Scoring Another W Quarter from the Laundromat: My Coin Hunting Journey

You know, as a coin collector, I’ve transformed my laundromat trips into genuine treasure hunts – and just last week, I pulled my ninth “W” quarter from a roll! It still amazes me these rare finds are floating around out there. There’s nothing like that rush when you spot a hidden gem in the most ordinary places.

The Allure of W Quarters

If you’re new to the hunt, let me explain why “W” quarters get collectors so excited. These special coins came from the West Point mint starting in 2019, released sparingly into circulation. Their limited numbers make them numismatic gold. My hands actually shook when I found one with the V75 privy mark honoring WWII’s 75th anniversary – that historical connection makes the discovery even sweeter.

How My Laundromat Routine Pays Off

Twice a month, I visit the laundromat strictly to buy $100 in quarters for searching. Sounds crazy? Maybe, but this quirky habit has delivered incredible finds. I’ve learned to play it cool though – when curious folks ask, I just shrug and say “big family, lots of laundry.” Nobody’s stopped me yet! This past year’s haul proves it’s worth it:

• Nine W quarters found – they’re getting scarcer but still out there
• Three pre-1965 silver quarters in consecutive rolls (those 90% silver beauties always make my day)
• Five ‘S’ mint national park quarters for my collection
• Something interesting every third visit on average – persistence pays!

Real Talk About Condition

Let’s be honest – not every find is a showpiece. I’ve pulled coins so worn they look like they’ve been through a rock tumbler. While condition affects value, I still love them as genuine circulation finds. When checking coins, I always look for mint marks and privy marks first. Even a banged-up coin can be special if it’s rare. Naturally, cleaner W quarters bring better prices, so I always examine edges and surfaces carefully before celebrating.

Field-Tested Hunting Tips

Want to try laundromat hunting yourself? Here’s what works for me:

• Keep visits occasional – once or twice monthly seems less suspicious
• Choose machines without bill changers – those get picked clean fast
• Bring a laundry bag as your “cover story” prop – mine’s saved me many awkward explanations
• Check every coin – silver dimes, foreign pieces, and oddities sometimes slip through

This hobby never stops surprising me. Who knew doing “laundry” could be this rewarding? Grab some quarters and start looking – your next great find might be waiting in a coin tray right now!