Roll-Searchers Unite: My Adventures and Discoveries in Coin Hunting
June 22, 2025My Exciting Discovery: A 1964 Silver Quarter from the Laundromat
June 22, 2025
As a coin collector, I’m always on the lookout for West Point quarters, and let me tell you—that first W quarter find of the year? Pure magic. It’s like a jolt of electricity that reminds me why I got into this hobby decades ago.
What Makes W Quarters So Special?
Minted at West Point starting in 2019, these quarters are the hidden gems of modern coinage. With limited numbers released, they’re tougher to find than your average state quarter. I’ve watched them sell for $10 to $50 in crisp condition, depending on the year and design. And those designs! Each features a stunning national park or historic site reverse that makes hunting them feel like a cross-country treasure hunt.
My Recent Hunting Adventures
I’ve had some wild luck tracking these down. Remember scoring my 2020 W quarter from a coin club giveaway—felt like winning a tiny lottery! But my favorite tale? The laundromat bonanza. Yep, you heard right! One evening, I pulled three W quarters from a single load of coins. The odds felt astronomical, but it proves they’re still out there. Pro tip: When coin searching in public spots, keep it discreet. I’ve learned not to announce I’m “raiding” the coin return at laundromats—keeps things friendly!
Practical Tips for Finding W Quarters
From my own experience, here’s what works:
- Check everyday circulation: Bank rolls and loose change from laundromats, parking meters, or vending machines have yielded most of my finds
- Enter contests and giveaways: That 2020 W in my collection? Came from a coin club raffle
- Inspect your mail: I’ve heard of folks finding them in birthday cards from Grandma!
- Talk to other collectors: Swapping stories has tipped me off to unexpected spots like car wash coin returns
The real secret? Make checking every quarter second nature.
Assessing Value and Grading Insights
When I spot a W quarter, I immediately check its condition. Even a worn one beats face value. For grading, I look for sharp details on the reverse design—especially the focal points like mountains or buildings. Less wear means more value, so I sleeve mine immediately. Uncirculated coins with full mint luster really stand out to buyers. And keep your eyes peeled for 2020 issues—they seem scarcer than other years in my experience.
That rush of spotting the “W” mint mark never gets old. Keep searching, fellow collectors—your next great find might be in the next handful of change!
