My Laundromat Haul: Uncovering Numismatic Gems in Everyday Change

I recently stopped by my local laundromat for a routine coin run, feeding a $20 bill into the change machine. What came out was pure excitement—a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter! Finds like this remind me why ordinary places like laundromats can be such goldmines for us collectors. Let me share what I discovered about this little treasure, with some practical tips mixed in.

Deciphering the Blue Ridge Quarter: Proof or Business Strike?

When that quarter tumbled into my hand, I immediately wondered: proof or business strike? Proof coins usually have that frosty, mirror-like finish that grabs your eye, even after some circulation. But this one didn’t have that distinctive shine—it looked more like a regular quarter in fantastic shape. After studying it closely, I decided it was likely a business strike. Here’s how I figured it out:

• Surface Appearance: Proofs show strong mirrors and cameo contrast, but mine just had a nice luster without deep reflections.
• Mint Mark Clues: That ‘S’ mint mark doesn’t automatically mean proof—for America the Beautiful quarters like this 2015 Blue Ridge, San Francisco made both proofs and business strikes starting in 2012.
• Edge Check: I spotted copper on the edge, confirming it’s clad, not silver. Silver proofs are rare in circulation and have a different look.

If you find one, hold it up to a good light and look for mirroring. If it’s missing, it’s probably a business strike. Even worn proofs usually keep some hint of that special finish, so trust your gut.

S Mint Marks and Today’s Collecting Scene

Finding that quarter got me thinking about S-minted coins and what they mean for collectors now. For the America the Beautiful series (2012-2021), San Francisco made clad business strikes just for collectors, with mintages around a million per design. That makes them tougher to find than individual W quarters, but since they’re not as sought-after, values stay modest—maybe $5 to $10 in uncirculated shape. Still, spotting one in the wild feels fantastic! What I’ve learned:

• Proof vs. Business Strike: Proofs have mirrored fields; business strikes look like regular quarters but with an ‘S’ mark. Even circulated proofs usually show some evidence of their original finish.
• How They Circulate: These S business strikes weren’t meant for everyday use, but they slip into circulation when collectors spend extras. I’ve done this myself—buying rolls from the Mint, keeping the best, and spending the rest. That’s probably how some end up in laundromats!
• Grading Tip: Focus on surfaces. A coin like mine, with minimal wear and no mirroring, could grade MS-65 or better if it’s sharp and lustrous.

Coin Hunting in Everyday Spots

Laundromats, car washes, and bank coin counters are perfect for surprise finds. I stick to feeding cash into change machines and checking the quarters that come out—no need to dig through return bins, which can be pretty grimy. My approach:

• Frequency and Budget: I hit laundromats once or twice a month with $100. They pull coins from everywhere, upping your odds of finding something cool.
• Other Hot Spots: Car washes work great too—I used to grab $20 in quarters on my way home from work for a quick search.
• Quick Tip: Always wash your hands afterward. Coins carry all kinds of grime, so I head straight to the sink when I’m done.

This routine has landed me other goodies, like an S-minted Kisatchie National Forest quarter I found at work. Persistence really does pay off!

Why Modern Finds Matter

While clad S business strikes won’t make you rich, they’re fun additions to your collection and teach you about today’s minting. An uncirculated 2015 Blue Ridge might bring a small premium, but the real joy is in the discovery. More thoughts:

• Mintage Notes: Designs like this had lower mintages than earlier quarters, making them scarcer but often overlooked. Watch for any S-minted America the Beautiful or American Women quarters—they’re hidden gems.
• Silver Checks: Always examine edges for copper to rule out silver proofs—a jackpot find! They exist in this series but rarely turn up in circulation.
• Collecting Tip: Condition is key. Coins from change machines often come out clean and high-grade, perfect for upgrading your sets.

My laundromat adventure proved once again that numismatic surprises can pop up anywhere. Keep your eyes open, handle coins carefully, and happy hunting—you never know what might land in your palm next!