My Thrilling Hunt for the First W Quarter of the Year!

I just scored my first W quarter of the year – talk about a rush! Sure, it’s seen some pocket time, but that “W” mintmark still means it’s worth way more than 25 cents. Moments like this remind me why I got hooked on coin collecting in the first place.

My Personal Discovery Story

Found mine in the wildest place – right in my takeout change last Tuesday. Not a showstopper condition-wise, but spotting that tiny “W” in the dim restaurant light? Pure collector magic. That’s what I love about this hobby: adventure hides in everyday pocket change.

Practical Tips for Hunting W Quarters

After hunting these for years, here’s what actually works:

• Hit up coin-heavy spots like laundromats or arcades – I’ve pulled three from car wash change machines alone
• Make checking your change automatic – I scan every quarter before it hits my pocket
• Embrace the dry spells – they’re rare for a reason, but I once found two in one week!

Build the habit, and suddenly every coffee run becomes a treasure hunt.

Market Observations and Value Insights

Here’s the real scoop: West Point only made about 2 million of each design. Even worn examples like my 2019 Lowell quarter easily bring $5-10. Collector demand stays strong because they’re genuinely tough to find in circulation – I’ve only averaged one per year since they debuted.

Grading Tips for Condition

Be realistic – most circulation finds won’t be gems. Focus on wear points like Washington’s cheek or the eagle’s breast feathers. Heavy scratches? Probably not worth grading. But if you land one with sharp details and minimal bag marks (I’m still dreaming!), slabbing it could double its value.

Wrapping Up the Adventure

Chasing W quarters captures everything I love about collecting: accessible thrills, tangible history, and that unbeatable “aha!” moment. My advice? Start checking those quarters today – your next coffee break might just yield silver-colored gold.