Today’s Laundromat Haul: My Coin Hunting Adventure and Insights

I was grabbing quarters for laundry day when something caught my eye in the change machine—a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter! As someone who’s been collecting for years, these everyday moments are what I live for. You never know where you’ll spot something special, and this got me thinking about how laundromats can be surprisingly great spots for coin discoveries. Let me walk you through what I learned from this little treasure and share some tips from my experience.

Proof or Regular Strike? Spotting the Difference

Holding that 2015 quarter, I had to figure out: was it a proof coin or regular strike? Proofs usually show that distinctive mirror background with frosted details, even when worn. But this one didn’t have that sharp contrast—it looked more like a fresh-from-the-bank quarter you’d get in change. After studying it under my desk lamp, I realized it was a San Francisco business strike. The big clue? No mirror-like surfaces. Next time you find an S-mint quarter, shine a light on it—proofs keep that reflective quality even when worn, while business strikes blend right in with everyday coins.

Why S-Mint Business Strikes Matter

Finding this quarter reminded me how interesting modern U.S. coins can be, especially those America the Beautiful quarters from 2012-2021. During that run, San Francisco made these special S-mint business strikes just for collectors, with mintages around a million per design. They weren’t meant for circulation, but sometimes they slip out—I’ve even spent a few myself after picking the nicest ones for my albums! Value-wise, they’re scarcer than individual W quarters but don’t command high prices unless they’re pristine. My circulated example might be worth a little extra, but honestly, the excitement of finding it is the real payoff. And just so you know—no silver here. You can see the copper edge peeking through on these clad coins.

Field-Tested Tips for Coin Hunting

After many laundromat trips, I’ve picked up some practical ways to hunt without turning it into a chore. Places like laundromats, car washes, or bank coin counters are gold because they churn through mountains of quarters. My method? Feed cash into the machine and check the coins it spits out, watching for S or W mint marks. Always wash your hands after handling public coins—it’s just common sense. Here’s what works for me:

• Watch for S or W mint marks on quarters—they’re your best clues
• Keep a loupe in your pocket (or use your phone’s zoom) to check surfaces quickly
• Stick to a budget—I limit myself to about $100 monthly so it stays fun
• Check coin return slots, but be cool about it; taking dispensed coins keeps things honest

Why I Love Hunting at Laundromats

Laundromats have been consistently good to me because coins come from all over, boosting your chances of finding sleepers like this S-mint quarter. Last month I even pulled a Kisatchie National Forest quarter from a washer! The trick is staying observant and treating each visit like a mini adventure. Sure, not every trip yields a winner, but that moment when you spot something special in ordinary change? That’s the magic. Next time you’re feeding a machine, take a quick glance—you might just find your own little piece of history.