Today’s Laundromat Haul: My Unexpected Coin Collecting Bonanza

I’ve always loved that rush of hunting for coins in unexpected spots. My latest laundromat trip turned into a real adventure when I spotted a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway quarter mixed in with the regular change. That little find sent me down a rabbit hole exploring modern quarters, and I thought I’d share what I learned about spotting special ones, some practical tips, and why places like laundromats can surprise you.

Identifying Proof vs. Business Strike

When I first picked up that quarter, I couldn’t tell if it was a proof or regular strike—something many of us struggle with on modern coins. Proofs usually show mirror-like backgrounds with frosted designs, even after they’ve been in circulation. Regular business strikes just have that standard quarter look. Here’s how I figured out mine was a business strike:

• No mirror shine anywhere—just a consistent, non-reflective surface
• Missing that frosted texture on details like the mountain ridges
• Clear copper line on the edge, confirming it’s clad material

Remember, S mint marks on America the Beautiful quarters (2012-2021) can mean either proof or business strikes. A quick visual check like this saves confusion later.

Modern Quarters and What They’re Worth

That Blue Ridge quarter got me curious about modern U.S. quarters. Turns out S-minted business strikes like this are actually scarce in circulation—only about a million made per design. They’re rarer than those W quarters everyone chases, but often less valuable because fewer collectors seek them. Since they were sold directly to collectors, finding one in the wild feels like winning a tiny lottery. A few things I learned:

• These aren’t silver—they’re copper-nickel clad, so melt value isn’t a factor
• Designs like Blue Ridge have collector interest; uncirculated ones might bring a small premium
• Proofs sometimes turn up in change too—their distinctive finish usually holds up

I’ve talked to other collectors who admit spending extras from mint sets, which explains how these end up in laundromat change machines. Always worth a look!

Everyday Hunting Tips That Work

Laundromats, car washes, and arcades can turn up surprises, but let’s be honest—hygiene matters. I always feed cash into machines and take the fresh quarters rather than digging through bins. Here’s what works for me:

• Wash your hands right after handling coins—public spaces are germy!
• Try high-traffic spots; I budget $100 monthly for these hunts
• Skip the coin return trays—it’s messy and looks suspicious
• Do a quick check for mint marks on-site, then sort properly at home

Sticking with it pays off—I once found an S-minted Kisatchie quarter in my till at work. Patience and routine uncover the good stuff.

Why We Love This Hobby

Finds like this Blue Ridge quarter remind me why coin collecting sticks with you—it’s history, art, and treasure hunting all rolled together. Whether you’ve collected for decades or just check your change sometimes, keep your eyes open. You never know what might turn up in the laundry money. Happy hunting, and don’t forget the hand sanitizer!