My Unexpected Laundromat Coin Haul Adventure

I never expected my regular laundry day to turn into a coin hunting adventure! While feeding cash into the change machine, I got back a pile of quarters that included a real surprise – a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway coin. That unexpected find got me thinking about how everyday spots can turn up interesting pieces, and what we can learn from them.

The Thrill of Discovery

There I was at my usual laundromat, putting about $100 through the change machine, when quarters came pouring out. One immediately stood out – a crisp 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway quarter. It wasn’t silver (I spotted copper on the edge), but it looked too clean to be an ordinary circulation coin. Was it a proof or special minting? Suddenly my chore felt like a treasure hunt, reminding me why checking coins from laundromats and car washes can be so exciting.

Spotting Proofs vs. Regular Strikes

Looking closer at that Blue Ridge quarter, I realized it didn’t have the mirror-like surfaces you see on proofs. In my experience, proofs keep that distinctive reflective quality even when worn. This one just looked like a regular quarter in great shape. That got me remembering: from 2012-2021, the San Francisco Mint made special S-minted clad business strikes alongside proofs for the America the Beautiful series. Here’s how I tell them apart:

• Proof coins: Show clear mirror-like fields with frosted designs that catch the light differently
• Business strikes: Look like normal quarters but with an S mint mark – more matte finish than mirror-like
• My quick trick: Tilt it under light – no mirror effect? Probably a business strike like mine was

Missing those telltale proof features confirmed I’d found an S-minted business strike – not something you see in change every day!

Understanding Rarity and Value

Finding an S-minted business strike in circulation is pretty unusual. These coins had mintages around a million per design for the America the Beautiful series – actually fewer than some W-minted quarters. But since collectors don’t chase them as eagerly, their value stays modest (think a few dollars for uncirculated examples, versus more for proofs). What I find fascinating is how they enter circulation – sometimes collectors spend extras from mint rolls. I once found an S-minted Kisatchie quarter in my workplace change! These clad coins won’t make you rich, but they’re fun discoveries that prove you should always check your change.

Practical Hunting Tips

After years of searching, I’ve picked up some simple tricks for finding interesting coins:

• Target spots with bulk coin turnover: I regularly check laundromats and car wash kiosks
• Skip the change bins: Much cleaner to use machines that dispense directly
• Scan first, sort later: Quickly check mint marks and condition at the machine
• Wash up: Always clean your hands after handling public machine coins
• Try alternatives: Bank coin counters can yield finds too (just sanitize after!)

These simple habits have turned my routine errands into mini treasure hunts.

That laundromat trip reminded me why I love coin collecting – you never know where something interesting might turn up. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just getting started, keep your eyes open during daily routines. You might be surprised what turns up in your pocket! Happy hunting!