Laundromat Loot: My Unexpected Wins with W Quarters

I’ve hunted coins for years, but nothing gets my pulse racing like walking into a laundromat—that’s where I’ve discovered some of my most surprising treasures, including multiple elusive W quarters. Let me share my journey and why this everyday spot might just become your favorite hunting ground too.

Why Laundromats? A Collector’s Secret Spot

Honestly, most collectors overlook laundromats, but they’re fantastic for coin finds. Think about it—people feed quarters into machines daily without checking their change, letting rare coins slip right through. I visit twice monthly, swapping about $100 in quarters each trip. Staff usually don’t mind, making it low-pressure hunting. Just space out your visits so you don’t become “that coin weirdo” in the corner!

My Actual Laundromat Scores

Over the past year, I’ve pulled some keepers from those machines. Here’s what made me do a happy dance:

• Nine W quarters—one with the V75 privy mark! Almost makes laundry day worthwhile
• Three consecutive pre-1965 silver quarters (that jingle still echoes in my dreams)
• Five ‘S’ mint mark national park quarters for variety

This shows W quarters are getting scarce but still turn up if you know where to peek.

Field-Tested Tips That Work

Want to try this yourself? Here’s what actually works based on my hits and misses:

• Timing matters: Visit every 2-3 weeks—I usually score something every third trip
• Swap $80-$100 in quarters to cover multiple machines without emptying them
• Target busy machines—that Vegas-style coin jingle means fresh pickings!
• Avoid spots with bill-to-change converters; they’re often picked clean

Stay persistent but keep it light—this should feel like a treasure hunt, not a chore.

Real Talk About Coin Condition

Let’s be real: laundromat coins often look rough after literal spin cycles. Most of mine show scratches or wear. But here’s the good news:

• Even worn W quarters hold value—spotting that V75 privy mark is golden
• Grade them honestly: Good to Very Good is typical, perfect for budget collectors

I’ve grown to love these battle-scarred coins—each tells a story!

Why Finding W Quarters Still Excites Me

These babies are disappearing from circulation fast, making every discovery special. That V75 privy mark? It commemorates WWII’s 75th anniversary and really grabs collector interest. Even worn examples can bring a few bucks over face value, while pre-1965 silvers carry their metal worth. The thrill? I never know when I’ll find one—maybe next trip!

Parting Wisdom (and a Laugh)

This hobby creates funny moments too. When an older gent commented on the “Vegas sounds” from my coin searching, I just grinned and said “Mountains of laundry, sir!” And yes—laundromats still exist (but leave your pay phone nostalgia at home). Pro tip: Don’t overdo visits. One collector told me he got side-eyed after daily trips—space them out and stay under the radar.

After all this, laundromat hunting remains my favorite numismatic ritual. Give it a shot—your next W quarter might be waiting in a coin tray right now. Happy hunting!