Celebrating My First W Quarter Find of the Year!

Finding my first ‘W’ mint mark quarter of the year gave me that familiar jolt of excitement – you know the feeling if you’ve hunted coins long enough. Mine wasn’t exactly showroom quality, but that tiny ‘W’ still made my day. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned about tracking down these modern rarities, straight from my own hunts and conversations with fellow collectors.

Why W Quarters Grab Our Attention

Here’s the thing about W quarters – even worn ones like my recent find typically bring $10 to $20, sometimes more depending on the year and condition. The 2020 issues seem especially popular in trading circles since they had such limited releases. What I love is how these coins let us add a genuine scarcity to our collections without emptying our wallets. Don’t forget to check the back designs too; certain America the Beautiful variations really get collectors talking at coin meets.

My Go-To Hunting Grounds

After years of searching, I’m still surprised where these little treasures turn up. Here are spots that have worked for me:

• Laundromats: All those quarters from daily life cycle through here – I’ve found multiple Ws in one load before (just try not to look too suspicious examining coins by the dryers!).
• Bank Rolls & Mail: Grab fresh quarter rolls from your bank or check that change from postal deliveries. Even those charity coin drives sometimes yield surprises.
• Everyday Spending: I still make a habit of checking my change after every coffee run – they’re definitely still circulating despite the low mintage.

It’s a numbers game really. The more you look, the better your chances.

Handling Your Finds Right

When you score a W quarter, give it a good look under light. Most circulation finds like mine show some wear, landing in the Good to Fine range – but they’re still keepers. What works for me:

• Always use gloves when handling – skin oils can do real damage over time
• Slip it into a PVC-free holder immediately (I keep flips in my wallet for this exact reason)
• Watch for sharp details and minimal marks – those AU/MS grades can really boost value

I jot down finds in my coin journal – helps me notice patterns, like which years turn up most in my neighborhood.

Why We Keep Hunting

With only 2 million struck per design, W quarters still generate serious collector interest. I’ve seen prices shift with the seasons – trading often heats up around major coin shows. But honestly? The real magic isn’t in the price tags. It’s in that heart-thumping moment when you spot the ‘W’ under your magnifier. So check those quarters from the grocery store, visit your bank, and maybe you’ll experience that thrill yourself. Here’s to the hunt!