My Insights on Today’s Laundromat Coin Haul

My Unexpected Laundromat Find

I recently fed cash into a laundromat change machine and got a surprise—a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway quarter staring back at me. At first glance, I couldn’t tell if it was a proof or business strike, and that little mystery gave me that familiar coin-hunting thrill. Moments like this are why I love checking everyday spots like laundromats, where cool finds sometimes turn up. I swing by once or twice a month with a $100 bill to feed the machines, and it’s yielded some nice pieces over time. Just remember to scrub your hands afterward—public coins can be pretty grubby!

Deciphering the Blue Ridge Quarter

This quarter had me scratching my head. It didn’t have the mirror-like shine or frosted details I’d expect from a proof. Instead, it looked like a regular quarter in great shape, except for that ‘S’ mint mark. I remembered that for the America the Beautiful series (2012-2021), San Francisco made both clad proofs and business strikes for collectors. Proofs usually keep their reflective surfaces even with wear, but business strikes look like regular circulation coins. Here’s how I sorted it out:

• Surface Clues: Proofs typically show strong luster or mirroring; mine didn’t, suggesting a business strike
• Mint Mark Reality: That ‘S’ isn’t proof-exclusive—business strikes exist too, sometimes spent by collectors
• Edge Check: Spotting copper on the rim confirmed it’s clad, not silver—so no rare silver proof here

Putting it all together, I’m confident it’s an S-minted business strike. Finding one in the wild always feels like a small victory!

Practical Tips for Coin Hunting in Public Spots

Laundromats and car washes can be goldmines for interesting coins, but you’ll want a game plan. Here’s what works for me after years of checking these spots:

• Hit Busy Machines: Focus on places with heavy coin traffic like laundromat changers—that’s where collector coins slip into circulation
• Clean Hands Rule: Wash up right after handling coins—I always make a beeline to the restroom
• Stay Low-Key: Skip the coin return bins; I feed cash and examine the coins later at home
• Consistency Wins: Stopping by regularly helps—my $100 visits every few weeks often turn up something neat

This approach has landed me several S business strikes, including a Kisatchie National Forest quarter I found last month.

Rarity and Market Insights

Those S-minted business strikes from the America the Beautiful series are tougher finds than you’d think. With mintages around a million per design—fewer than the W quarters—they weren’t meant for everyday use. But collectors like me sometimes spend extras, which is how they pop up in change. While not as pricey as proofs, they’ve got their charm:

• Grading Matters: Look for sharp details with minimal wear—even AU examples can bring a small premium
• Value Reality: Less popular designs like Blue Ridge might fetch $5-$10 uncirculated, but let’s be honest—the fun’s in the find

I remember ordering these directly from the Mint back in the day. I’d keep the best for my album and spend the rest—probably how some ended up in laundromats! Every coin really does have its own journey.

Why the Hunt Keeps Me Hooked

Discoveries like this laundromat quarter are why I still love coin collecting after all these years. It’s not about the dollar value—it’s that jolt of excitement when you spot something special in an ordinary place. Whether you collect silver dollars or state quarters, keep your eyes open next time you’re doing laundry or at the car wash. You never know what might turn up in your palm!