The W Quarters Are Still Out There: My Ongoing Hunt for West Point Treasures

As a fellow coin collector, I’ve spent more hours than I can count digging through pocket change, and I swear, the rush of spotting that tiny ‘W’ mint mark never gets old. Just last week, I pulled one from a coffee shop transaction—proof that these West Point treasures are still hiding in everyday circulation, ready to surprise us.

What Exactly Are W Quarters?

If you’re new to this chase, here’s the scoop: West Point struck special quarters in 2019 and 2020, releasing just five designs per year. With only 2 million of each floating around, they’re genuine needle-in-a-haystack finds. That scarcity? That’s what makes spotting one feel like winning the collector’s lottery.

My Personal Experience and Challenges

In years of searching, I’ve only bagged one W quarter myself. Between the “coin shortage” chatter and our shift to tapping cards, it’s gotten tougher. I barely carry cash anymore, so now I get $20 cash back on debit purchases just to hunt through fresh coins. Location matters too—busy cities mean stiff competition—but don’t lose heart. A friend in Ohio found two last month alone, so they’re definitely still out there.

Practical Tips for Finding W Quarters

Here’s what’s worked for me and other hunters:

• Request cash back during debit transactions—banks and stores often give uncirculated rolls
• Check every single quarter (look for that ‘W’ near Washington’s neck)
• Handle finds gently—I use cotton gloves to prevent oils or nicks that tank value
• Swap duplicates with collecting buddies, but inspect coins closely before trading

Market Insights and Grading Advice

Condition is king with these. While uncirculated pieces command serious premiums, even worn ones deserve a spot in your album. Check yours under bright light—sharp details on the design mean better grades. Tuck it into a protective holder immediately; I’ve watched good finds lose value from fingerprint smudges. With such tiny mintages, they’re a smart long-term hold for any collection.

Comparing to Other Quarter Programs

While the 50-state quarters hooked people with hometown pride, I think the National Park and American Women series have crisper art. My full silver proof set of NP quarters shows off their clean, ringed designs beautifully. I still miss satin finishes like on the 2009 Territories quarters—they had such depth. Honestly, ending the W program after two years felt like a letdown; we could’ve used more years of this accessible treasure hunt.

Final Thoughts on the Hunt

Stick with it—that 2020 W I found last week had me grinning for hours. Stay curious, check your change, and remember: half the fun is the chase itself. Your next quarter could very well be that elusive ‘W’, just waiting to join your collection’s story.