My Unexpected Laundromat Coin Haul: Treasures and Tips

I was at the laundromat last week, feeding a $20 bill into the change machine for laundry quarters, when something caught my eye—a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway quarter in the mix. At first, I couldn’t tell if it was a proof or business strike, but that mystery got me hooked on learning more about modern coins. Let me share what I discovered and some handy tips for fellow collectors.

Distinguishing Proofs from Business Strikes

When I held the coin, it didn’t have that mirror-like shine or frosted details you’d expect from a proof, even after being circulated. Proofs usually keep those distinctive features. Here’s how I figured out this 2015 quarter was likely a business strike:

• Proofs typically have a high-luster, reflective surface—if yours looks like a regular quarter without that special glow, it’s probably a business strike
• Don’t assume an S mint mark means proof! For America the Beautiful quarters, San Francisco made clad business strikes just for collectors, and sometimes they slip into circulation
• Even worn proofs often show traces of their original mirrors. If you don’t see any hint of that, trust your instinct—it’s likely not a proof

Insights on S-Minted Coins and Their Rarity

Here’s what surprised me: between 2012 and 2021, the U.S. Mint produced S-minted clad business strikes for series like America the Beautiful, with about a million per design. That actually makes them rarer than individual W-minted quarters, but they’re not as popular among collectors, so values stay modest—maybe a few dollars for uncirculated examples. Funny thing is, these weren’t meant for daily spending, but collectors (myself included!) sometimes end up spending extras. And that Blue Ridge coin? It’s clad, not silver—you can tell by the copper edge. If you find one in great shape, it’s a neat addition to your collection.

Practical Coin Hunting Tips from My Experience

Laundromats and spots like car washes can be goldmines for unexpected finds. I make a point to feed cash into machines monthly, and it’s paid off more than once. Here’s what works for me:

• Try change machines where people put in bills—you’ll often find coins that collectors have spent, including some gems
• Always wash your hands after handling coins, especially in public spots. I never skip this step—it’s just good sense!
• Play fair: Don’t go digging through coin return bins. Instead, get your coins the right way by using the machines
• Watch for S-minted business strikes. They might not be as eye-catching as proofs, but they’re a fun and affordable rarity

That laundromat trip reminded me that you can turn everyday chores into numismatic adventures. Whether you find a rare quarter or just learn something new, these little discoveries keep collecting fun. So stay clean (wash those hands!) and keep your eyes open!