Laundromat Loot: Bagging Another W Quarter in the Wild

I’ve been riding a real coin-hunting wave lately, and just this week, my ninth W quarter popped out of a laundromat change machine—proof these rare birds are still out there, even if they’re playing harder to find.

The Thrill of the Chase

This wasn’t just another W quarter—it had that sweet V75 privy mark, which made my collector’s heart skip a beat. Now, I won’t sugarcoat it: this poor guy looked like it survived a rock tumbler. But even with all that wear, it’s still a victory lap moment. When you find one of these in the wild, it’s like winning the numismatic lottery.

My Laundromat Game Plan

After a year of trial and error, I’ve settled into a rhythm that works without making me look suspicious. Here’s my playbook:

• I visit two or three times a month—spacing it out keeps staff from side-eyeing me
• Each trip, I swap about $100 for quarters at the change machine. Most workers don’t blink twice, and it’s the perfect cover
• You won’t score every time, but stick with it—I average one keeper every three visits. Slow and steady wins the race

Beyond W Quarters: Unexpected Wins

Laundromats have coughed up more surprises than just Ws. Last spring, I hit the jackpot with three silver quarters (’64 and older) in consecutive rolls! I’ve also snagged five ‘S’ mint national parks quarters—always a nice bonus. These places churn through coins like nobody’s business, making them perfect for spotting sleepers.

Real Talk on Condition and Value

Let’s be real—circulated finds like my battered W won’t grace any grading slabs. When you spot one, check for heavy scratches, rim dings, or mushed details. Even in “well-loved” shape (think G-4), W quarters carry decent value thanks to scarcity. But obviously, crisp ones make collectors drool. Since they’re vanishing from circulation, every find counts—always double-check for mint marks and special privies like V75.

Why Laundromats? Let Me Count the Ways

People ask why I haunt laundromats—simple: they’re unsung hero spots for hunters. Machines constantly cycle fresh coins in and out, creating a revolving door of opportunities. Plus, you’re already doing chores! If you’re new to this, start small, be cool to staff, and savor the hunt. You might just rescue something special from the lint trap abyss.

At the end of the day, it’s that electric moment of discovery that keeps us coin nuts going. My laundromat raids deliver that rush every time. Stay sharp out there—happy hunting!