My Laundromat Coin Haul: Uncovering Modern Quarter Gems

I was at the laundromat last week feeding a $20 bill into the change machine when something caught my eye among the tumbling quarters – a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway quarter. That little coin got me thinking about modern minting practices, and I thought I’d share some tips on spotting proofs versus business strikes, plus how to hunt for them in everyday situations.

The Mystery of the S Mint Mark

When I first examined my find, I couldn’t tell if it was a proof or business strike. Proofs usually have that distinctive mirror-like background with frosted details, but this one didn’t quite match. After studying it under good light, I realized it’s likely a business strike from San Francisco. Here’s the interesting part: since 2012, the Mint has produced S-minted business strikes for series like America the Beautiful, selling them directly to collectors. They’re not meant for circulation, but as I learned, sometimes they escape into the wild when collectors spend extra coins from their sets.

• Proofs often keep their reflective surfaces even with wear, while business strikes look more like regular quarters
• Check the front for that special luster – proofs have a depth of shine that business strikes rarely achieve
• Don’t forget to examine the edge: When I saw copper showing on mine, I knew it was clad and not a silver proof

Grading Tips and Distinguishing Features

Over the years, I’ve found that surface quality tells you most of what you need to know. I always keep a small loupe in my pocket for quick checks. Here’s what works for me:

• Mirror finish matters: Even damaged proofs usually keep some reflection; if it’s missing like on my find, it’s probably a business strike
• Frosting tells a story: Proofs have that beautiful contrast between frosted details and mirror fields, while business strikes appear more uniform
• Condition clues: Though my coin had sharp details, the lack of that signature mirror finish sealed it for me

Photos can fool you with tricky lighting, so I prefer examining coins in hand. When in doubt, compare it side-by-side with a known proof or reliable reference images.

Rarity and Market Observations

Finding an S-minted business strike like this Blue Ridge quarter feels special because they’re actually scarcer than the W-minted issues, with only about a million per design. But collector demand hasn’t caught up yet, so uncirculated examples typically go for $1-$5. Not life-changing money, but a satisfying little win! I remember ordering rolls from the Mint years back and spending duplicates myself, which explains how these sometimes turn up in circulation. Keep looking – they’re underappreciated treasures.

Practical Advice for Everyday Coin Hunting

Laundromats, car washes, and change machines have become my secret hunting grounds. I go through about $100 monthly in quarters at my local laundromat, and it’s turned up gems like this one. Here’s my approach:

• Concentrate on modern quarters with S or W mint marks – they’re usually special collector issues
• Scan quickly but carefully – watch for unusual shine or features that stand out
• Remember hygiene: I always scrub my hands after handling coins from public machines (they can get pretty grimy!)

Checking everyday change adds real excitement to collecting. Whether you’re doing laundry or getting coffee, stay alert – you might just find something special in your palm!