Been Awhile for Silver: My CRH Finds and Quarter Hunting Insights

I recently dusted off my stash of quarter rolls from 2019-2020 and jumped back into coin roll hunting (CRH). After sifting through thousands of quarters over the years, I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for what’s rare in my neck of the woods. This batch held some real surprises—including my first silver find in ages! Here’s what I discovered about modern quarter scarcity, along with some tips that might help your own hunts.

My Recent CRH Finds

In this pile of quarter rolls, I pulled two W mintmark quarters—a Lowell and a Tallgrass Prairie—plus a Filipino coin and that glorious silver quarter. Finding silver again after so long was a genuine rush; it really shows how scarce precious metals have become in everyday change. W quarters always get my pulse racing since they’re so collectible—limited runs from West Point with that distinctive ‘W’ mark. Here’s the breakdown:

• Lowell W quarter: Not too rare around here, but still a nice addition to the collection.
• Tallgrass Prairie W quarter: Seems to be the most common in my area—I’ve found plenty over time.
• Silver quarter: A 90% silver pre-1965 beauty—what a score these days.
• Filipino coin: A fun international surprise that spices up the finds.

Insights on W Quarters and Distribution

From my hunting, W quarter availability swings wildly depending on location—something to keep in mind. Where I am, Tallgrass Prairie Ws flooded the zone in 2020. At one point, I’d find one every three or four rolls! Others like the Lowell or Samoa are tougher here, probably because they didn’t get local releases and only pop up from travelers. Take the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller W—I’ve never spotted one in the wild, and other collectors confirm it’s among the hardest to find. If you’re after Ws, hit areas known for distributions or snag uncirculated rolls when possible. I still kick myself for not grabbing more Tallgrass rolls back when they were plentiful—great odds for adding Ws.

The Hardest Quarters to Find

For regular modern quarters, the El Yunque issue has been my white whale. Years of searching, and I’ve never even found half a roll! But scarcity varies by region—I’d love to hear what’s rare in your area. Some collectors tell me the bat-design Samoa quarter is common where they hunt, while others struggle with different types. That’s why knowing your local supply and swapping tips with fellow hunters makes all the difference.

Practical Advice for Collectors

Here’s what’s worked for me in my CRH adventures:

• Save rolls when you can: I stashed coins during slow periods (like 2019-2020) to hunt later—patience paid off with that silver!
• Target W quarters: Focus on 2019-2020 rolls. Check mintmarks under good light and always inspect edges for silver.
• Mind the condition: When you find a W quarter, check for wear. Higher-grade coins (MS-65+) command better prices, so handle them carefully. For real rarities, professional grading might be worthwhile.
• Track the market: W quarters are hot, especially scarcer issues. Watch auction sites for values, and don’t sleep on buying rolls—I’ve missed out by hesitating.
• Watch for foreign coins: That Filipino find added unexpected fun and could be trade bait.

CRH keeps that thrill of the hunt alive, especially when silver or W quarters turn up. Now that I’ve got more time, I’m back at it. Dig into your own stash or start hunting—you might be surprised what turns up. Happy hunting, and share your stories below!