Laundromat Coin Hunting: My Journey to Finding W Quarters

I’ve been collecting coins for years now, and one of my most unexpected joys has been hunting through laundromats for hidden gems. It all began when I spotted my first W quarter in a coin machine. Since then, I’ve made it part of my regular routine. I thought I’d share what I’ve learned about why these places can be such great spots for rare finds like those West Point quarters.

My Laundromat Finds Over the Past Year

Would you believe I’ve found nine W quarters in laundromat machines just this past year? I’m still amazed any of these limited coins are still floating around. But that’s not all! I’ve also come across some real treasures:

• Three pre-1965 silver quarters in a row – always exciting for their 90% silver content
• Five ‘S’ mint mark national park quarters from San Francisco, adding nice variety to my collection
• And my best find: a W quarter with the V75 privy mark for WWII’s 75th anniversary. That one almost made all the trips worthwhile!

Now, not every coin is in perfect shape. Some look like they’ve been through the wringer (pun intended!) with heavy wear. But even worn coins have value for collectors like me who love the thrill of the hunt.

Practical Tips for Successful Laundromat Coin Hunting

After doing this for a while, I’ve worked out a good approach that helps me find coins without drawing too much attention. Here’s what I do:

• I go a couple times a month – not so often that I seem suspicious. Each time, I swap about $100 in bills for quarters. That’s enough to get a good batch without cleaning out the machines.
• If someone asks what I’m up to, I keep it light. Once, an older guy said it sounded like a Vegas slot machine. I just laughed and said I had a mountain of laundry, then went about my business. Spacing out my visits helps avoid any awkwardness.
• Focus on laundromats with coin machines that give change for bills. Skip the ones with digital payments – they won’t have many coins. Most employees don’t care, but it’s always good to be polite and keep a low profile.

Being consistent really helps. I don’t strike gold every time, but about one in three trips turns up something good. That makes it worth it for me.

Dealing with Coin Condition and Grading

Coins from laundromats often take a beating, so you really have to check their condition. Here’s my approach:

• Even if a coin is scratched or dull, I look for key details like mint marks and privy marks. For W quarters, check the ‘W’ near Washington’s neck – if you can see it, it’s still collectible. Even if it’s damaged and only grades as ‘Good’ or ‘Fair’, it can help fill a hole in your collection.
• Circulated W quarters usually go for $5 to $20, depending on condition and how rare they are. Silver quarters from before 1965 are worth their silver weight plus a little extra. And privy marks, like the V75, can double or triple the value if the coin is in decent shape.

I’ve learned to love the imperfections – each worn coin has a story about where it’s been.

Why Laundromats Are Great for Rare Coins

W quarters were minted in limited numbers at West Point in 2020, so they’re getting harder to find in circulation. Laundromats are perfect because they go through so many coins so fast – it boosts your chances of finding something rare. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Many collectors haven’t found a single W quarter, so every one feels like a victory
• Besides Ws, you might find silver coins, which are always sought after for their metal value. Keep an eye out for pre-1965 coins – they’re like little hidden silver bars!

For me, this turns a boring chore into a real treasure hunt. It’s why coin collecting never gets old.

All in all, hunting for coins in laundromats is a fun and cheap way to grow your collection. Be patient and stick with it – you might just get lucky. Happy hunting!