My First W Quarter of the Year: A Collector’s Excitement!

I just found my first W quarter of the year, and I’m still grinning about it! That rush of spotting one never gets old. As someone who’s always chasing rare coins, I think W quarters perfectly capture that sweet spot between being findable in everyday life while still feeling like a real prize.

The Charm and Value of W Quarters

You know what makes W quarters so special? They come from the West Point mint and are genuinely scarce – only a tiny percentage of yearly quarters get that ‘W’ mint mark. That’s why collectors go nuts for them. They’re always worth more than face value: even worn ones can bring $10 or more, while fresh uncirculated examples? Those can really climb depending on the year and how crisp they are. I still remember finding my 2020 Bat Quarter – spotting that unique design on the back made the discovery twice as fun.

Tips for Unearthing These Gems

After years of hunting, I’ve learned a few tricks for finding W quarters in the wild. It boils down to knowing where to peek and sticking with it. Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Check everyday places: Laundromats have been surprisingly good to me – I once grabbed three W quarters from a single coin return! Just play it cool so you don’t weird people out.
• Watch for contests and mail: Don’t sleep on giveaways! My pristine 2020W came from a contest entry.
• Make checking change routine: Get in the habit of glancing at quarters from stores, vending machines, or even your mail. You’d be amazed where they pop up.

Grading and Assessing Your Finds

When you score a W quarter, give it a good look to see what shape it’s in. I always check for sharp details – especially on high points like eagles or lettering – and avoid coins with nicks or scratches. If you’re lucky enough to find an uncirculated piece, you want that full mint luster with no contact marks. For serious finds, PCGS or NGC can give you a professional opinion, but even a quick once-over helps you appreciate what you’ve got.

Finding that first W quarter of the year always rekindles my love for this hobby. It’s proof that treasures hide in plain sight. Keep looking, fellow collectors – your next great find might be in your pocket right now!