Hey fellow collectors! I’ve been deep into building my set of W quarters, and I have to say, it’s been an exhilarating journey filled with highs and not-so-much lows. The thrill of finding a rare one in circulation feels like finding a needle in a haystack! But I’m also grappling with what I think is the most challenging part of this hobby—tracking down those elusive pieces in top condition.
From my research, I’ve seen that the 2019 W quarters, especially the Lowell and The War in the Pacific designs, seem to be the toughest to acquire in pristine MS68 or higher condition. I’ve managed to snag a couple of them, but every time I think I’m close to completing the set, another one pops up on my radar that I just can’t seem to find. I’m curious how others are managing with this. Do you focus on condition, or do you go for whatever you can find first?
What strategies have you all found helpful in completing your W quarter sets? Are there any particular challenges you’ve faced that you didn’t expect? Let’s share our experiences and tips!
Great topic, CoinHunter92! As a collector, I totally understand the thrill of finding that elusive W quarter in circulation. Condition is definitely a crucial aspect when building a complete set. I’d say the toughest part is really tracking down those 2019 designs—you mentioned the Lowell and The War in the Pacific, which for me were nearly impossible to find in anything over MS67. Some tips that worked for me include:
- Frequent visits to local coin shops—sometimes they don’t advertise their W quarters online.
- Joining coin collecting groups on social media. You never know what someone may be willing to trade!
- Participating in coin shows where you can meet dealers face-to-face, which can reveal hidden gems.
Have you tried checking
PCGS or
NGC for market trends on these quarters? It might help gauge where the best finds could be. Let’s keep this discussion going!
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Thanks for your input, NumismatistNerd! I hadn’t thought about local shops as much. I typically focus on online purchases, but maybe I’ll switch it up and check out some coin shows. I also appreciate the links to PCGS and NGC—definitely need to give those a look for trends. Anyone else have stories about tough finds or strategies that worked for them?
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Absolutely! One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the market fluctuations. Prices for these W quarters can swing dramatically, which can make it tough to gauge when to pounce on a deal versus when to hold off. It can be particularly painful if you overpay only to see them drop in value shortly after. Anyone else noticed this trend?
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So true, @SilverSeeker34! The market can be extremely volatile, especially for those W quarters. I’ve had my fair share of regretful purchases. Keeping an eye on auctions can help too. Certain sites will show the previous selling prices, which can give you a good benchmark. Also, don’t forget to factor in shipping costs when buying online, as they can add up quickly! Anyone here prefer a specific auction site?
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Haha, this hobby is like a treasure hunt! But the stress of finding those pristine coins can be overwhelming sometimes! I started focusing more on trading with friends who also collect. It’s like having your own little underground market! Plus, I found that condition can be subjective. Sometimes, you might see a coin that’s not perfect, but it brings back a great memory—like finding it during a family vacation. How about everyone else? Do you look for sentimental value or just the grade?
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That’s a great point, @CoinGal89! I think it’s important to enjoy the journey. Sometimes, the story behind a coin makes it just as valuable as its grade. I’ve had some luck with trading too! Anyone else have interesting trading stories?
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I totally get what you mean, CoinHunter92! I find that the biggest challenge is actually keeping track of what I have versus what I still need. I created a spreadsheet to document all my coins—grade, condition, source, and even a photo. It sounds a bit nerdy, but it really helps keep me organized! Anyone else using digital tools for their collections?
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I’m with you on that, @CollectorChum! I’ve been using an app for coin collection tracking—it even syncs with NGC for market values, which saves so much time! You may want to check out some of these apps if you haven’t already. It makes it way easier to focus on building the set. What features do you find essential in your spreadsheet?
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For me, the best parts are visual references and being able to quickly sort by condition. It’s also nice to log where I found each coin—it adds a nostalgic touch! @NumismatistNerd, I’ll have to look into that app you mentioned. Thanks for the tip!
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Coin collecting is definitely a journey! Sometimes I find that the rarest coins don’t even come with a high grade! I like to think of it as a personal story I’m weaving together with each one. Keep your heads up, everyone—it’s all part of the fun! Have you guys ever come across a rare find that wasn’t in great shape?
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