Why I’m Convinced the W Mint Mark Quarters Are Still Out There

As a longtime coin collector, I’ve had plenty of exciting finds, but spotting a “W” mint mark on a quarter still gives me that special thrill. I’ll never forget pulling my first one from pocket change—it felt like hitting the jackpot! These days, with less cash changing hands and more competition in some spots, it’s definitely gotten harder. But I’m still convinced these beauties are hiding in plain sight, and I want to share what I’ve learned to help your search.

What Makes W Quarters So Special

For those just starting this hunt, here’s the scoop: West Point minted these quarters in 2019 and 2020, releasing five unique America the Beautiful designs each year. With only 2 million of each design entering circulation, they’re genuine rarities that get collectors like us buzzing. Finding one always feels like a little win—a reminder that good things come to those who keep looking.

Why They’re Harder to Find Today

Let’s be honest—modern life doesn’t help our hobby. My change jar used to overflow, but now I rarely touch cash thanks to cards and digital payments. To stay in the game, I make a point of getting cash back at stores, often asking for a $20 bill to break later for coin hunting. Location matters too; in busy areas like Southern California, competition is stiff, while some regions barely see fresh coins anymore. Add in those “coin shortage” signs everywhere and newer programs like the American Women Quarters not generating the same excitement as the old state quarters, and it’s no wonder circulation finds are drying up.

What Earlier Quarter Programs Taught Us

Looking back, the 50-state quarter program really got ordinary people excited about collecting—everyone hunted for those P and D mint marks to finish sets. Personally, I haven’t seen that same energy with newer releases. While I love the National Park quarters for their clean, striking reverse designs (I proudly built a full silver proof set!), they don’t spark that personal connection people felt to their home states. And finishes—oh, how I wish the Mint would bring back satin or uncirculated versions like they did for the 2009 Territories quarters, even in clad. That extra touch makes collections feel truly special.

Hands-On Tips for Your Hunt

After years of searching, here’s what actually works to boost your odds of landing a W quarter:

• Change your habits: Use cash for small buys to increase your coin flow. I’ll grab a $20 with my debit card just to have change to sort through later.
• Focus on the right designs: Stick to 2019 and 2020 issues—those are your W years. Watch for all five designs each year to complete your set.
• Trade smart: Swapping extras with other collectors can fill gaps, but always verify activity and stick to trusted platforms.
• Check closely: Don’t just skim—really examine those mint marks. A loupe helps spot tiny W’s, especially on worn coins.

Why I’m Still Searching

It’s a real shame the Mint ended this program after only two years. From what I’ve seen, demand hasn’t slowed—these quarters still sell for good money thanks to their low numbers. I’d love similar projects for nickels or dimes to get the public excited again. Programs like this remind us coins aren’t just money; they’re miniature history lessons and works of art. So even when it feels tough, I haven’t quit. Every W quarter I find tells me more are still out there, waiting to be found. Keep your eyes peeled, fellow collectors—I’d love to hear about your discoveries!