Laundromat Loot: My Journey to Scoring Another W Quarter

You know, as a coin collector, I’ve always loved that the best finds pop up in the strangest spots. Take laundromats – I’ve pulled nine W quarters from those change machines now! It’s proof you don’t need to dig through antique shops to find treasures. Let me walk you through my laundry day adventures and why this everyday spot might become your new favorite hunting ground.

My Laundromat Coin Hunting Adventures

I got serious about checking laundromats about a year back, and honestly? It’s become a bit of an obsession. I don’t find something every visit, but every third trip or so delivers the goods. Beyond those sweet W quarters, I’ve had heart-stopping moments like pulling three consecutive pre-1965 silver quarters – that jingle of 90% silver never gets old! The real showstopper was a V75-marked W quarter honoring WWII’s 75th Victory anniversary. Finding that almost made me forget I was surrounded by suds and dryers!

Practical Tips for Successful Hunting

If you want to try this yourself, here’s what works for me:

• Timing is everything: I drop by just twice a month max – any more feels pushy. Usually swap $100 cash for quarters each trip.
• Change machines are gold: Focus where bills turn into coins. Staff don’t mind if you’re low-key about it.
• Don’t judge by wear: My V75 find looked like it survived a spin cycle. Even rough coins can surprise you.
• Chase the marks: W mint marks and privy marks like V75 are getting scarcer by the day.

Insights on Coin Condition and Grading

Let’s be real – laundromat coins often take a beating. That V75 quarter I found? Circulated but still gradable, probably Fine condition. When I examine finds, I look for luster, rim dings, and scratches. Even lower-grade coins tell a story though. Getting something like that slabbed by PCGS or NGC can really cement its value, especially for rarer pieces.

Market Observations and Collecting Value

W quarters are vanishing from circulation fast – each discovery feels like winning a tiny lottery. Those V75 privy marks? They’re ghosts now. Mint state ones might pull $10-$20, but even my worn example has pride of place in my collection. And pre-1965 silvers? Always worth hunting for their melt value alone. I still grin remembering those ‘S’ mint national park quarters too – proof coins shouldn’t be in circulation! Collectors absolutely cherish these circulated rarities.

Why Laundromats Are Numismatic Hotspots

Think about it – laundromats run on coins, making them perfect for overlooked gems. I’ve learned to love the quirks, like when someone joked the coin machine sounded like a Vegas slot payout! With payphones gone, these spots are among the last places coins change hands regularly. Bring some patience with your detergent, and you might turn laundry day into your next great find.