My Unexpected Coin Score at the Laundromat

You know that rush when you spot something special in a pile of change? I got that exact thrill during my weekly laundry run last Tuesday. While feeding bills into the change machine for quarters, a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway quarter caught my eye – and honestly, it had me scratching my head too. These unexpected moments are why I love this hobby so much. But figuring out exactly what I’d found? That took me down a fun little research rabbit hole about modern minting.

The Confusing Find

At first, I couldn’t quite tell if this quarter was a proof or regular strike. It didn’t have those frosty, mirror-like surfaces I expect from proofs, but it looked way too clean for a circulated coin. We all know proofs usually keep some shine even after wear, right? But this one just seemed like a regular quarter with that telltale S mint mark. The missing sharp luster made me think business strike – nothing fancy, but still interesting.

Telling Proofs Apart From Regular Strikes

After years of collecting, here’s how I sort them out for modern coins like this America the Beautiful series:

• Proofs: Made with polished dies for that signature look – mirror backgrounds with frosted raised parts. Even worn ones usually show traces of that special finish. You’ll typically spot obvious mirrors on the flat areas.
• Business Strikes: Your everyday circulation coins, just with an S mint mark since they’re from San Francisco. They look identical to Philly or Denver quarters except for that S. The giveaway? They lack the proof’s flashy appearance, showing a more subdued matte finish instead.

For my coin, the absence of mirroring plus that visible copper edge confirmed it – just a clad business strike, no silver content. Funny how lighting can play tricks though! A close look under good light always tells the real story.

Why This Find Surprised Me

Turns out S-mint business strikes from the America the Beautiful series (2012-2021) are rare finds in circulation. The Mint only made about a million per design, selling them directly to collectors rather than releasing them into banks. That makes them scarcer than individual W-minted quarters, though they don’t always fetch as much due to lower collector demand. Finding this Blue Ridge Parkway quarter was pure luck – they only show up when collectors like us spend extras. I’ve actually done this myself! When I used to buy rolls from the Mint, I’d keep the best coins and spend the rest. Guess we’re all guilty of accidentally recycling treasures sometimes!

My Go-To Hunting Tips

After scores like this, here’s what works for me:

• Best Spots: Laundromat and car wash change machines never disappoint. I drop about $100 monthly into these and always find keepers. Skip the return bins though – not worth the mess or germs.
• Stay Clean: Always wash your hands after handling public machine coins. I make a beeline for the restroom after collecting my haul – better safe than sorry!
• What’s Worth Checking: Watch for S mint marks on modern quarters and condition matters most. Coins like my 2015 S business strike gain real value in top condition, so look for sharp details and minimal wear.

This whole experience reminded me why I love coin collecting – even routine chores can turn into treasure hunts. Keep looking through your change, folks. Your next great find might be hiding in the laundry money!