The W Quarters Are Still Out There: My Ongoing Hunt for Treasure

You know, I’m still digging through my pocket change hunting for those elusive W mint mark quarters—and let me tell you, they’re definitely still out there! Just last week, I felt that familiar jolt of excitement when one turned up in my laundry money. Moments like that remind me why I got hooked on this hobby in the first place.

The Reality of Hunting W Quarters

Finding these little treasures isn’t simple, especially where I live in Southern California. With so many collectors around, competition is tough. Honestly, the shift toward digital payments hasn’t helped—I’ve seen “coin shortage” signs everywhere, and fewer cash transactions means fewer chances to find keepers. My workaround? I always ask for cash back when using my debit card just to get fresh coins to examine. You’ve gotta get creative!

• Location matters: Urban areas swarm with collectors, making finds rare
• Beat the cashless trend: Request bills during purchases to get quarters as change
• The Women’s Quarters never quite caught fire like the State Quarters did—such a shame since the designs are gorgeous

Quarter Programs Through a Collector’s Eyes

Remember the State Quarters frenzy? That was magic—regular folks hunting P and D mint marks to complete state sets. I doubt we’ll ever see that energy again. Personally, I’m nuts about the National Park quarters. That ringed reverse design? Brilliant for showcasing details. I’ve been piecing together the full Silver Proof set for those, and now I’m doing the same with the American Women series. Wouldn’t it be great if the Mint brought back those satin finishes like on the 2009 Territories quarters? Those had such a classy look, even in clad.

Field-Tested Hunting Strategies

Want to boost your odds? Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Concentrate on 2019-2020 issues—only 2 million per design with that precious W mint mark
• Make it a reflex: Check every single quarter right after you get it
• Swap duplicates with other collectors—I’ve filled more holes that way than through pure luck
• When grading, look for crisp details and minimal wear. These babies gain serious value in top condition

Why This Hunt Matters

It still bugs me that the W program only ran two years—such a missed opportunity! Imagine if they’d expanded it to nickels or dimes. But here’s the thing: after years of searching, I’ve learned persistence wins. Keep your eyes open, stay patient, and remember—every coin in your hand has traveled its own story. Happy hunting, fellow collectors!