Been Awhile for Silver: My CRH Finds and Insights
June 21, 2025My Coin Roll Hunting Revelations: Surprising Finds in the Rolls
June 21, 2025
Lately, I’ve been completely hooked on hunting for W quarters – it’s brought back that rush I first felt when I started collecting coins years ago. These modern treasures, secretly minted at West Point during 2019 and 2020, are hiding in everyday change, and I’ve picked up some tricks I think you’ll find helpful.
Why W Quarters Get My Heart Racing
What gets me about these quarters is how sneaky-rare they are. They’re part of the regular America the Beautiful series but were struck at West Point with tiny mintages. Spotting one in the wild feels like finding buried treasure – especially since most banks didn’t even know they were distributing them! That surprise factor makes every coin hunt an adventure.
Roll Hunting: My Coffee-Stained Fingers Tell the Story
I’ve spent more evenings than I can count digging through bank-wrapped quarter rolls. It’s become my favorite budget-friendly way to collect, and here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:
- Hit up banks near busy shopping centers – their fresh rolls often hide uncirculated surprises
- Train your eyes to spot that tiny “W” under Washington’s ponytail (bring your reading glasses!)
- Embrace the dry spells – my first W quarter popped up in a convenience store’s change drawer after weeks of empty rolls
Grading Reality Check
Let’s be honest – most W quarters in circulation are getting pretty beat up. I’ve found too many with bag marks or scratches that make me wince. When examining yours:
- Look for that original mint luster – uncirculated examples bring serious premiums while worn ones… well, they’re still cool finds
- Denver-minted Ws seem to wear faster in my experience – maybe tougher handling in their distribution route?
- That 5x loupe isn’t just for show – tiny nicks can mean big price differences
Rarity & What They’re Actually Worth
The math says you’ll find one in every 2,000-3,000 quarters, but trust me – that “aha!” moment makes the search worth it. While all W-mint marks are scarce, I’ve noticed Denver coins in top condition are particularly tough to find. Price-wise, uncirculated pieces typically fetch $10-$20 at coin shops, but honestly? The real value is in that electric feeling when you finally spot one in your hand.
Come Join the Hunt!
Chasing these quarters has reminded me why I fell in love with coin collecting – the thrill’s still there after all these years. Whether you’re sorting rolls or checking your change at the gas pump, give it a shot. There’s nothing like that moment when you turn over a quarter and spot that beautiful “W”. Happy hunting – hope you get that same rush I did!
