Unearthing Numismatic Treasures in Today’s Laundromat Haul

During my regular laundry run, I made an exciting discovery—a 2015 S Blue Ridge Parkway quarter. It got me thinking about spotting modern collectibles in everyday change. Having collected for years, I’d like to share how to tell proofs from regular strikes, why S-minted coins stand out, and how to hunt for treasures in unexpected places.

My Laundromat Coin Find Experience

While feeding dollars into the change machine, I grabbed a batch of quarters that included this special piece. It didn’t have that mirror-like proof shine, but the S mint mark jumped out at me. This shows how everyday spots—like laundromats, car washes, or bank coin counters—can turn up surprises if you keep looking. I usually run about $100 monthly through these machines, and over time, I’ve found several worth keeping.

Distinguishing Proof vs. Business Strike Coins

After examining this Blue Ridge quarter, I’m confident it’s a business strike. Here’s how I tell the difference:

• Surface Appearance: Proofs keep that frosty, mirrored look even with light wear, while business strikes look like ordinary quarters.
• Edge Check: Always check the edge—copper means it’s clad (not silver), so it can’t be a silver proof. This one clearly showed copper.
• Lighting and Condition: Under good light, proofs still reflect sharply; this coin didn’t, matching a business strike.

For modern coins like the America the Beautiful series (2012-2021), San Francisco made both proofs and clad business strikes. If you find an S-mint coin in circulation, it’s almost certainly a business strike—proofs rarely leave collections.

Insights on S-Minted Coins and Their Rarity

S-minted clad business strikes from this period are surprisingly scarce in circulation—only about a million per design. That makes them harder to find than individual W-minted quarters, though they’re less valuable due to lower demand. Finding one like my Blue Ridge or a Kisatchie National Forest quarter feels special. They usually enter circulation when collectors spend extras from Mint rolls. I’ve done this myself!

In uncirculated condition, these might bring a small premium, but the real joy is in the hunt. Check for wear—a crisp example like this deserves a spot in your collection.

Practical Collecting Tips and Hygiene Advice

To improve your chances of similar finds:

• Hunting Grounds: Try spots with heavy coin use—laundromats, car washes, arcades. Change machines often yield fresh batches with overlooked gems.
• Handling and Hygiene: Public machine coins can be grimy—I always wash my hands after handling them. Protects you and your collection.
• Grading and Cataloging: Use a magnifier to spot mint marks and finishes. For clad coins, check the edge; for potential silver, look for solid silver edges.

Remember, patience pays off—you won’t score every time, but the thrill of the search makes coin collecting addictive.

Wrapping Up the Adventure

This laundromat find reminded me that numismatic surprises hide in plain sight. Whether you’re new to collecting or a longtime enthusiast, watch your everyday change closely. Spot an S-mint quarter? Look again—it might be a rare business strike for your collection. Happy hunting, and here’s hoping your next coin run brings excitement!