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June 20, 2025
My Unexpected Laundromat Treasure Hunts
Who knew laundromats could be such goldmines for coin finds? Over the past year alone, I’ve pulled nine W quarters straight from circulation—each one feels like hitting a mini jackpot. It blows my mind that these scarce coins are still floating around in everyday change, just waiting to be discovered.
The Thrill of the Finds
My heart nearly stopped when I spotted that W quarter with the V75 privy mark honoring WWII’s 75th anniversary. Sure, it looked like it’d been through a few too many spin cycles (talk about authentic wear!), but that just gives it personality. Beyond the Ws, I’ve had some unbelievable streaks—like snagging three pre-1965 silver quarters in a row and five San Francisco-minted ‘S’ national park quarters. Even when they’re worn down, finds like these remind me why I love this hobby.
Practical Tips for Successful Coin Hunting
After plenty of trial and error, here’s what works for me without drawing suspicion:
- Visit once or twice monthly—I swap about $100 in quarters per trip to keep it low-key
- Stay friendly with staff; if anyone asks, I just say I’m washing heavy work clothes
- Stick to coin-dispensing machines and avoid bill changers (too many eyes watching)
- Accept that not every visit yields treasure—but consistency pays off with about one find every three trips
Thoughts on Coin Condition and Value
Let’s be real—these circulated coins usually show heavy wear. But for W quarters? Even battered ones carry decent premiums thanks to their tiny mintage numbers. That V75 mark or elusive ‘S’ mint can really boost value, so I always check edges and fields carefully. In today’s market, finding any of these in the wild feels like a real victory as they get tougher to spot.
Why Laundromats Are Worth the Effort
Yeah, you might get some odd looks, but that rush of spotting silver in a handful of quarters? Totally addictive. If you collect coins, grab some detergent and give laundromat hunting a shot—you could turn chore day into treasure day.
