Today’s Laundromat Haul: My Unexpected Numismatic Adventure

I just hit the jackpot at my local laundromat, and it’s got me thinking about the treasures hiding in plain sight. While stuffing dollar bills into the change machine to grab quarters, I spotted a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway quarter mixed in. That unexpected find got me digging into modern U.S. coinage, and I wanted to share how to spot them, grade them, and why finding one ‘in the wild’ feels so special.

Spotting My Blue Ridge Quarter

When I first pulled it out, I wondered—proof or business strike? Proofs usually have that frosty, mirror-like finish that catches the light, even when worn down. But this one? No real shimmer. Just looked like your everyday quarter, which screamed business strike. Here’s the tricky part: from 2012 to 2021, the San Francisco Mint (‘S’ mintmark) made *both* proofs and regular clad coins for the America the Beautiful series. After a closer look, I knew mine was a business strike. How? You could see copper on the edge (so, not silver), and it totally lacked that reflective ‘pop’ of a proof. My tip? Hold it under a lamp. Proofs keep a hint of that mirror shine, even after bouncing around in circulation, while business strikes just look… normal, aside from that ‘S’.

Grading and Rarity: What Makes These Special

Knowing whether it’s a proof or business strike really matters when grading. Here’s what I look for:

• **Check the fields:** Proofs start with mirror-like backgrounds, even if worn. Business strikes? More uniform and dull.
• **Light is your friend:** Tilt it under a lamp. Proofs often show a deeper contrast (cameo effect), even when impaired.
• **Focus on wear:** My find looked almost uncirculated—common for S-mint business strikes since they weren’t meant for pocket change.

These S-mint business strikes are sneaky rare—only about a million made per design in the America the Beautiful series. That’s actually rarer than those West Point ‘W’ quarters! But oddly, they don’t always command high prices—maybe $2 to $5 in top shape—since fewer folks collect them. Still, finding one in your laundry change? That’s a win! They slip into circulation when collectors spend extras from mint rolls. I’ve even snagged others, like a Kisatchie National Forest quarter, the same way!

My Go-To Hunting Grounds (and Tactics)

Honestly, laundromats and car wash change machines are treasure troves. My routine? I’ll swap $100 for quarters once a month and sift through them fast. Car washes work too—grab a roll and hunt while you wait. But heads up: wash your hands after! Those coins have passed through who-knows-how-many hands. Skip the dusty coin return bins; stick to fresh machine rolls for a cleaner hunt. My simple strategy:

• **Hit busy spots:** Laundromats, arcades, anywhere with heavy coin turnover.
• **Bring cash:** Swap bills for quarters—it’s quick and gives you a pile to search.
• **Scan for mint marks:** That little ‘S’ or ‘W’ is your best clue for something cool.

Stick with it, and you’ll start pulling surprises. It’s proof (pun intended!) that patience pays off.

Why Finds Like This Feel So Good

There’s nothing like spotting a keeper in everyday change—it ties you right into the heartbeat of collecting and shows hidden value is everywhere. Series like America the Beautiful are perfect for new collectors: they’re affordable, packed with history, and actually findable. Keep an eye peeled for those ‘S’ mint quarters next time you get change. They’re little undervalued gems just waiting to be noticed. Happy hunting—maybe your next laundry day holds a shiny surprise too!