My Laundromat Coin Hunting: Another W Quarter in the Wild

You know, I’ve made my weekly laundromat visits about more than just clean clothes this past year – they’ve become my secret coin hunting grounds. Just last week, I pulled out my ninth W quarter from a machine there! Honestly, I’m amazed any of these are still circulating. That rush when you spot one never gets old, and I’ve learned so much through these hunts.

My Laundromat Finds and Experiences

That recent W quarter wasn’t even my best find. Remember that V75 privy mark quarter I mentioned? Felt like winning the lottery! Then there was that magical day about a year back when three silver pre-1965 quarters turned up in one load. I’ve also added five ‘S’ mint national park quarters to my collection. Not every coin’s a beauty though – one W quarter looked like it went through a rock tumbler, all scratched up and worn down. But hey, even a battered rare find gets your pulse racing!

Practical Tips for Successful Coin Hunting

After plenty of trial runs, here’s how I hunt without drawing attention:

• I keep it to about twice monthly – any more feels suspicious. One older gentleman joked I sounded like a Vegas high-roller, so now I just say I’ve got mountains of laundry!
• Swapping $100 bills for quarters each trip seems to be the sweet spot – machines often give fresh rolls where the good stuff hides.
• Pick spots where staff don’t mind – nobody’s ever told me to quit, so I keep at it.
• Always check the bill-to-quarter machines first – they’re goldmines for circulated coins, but don’t clean them out completely.

This routine hasn’t let me down yet – I usually find something cool every couple trips.

What I’m Seeing in the Wild

These W quarters are vanishing fast as collectors grab them up. The V75 privy marks? Like finding unicorns – they command serious premiums even when worn. Those pre-1965 silvers are always keepers for their silver content, and ‘S’ mint parks quarters add nice variety. It proves you can still score numismatic treasures in everyday change, but you’ve gotta move quick before they’re gone for good.

Handling and Grading What You Find

Since laundromat coins often take a beating, here’s what I do: First, look for mint marks and privy marks – that’s what makes or breaks the value. Even scratched coins can be worth keeping if they’re rare. For condition, I eyeball the surface: light wear might be Fine grade, but heavy gouges could mean Good at best. I always handle them by the edges to preserve what’s left of their details.

Honestly, hunting coins at the laundromat might be my favorite cheap thrill in collecting. If you enjoy numismatics, toss some bills in the change machine next wash day – you might just fund your hobby while cleaning your jeans!