Laundromat Luck: How I Scored Another W Quarter in the Wild

You know that rush when you spot something special in your change? Last week at the laundromat, I felt it again—another West Point quarter popped out of the machine! That makes nine I’ve found this year. Honestly, I’m surprised these W quarters are still floating around, though they’re definitely getting scarcer. Let me walk you through how I hunt them during everyday chores—maybe it’ll help you find some too.

What Makes W Quarters So Special

If you’re new to this, here’s why collectors go nuts for W quarters: They’re from the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful series, struck at West Point between 2019-2020. The kicker? Only 2 million of each design exist. My favorite find has the V75 privy mark honoring WWII’s 75th anniversary—such a cool historical touch. Even when they look rough, like my last one that seemed to survive a rock tumbler, they’re keepers. Rarity trumps condition every time.

My Laundromat Strategy for Coin Hunting Success

After a year of weekly trips, I’ve got this down to a science. I hit two spots monthly, swapping $100 cash for quarters—enough to seem legit without raising suspicion. Pro tip: Space out your visits. Once, an attendant heard my pockets jingling and I joked, “What can I say? I’m messy!” Here’s what works:

• Frequency: Every third visit seems to be the sweet spot—no guarantees, but steady effort pays off. Took me about 30 trips to bag those nine Ws.
• Location: Bill-to-coin machines are goldmines. They spit out fresh rolls, often with uncirculated goodies.
• Ethical Tips: Read the room—ask permission if staff seem wary. When one place got suspicious, I washed my dog’s blankets there to keep things friendly!

This approach scored me not just Ws, but three silver quarters (pre-1965!) in one haul and five San Francisco mint national parks. No laundromat nearby? Try bank rolls or car wash coin machines—surprises hide everywhere.

Assessing Condition and Grading Insights

Let’s be real: Laundromat coins usually look rode hard. Most of mine have nicks or faded details. When checking finds:

• Focus on mint marks first—if that W or V75 is clear, you’re golden even with wear.
• Never clean them! I learned the hard way that soap ruins value.
• A beat-up W might fetch $5-$10, but mint ones? Still hunting my white whale.

With W quarters vanishing from circulation, now’s the time to look. While you’re at it, watch for pre-1965 quarters—90% silver always shines.

Why Coin Hunting Keeps Me Hooked

It’s not just the coins—it’s the chase. I’m low-key addicted to my laundry day ritual. Where else can you turn chores into treasure hunts? Better than scrounging pay phones back in the day, right? If you try it, remember: patience beats luck. Happy hunting—hope your next spin cycle delivers something shiny!