My Thrilling Discovery: First W Quarter of the Year!

You know that rush when you spot something special in your change? That’s exactly what happened when I found my first W quarter of the year – I just had to share the moment with fellow collectors. As someone who’s always scanning pocket change, this surprise reminded me why coin hunting never gets old.

The Allure of West Point Quarters

These special quarters with the “W” mintmark come from West Point, part of the America the Beautiful series. What makes them exciting? They’re genuinely scarce – only around 2 million struck each year – meaning you’ll rarely find them in everyday circulation. Even well-worn examples typically bring $5-10, while pristine ones can easily hit $20 or more depending on the design and year.

My Laundromat Lucky Find

Picture this: I’m sorting through coins from the laundry machine when suddenly – there it was! A 2020 W quarter, not perfect with some light wear, but that tiny “W” made my heart jump. It’s funny how these treasures turn up – other collectors tell me they’ve found them in bank rolls, coffee shop change, even as contest prizes. Proof that amazing finds can happen during ordinary moments.

Field-Tested Hunting Strategies

Want to boost your odds? Here’s what’s worked for me and other collectors:

• Make Checking Change Second Nature: I scan every quarter that crosses my path – you’d be surprised how often this pays off.
• Visit Coin-Rich Locations: Laundromats, arcades, and bank counters see heavy coin rotation. Just be cool about it – nobody likes someone dumping all their change on the counter!
• Enter Collector Contests: I’ve actually won W quarters through numismatic club giveaways – always worth a shot.
• Buy Bank Rolls: My best score came from a single quarter roll containing multiple Ws. Pure luck, but you can’t win if you don’t play.

Real-World Value & Grading

Don’t worry if your find isn’t flawless – even circulated W quarters hold value. When examining them, look for sharp details in the national park designs on the back, especially around high points. While coins graded MS-63+ by PCGS or NGC bring premiums, I love that worn examples let newer collectors participate without huge investments. The market’s stayed strong, especially for early releases – I always log my finds and consider slabbing truly exceptional pieces.

The Joy in the Journey

Let’s be honest – our hobby creates some funny situations. There’s the classic “laundry money shuffle” or that anxious wait for a mail call. These little adventures are what make coin collecting so uniquely rewarding.

Spotting that first W quarter of 2024 reminded me that patience and passion really do pay off in this hobby. Here’s hoping your next ordinary day brings an extraordinary find!