In an Aug. 7 press release, Professional Coin Grading Service announced the issue of the 2020-W U.S. Virgin Islands Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve quarter by the US Mint on June 1. Since 2010, the American The Beautiful quarter series has struck 53 coins, including the 2020-W U.S. Virgins Islands Salt River Bay quarter.
PCGS received two quarters for the 2020-W U.S. Virgin Islands Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve quarter, qualifying for the $1,000 award and PCGS First Discovery pedigree. Two 2020-W quarters with MS-64 grades will share PCGS' $2,000 2020 Quarter Quest award for this coin.
Anthony F. of Nevada calls these 2020-W quarters his life's find. “I’ve been collecting coins since 1967 when my grandfather brought home rolls of pennies from the bank for me to investigate.” The five-year PCGS Collectors Club member had been searching for W quarters since their 2019 debut but had found none until a filtered water dispenser. “My wife and I were making a pot of coffee and needed ‘good’ water,” recalls Anthony.
He drove to the nearest filtered water dispenser and was disappointed to discover a short line. "Normally impatient, I waited in my car and was the third person in line. I order a 35-cent jug of water, put a dollar in, and get 65 cents back—two quarters, a dime, and a nickel.” Anthony examined both quarters since they were “shiny” to him. Indeed, one was a ‘W.’ I was shocked.
He was shocked the Salt River Bay Quarter prize was still out after being released in June. He and his wife submitted their 2020-W Quarter to PCGS to be the first to submit that design. Anthony was happy to learn his quarter tied for first. He smiles, “I want to put the coin up in a special frame on the mantle with a wreath around it. “This is the coin I’ve waited my life to find.” Anthony says, “It goes to show you don’t always have to search rolls to find good coins – you can still find them in ordinary circulation.
Anthony is right that pocket change can contain rare and precious coins, but roll searching can yield many amazing finds. Kenny R. of Arkansas found his 2020-W Salt River Bay Quarter that way. He struggled to obtain a 2020-W Quarter with a PCGS First Discovery pedigree for the ultimate prize.
The lifelong coin artist began collecting coins a year or two ago. “I became a silver hunter,” he adds, searching dimes, quarters, and half dollars for silver. “I get two grand in rolls at the bank.Over the past year, he has collected numerous rolls of W-Mint Quarters, valued at $15 to $20 or more because to their scarcity.
“Then last week I found the 2020-W [Salt River Bay] Quarter and started researching its value,” he says. “Dad, you gotta do it,” my 18-year-old son said, telling me to send the coin in for the PCGS Quarter Quest. He joined PCGS Collectors Club at the same time. He was pleased he did. Kenny says, “It was definitely worth it!”
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