My Laundromat Coin Haul: Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Unexpected Places

You know that rush when you spot something special in a handful of change? I felt it recently at my laundromat when the machine spit out a bunch of quarters, including a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway coin that made my day. As a collector, these everyday surprises are why I keep hunting. Let me walk you through what I found and share some tips that might help you spot treasures in unexpected places.

Spotting That 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter

When I first saw that “S” mint mark, my pulse quickened—was this a proof or business strike? Proofs usually keep their mirror-like shine even after circulating, while business strikes look like regular quarters with standard wear. My coin told its story through clues: no mirror finish on the surface, and that telltale copper stripe on the edge meant it wasn’t silver or proof—just a San Francisco Mint business strike. These were made for collectors as part of the America the Beautiful series starting in 2012, but occasionally slip into circulation when folks spend extras from sets.

Grading Modern Quarters Without Fuss

Telling proofs from business strikes gets easier once you know what to check:

• Surface Tells: Look for that reflective mirror background—if it’s missing like on my coin, it’s probably a business strike
• Mint Mark Meanings: S-minted quarters can be either type, so let the surface finish guide you first
• Condition Check: Even pristine business strikes won’t have that deep proof glow—grab your loupe for the details

My Blue Ridge quarter had sharp details and no wear, but its ordinary surfaces confirmed it wasn’t a proof.

Why S-Minted Finds Feel Special

Snagging an S business strike like this always excites me because they’re genuinely scarce—only about a million struck per design. That’s rarer than West Point (W) quarters, though demand keeps prices modest. My 2015 find might bring a small premium in top shape, but honestly? The real value is that jolt of discovery. I’ve found several over the years (a Kisatchie National Forest quarter still makes me smile), and they’re perfect for adding affordable variety to your collection. Not silver, but still little victories worth celebrating.

Hunting Coins Where You Least Expect Them

After years of searching, I swear by these spots for fresh finds:

• Prime Locations: I feed $20-100 into laundromat machines monthly—car wash coin dispensers are equally promising
• Stay Clean: Always wash hands after handling coins; I head straight to the sink after a haul
• Work Smart: Focus on high-volume machines and skip change slots—not worth the effort

This routine’s gifted me some brilliant uncirculated coins that made laundry day worthwhile.

Why We Keep Searching

Finds like this 2015 S quarter remind me why I love collecting—it transforms routine errands into adventures. Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned collector, stay curious and check those coins. You might just turn a chore into your next great find. Happy hunting!