The W’s Are Still Out There: My Journey Hunting for Elusive Quarters
June 29, 2025Striking Silver: My Laundromat Coin Hunting Success with a 1964 Quarter
June 29, 2025
Just found my first W quarter of the year—what a thrill! Sure, it’s seen better days with some honest wear, but even in this condition, it’s worth more than face value. That got me thinking about why these little coins spark such excitement among us collectors.
Why W Quarters Are So Special
Struck at the West Point Mint, W quarters are genuine rarities with tiny mintages. That scarcity means even well-circulated examples like my latest find carry a premium. Remember the 2020 W quarters from the America the Beautiful series? I love how each reverse celebrates a different national park or monument—half the fun is squinting at that design to see which treasure you’ve uncovered!
Practical Hunting Tips for Finding W Quarters
After years of searching pocket change, I’ve picked up a few tricks that might help your hunt:
- Check everyday sources: Never underestimate laundromats—I once scored three W quarters from a single machine’s coin return! Consistency pays off.
- Try contests and giveaways: I’ve added a few to my collection through online giveaways. Free coins? Yes please!
- Watch daily circulation: Keep checking bank rolls, store change, even that spare quarter from the mail carrier. They turn up where you least expect.
Grading and Valuing Your Finds
Don’t fret if your W quarter isn’t mint-state. Like mine, most circulated finds still hold value thanks to their rarity. When examining yours:
- Check surfaces carefully: Major dings or corrosion affect value, but typical wear won’t erase the premium. My find has honest scratches but still shines.
- See what the market says: Prices swing based on year and condition. Uncirculated pieces fetch more, but even worn ones like mine often sell for $5-10.
- Protect it immediately: I always slide mine into cardboard flips—they’re cheap insurance against further wear if you trade or sell later.
For me, the joy of W quarter hunting lies in that perfect mix of strategy, luck, and heart-pounding discovery when you spot that tiny “W.” Happy hunting—hope your next find makes you grin like mine did!
