My Laundromat Loot: Scoring Another W Quarter in the Wild

For over a year now, I’ve been checking laundromats for interesting coins, and last week I hit paydirt again—my ninth W quarter popped right out of a change machine! It still amazes me these rarities turn up in everyday circulation. Let me share how I hunt, what I’ve found, and how you might spot treasures in unexpected places too.

My Coin Finds and What They Mean

My laundromat visits have turned up some real keepers. Alongside those W quarters, I once scored three pre-1965 silver quarters in a single batch and five National Park quarters with the elusive ‘S’ mint mark. The real showstopper was a W with the V75 privy mark—a tribute to WWII’s 75th anniversary. Sure, it had seen better days after countless wash cycles, but it still made my pulse race. These discoveries prove you can still find surprises in coin rolls, though they’re becoming fewer as more collectors join the hunt.

Practical Tips for Laundromat Hunting

Want to try your luck? Here’s what works for me: I swing by a laundromat twice a month, swapping $100 cash for quarters each time. To keep things low-key, I’ll mention I’m tackling a huge laundry pile if anyone asks. Spread out your visits so you don’t seem suspicious, and always treat staff respectfully—they usually don’t mind if you’re not blocking machines. Pro tip: focus on bill-to-coin changers; they’re goldmines for fresh rolls.

• Frequency: Once or twice monthly keeps finds coming without drawing attention
• Cost: $50-100 per trip gives you enough coins to sift through
• Etiquette: A quick smile and brief explanation avoids awkwardness

Grading Insights for Circulated Coins

Let’s be real—laundromat coins often show heavy wear, like that battered W quarter I mentioned. When checking them, I focus on legible mint marks and dates rather than condition. Most grade Good to Fine at best. But here’s the kicker: even worn W quarters hold decent value because they’re scarce. Keep a loupe handy to spot privy marks like V75—they add collector appeal even on well-loved coins.

Why This Hobby Is Addictive

There’s something magical about turning laundry day into a treasure hunt. Each W quarter discovery feels like winning a mini-lottery, especially as they vanish from circulation. For pocket change, you might build an impressive collection. Stick with it, and you could uncover your own rare finds—just bring patience and enjoy the chase. Sometimes the best coins come from the most ordinary places!