Why So Many Clad Toners? My Numismatic Deep Dive
June 25, 2025Once in a Lifetime: My Haul of 62 Silver Coins from 9 Rolls
June 25, 2025
After more than a year of coin hunting at laundromats, I just scored my ninth W quarter—with the V75 privy mark, no less! It’s amazing that these rare gems still turn up in everyday change, and it’s exactly why I’m hooked on this hobby.
Why W Quarters Captivate Me
As a collector, I consider W quarters a true treasure. They were only minted in 2019 and 2020 at West Point, which makes them incredibly tough to find in circulation. The V75 privy mark—honoring the 75th anniversary of WWII victory—kicks up the rarity and value even more. What’s great is that even well-circulated examples like mine can bring in decent money, so every find feels like a little victory.
How I Hunt at Laundromats
After plenty of trial and error, I’ve figured out a way to find coins without raising eyebrows. I hit my local laundromat about twice a month, usually swapping about $100 for quarters each visit. Here’s my routine:
- I space out my visits—every other week seems to keep me under the radar
- Timing is key: I go when machines are likely to have been refilled, like early Monday mornings or right after a busy weekend
- Being friendly and low-key with the staff has worked wonders—they’ve never questioned me
I don’t find something every time, but on average, I score about every third visit. And it’s not just W quarters—I’ve also snagged pre-1965 silver coins and S-mint national park quarters. That’s why I think laundromats are such great spots for finding circulated rarities.
Checking Condition: What I Look For
Most of my laundromat finds, including this latest W quarter, are pretty worn—this one looked like it went through the wash a few times! When I check a coin, I focus on a few things: Is the mint mark clear? Can you read the privy mark? How are the overall details? Even if a coin’s been through the wringer, it can still be valuable as long as it’s the real deal. I always use a magnifier to get a close look, and I store my finds in acid-free holders to keep them safe.
Why W Quarters Are Getting Harder to Find
It’s getting harder to find W quarters in the wild. I’ve managed to find nine over the past year, but each one seems tougher to come by. Collectors are eager to get their hands on them, so they’re paying good money even for worn examples—especially those with the V75 mark. From what I’ve seen, prices can range from about $5 to over $50, depending on condition. If you find one, check recent auction sales or get an opinion from PCGS or NGC to see what it’s worth.
Why I’ll Keep Hunting
For me, coin collecting is as much about the hunt as the coins themselves. Laundromats are a fun and easy place to stumble upon a piece of history—and maybe even a little treasure. If you’re into coins, why not try it? You never know what you might find in a handful of quarters.
