Got Another W from the Laundromat: My Coin Hunting Adventures

I’ve spent years hunting coins in all sorts of places, but my local laundromat keeps surprising me. Just last week, another ‘W’ quarter turned up in my change—that’s nine in the past year! It still blows my mind that these treasures are out there in everyday circulation. Let me walk you through what I’ve discovered about turning laundry day into a numismatic adventure.

My Laundromat Finds and Rarities

That humming row of machines has given me quite the collection over the past year. Beyond those ‘W’ quarters, I’ll never forget the day I pulled three pre-1965 silver coins from one machine—talk about a rush! I’ve also landed five ‘S’ mint national park quarters, and one real stunner: a ‘W’ with the V75 privy mark. Finding that almost made me forget I was surrounded by socks and detergent. Who knew doing chores could feel like a treasure hunt?

Practical Tips for Successful Coin Hunting

If you want to try this yourself, here’s what’s worked in my experience:

• Timing matters—I drop by twice a month. Any more often and you might get funny looks. When someone joked I treated the place like Vegas, I just grinned and said “Hey, laundry adds up!”
• Quarters are your best bet. I swap $100 cash for rolls each visit since change machines dish them out regularly. Steer clear of spots with bill-to-change converters though—they get emptied too fast.
• Keep it low-key with staff. A quick smile and “just checking my change” usually does the trick if anyone asks.
• Inspect coins right away. Most look like they’ve survived a rock tumbler, so I sort through them on the spot to catch mint marks or privy details before they disappear into my pocket.

Grading and Condition Insights

Let’s be real—coins from the wild usually show their mileage. When I grade mine, I look for three things: any remaining luster, readable mint marks, and special features like that V75 privy. Even a battered ‘W’ quarter holds value because they’re scarce. My advice? Keep a loupe in your car for close inspection, and jot down finds in a notebook while they’re fresh.

Market Observations and Collecting Value

Lately, ‘W’ quarters seem to be vanishing from circulation faster than socks in a dryer—which naturally makes collectors more eager to find them. Those pre-1965 silvers? Still solid keepsakes for their silver content alone. And those ‘S’ mint park quarters? Perfect for filling collection gaps without breaking the bank. What excites me is how these everyday finds prove you don’t need deep pockets to build a meaningful collection—just sharp eyes and regular laundry days.

Scouring laundromats for coins remains one of my favorite low-stakes hobbies. Stick with it, and you might just hear that magical clink of silver or spot a ‘W’ in your palm. Here’s hoping your next load of laundry pays off in more than clean clothes!