Still Hunting: My Quest for Those Elusive W Mint Mark Quarters

Just last week, I was rummaging through my pocket change and spotted a 2019 W quarter—honestly, it felt like hitting the jackpot! That little rush reminded me why I’m still hooked on coin hunting after all these years. Even with everyone tapping phones to pay these days, there’s nothing like discovering a West Point mint mark in the wild. I want to share what I’ve learned about tracking these down, the real challenges we face, and why I believe there are still plenty out there waiting for sharp-eyed collectors.

The Allure of W Quarters

If you’re new to this chase, here’s the scoop: those special W mint marks only appeared on quarters in 2019 and 2020. They came from West Point as part of the America the Beautiful series, with each design having just 2 million minted. That scarcity makes them modern treasures, and what really gets my heart racing is how few survive in circulation. Every time I spot that tiny ‘W’ under my loupe, I grin—it’s brilliant how the Mint created this mini-phenomenon without flooding the market.

Real-World Hunting Hurdles

Finding these quarters today? It’s tougher than during the 50-state quarter craze. Where I live in Southern California, the “coin shortage” talk wasn’t just hype—it felt like change vanished overnight. Between stores pushing digital payments and fewer coins moving around, I’ve gone months without a single find. My workaround? When I pay with card, I always ask for $20 cash back. It keeps fresh coins coming in, though I’ll admit it’s hit-or-miss. Location matters too—busy city spots rarely yield surprises, so I’ve had better luck at small-town gas stations or family-run diners when traveling.

Quarter Programs Through the Years

Looking back at quarter programs shows how special the W hunt really is. Remember how the 50-state quarters got everyone checking their change? That was pure magic—I loved how state pride turned casual spenders into collectors. The National Park quarters that followed had gorgeous reverse designs. I completed a silver proof set of them, and they’re still some of my favorite display pieces. The Women’s Quarters? Beautiful coins, but they haven’t sparked that same fever. That’s why hunting W quarters feels extra rewarding—it’s one of the last true circulation treasure hunts.

My Evolving Collection

These days, I focus more on proof versions for their stunning quality. My America the Beautiful silver proof set is the crown jewel of my collection. I really miss finishes like the satin texture on those 2009 Territories quarters—that subtle glow made them stand out. Since I don’t keep change jars anymore, I’ve turned ordinary errands into scavenger hunts by grabbing cash whenever possible. It keeps the thrill alive!

Hands-On Hunting Tips

After years of searching, here’s what actually works for finding W quarters:

• Check every quarter: Focus on 2019-2020 dates and examine mint marks with magnification—that W is tiny!
• Get creative with cash: Request cash back during card transactions, or ask banks for customer-rolled quarters (they often yield surprises).
• Condition counts: With only 2 million per design, even worn examples have value—handle finds gently to preserve details.
• Trade with collectors: Swap duplicates through clubs or online forums; it’s saved me plenty on filling sets.

If you score a sharp-looking one, consider professional grading—top-grade examples really stand out in the market.

What’s Next for Collectors?

I was bummed when the W program ended after just two years without explanation. Imagine if they’d extended it to dimes or nickels! Programs like this keep our hobby vibrant, and I hope the Mint brings back similar surprises. Until then? I’ll keep checking my change—because as my recent find proved, W quarters are still hiding in plain sight. Keep looking, everyone—your next treasure could be in your pocket right now!