Finds in the Rolls

As I worked through those rolls, I couldn’t believe what tumbled out. Some of these coins never show up in our area, but here’s what turned up in my hunt:

• American Samoa W quarter: My very first one! These almost never appear in circulation since they mainly came in sets.
• Connecticut W quarter: Another new addition to my collection—what a rush!
• Idaho W quarter: Always a welcome sight in any roll.
• Kansas W quarters: I’ve found about 20 of these over time. They seem more common around here, but I’ll never turn one down.

I keep a little box near the door for loose change from my outings (you know how it is with cat wallets and keys). Last month a shiny proof quarter caught my eye, and this time I found another proof quarter plus a proof penny! My theory? Someone nearby must’ve cashed in inherited proof sets without realizing their value. These proofs have obviously been in circulation, so they’re not mint state, but they’re still exciting finds with a story.

Insights on Rarity and Grading

These discoveries taught me a few things that might help fellow hunters. Those W-mint quarters are tough finds because the mint only made them for special sets—that’s why they’re so scarce in everyday change. When you find one, check it carefully: circulated examples like mine usually show wear, so be realistic about grading. Fine to Extremely Fine is probably where most will land. Proofs in circulation have usually lost their mirror finish, but they can still be worth holding onto. Price-wise, decent W quarters can bring $5 to $20 or more depending on the design and condition. Definitely worth keeping an eye out!

A Quick Detour to My Heavy Metal Side

Since I’m a Heavy Metal Cat at heart, I’ve got to mention my other obsession—guitars. My Jackson USA KV2 Yellow Bengal and Jackson RR5FR are my pride and joy, complete with jumbo frets and killer pickups. While I love tearing up the fretboard, nothing gets my whiskers vibrating like coin hunting. Both hobbies keep life interesting in their own ways!

Practical Tips for Your Own Hunts

From my experience, here’s what might help you find more keepers:

• Build your roll stash slowly: Like I did, save quarter rolls over time to boost your odds. Recent issues are where you’ll likely find W-mints or errors.
• Check your daily change: That little box by my door? It’s yielded proofs and silver. Always look through your pocket change!
• Patience pays off: I don’t CRH often, but when I do, it’s rewarding. Try setting aside regular time without expecting instant results.
• Know what’s hot: Learn key dates like the 2019–2020 W quarters so you can spot them fast during searches.

This whole experience reminded me why I love coin hunting—you never know what history might turn up in your hands. Whether you’re into silver, errors, or just building a collection, give roll hunting a shot. Your next great find might be waiting in the next roll!