The W Quarter Hunt: My Adventures in Finding Elusive Treasures

I’ve been hooked on coin collecting for years, and nothing gets my pulse racing like hunting for those elusive W quarters. These little West Point treasures still turn up in circulation now and then, and I’ve picked up some solid tips along the way that might help fellow collectors.

What Makes W Quarters So Special?

Here’s the scoop: W quarters are part of the America the Beautiful series, but what sets them apart is that they were only struck at West Point during 2019 and 2020. That limited run makes them tough to find—and that distinctive ‘W’ mint mark? Pure catnip for collectors like us. Finding one in the wild feels like hitting a miniature jackpot.

My Coin Roll Hunting Wins and Tactics

Coin Roll Hunting (CRH) has been my bread and butter for landing W quarters. I’ve lost count of the hours I’ve spent going through bank rolls, but trust me—that “aha!” moment when you spot the mint mark never gets old. Like that time I scored one from a fresh box straight from the Federal Reserve. My best advice? Always ask for new shipments at your bank. Here’s what I’ve learned works:

• Focus on quarters: Ws only appear in quarter rolls, and I’ve had better results with boxes from bigger banks
• Inspect immediately: Give every coin a quick once-over right away—look for sharp details and minimal wear since circulated ones get roughed up fast
• Patience pays: Set realistic expectations—I make it a weekly ritual and it’s slowly paid off

Finding W Quarters in the Wild

Some of my favorite finds happened completely by accident—like the worn 2019 W I got as change at my local diner last month. They’re definitely still out there! One thing I’ve noticed: Denver-minted coins (with the ‘D’ mark) seem scarcer and often more battered, so I always check mint marks carefully when sorting through change.

Grading and Value Considerations

Condition makes all the difference with these. Uncirculated examples are getting rarer by the day—when I examine potential keepers, I look for full detail in the design elements and minimal surface marks. Handle any find by the edges! Collector demand remains strong, so a well-preserved W quarter can bring a nice premium. I keep mine in acid-free flips and document each find.

Straight Talk for New Hunters

If you’re just starting your W quarter quest, here’s my real-world advice:

• Know your coins: Study the designs and dates—I almost missed a 2020 Tallgrass Prairie quarter early on
• Make it social: Some of my best finds came from swapping tips with collecting buddies
• Enjoy the hunt: It’s about the thrill of possibility—every coin roll holds potential

Chasing these West Point quarters has only deepened my love for the hobby. Grab some rolls and see what turns up—you might just discover your own numismatic treasure!