I run a vending machine route that goes to schools where students can purchase (secondary public schools and a large university). I also hit other machines here and there accessed by the general public. I found a 1964 Washington Quarter is what got me into this hobby. I found it in a coin jam inside a mall caused by somebody trying to use some oversized foreign junk coin. I was no coin expert, but I noticed it sticking out like a sore thumb and investigated why it was different. Anyways, I'm really starting to get into coins. I'm reading and learning more everyday. Most machines I service are newish, or at least new enough that they probably reject silver quarters from what I've learned. They maybe take silver dimes, and will definitely take silver war nickles. I probably have access to hundreds of dollars in coinage everyday that would normally just get bagged and picked up by Brinks. When I come off my vacation, I'm going to take some silver coins and experiment. (Mentally flag machines that will accept them) I get paid by the day but I'm not allowed to come back until a certain time. The earlier I start, the less hassles I see in my day due to traffic, people, etc. So, I've been thinking with the hour or two I have spare caused by my choice to work more hassle-free, I'm wanting to sort some coins for hobby. I'm thinking of getting a sorter. Then I can rim check quarters and dimes. The simplest and least time consuming. Then if I have more time, I can check nickels looking for Pre-1959, and especially 1942-1945. If I have even more time, I can look for collectable state quarters? (I need to educate myself more here, I know) Any sorter recommendations? Any other ideas I should consider?
Probably the only Statehood quarters worth keeping would be proofs and the 2004-D Wisconsin "extra leaf" varieties.
vending machines I was thinking about vending machines the other day and wondering how productive it might be to get the coins straight from the public rather than through the bank. Right now I use a lot of cash, and search my own change, but don't search from the bank. Doesn't seem worth the hassle, even though my credit union does let me use their coinstar for free. Personally, I use an old consumer-grade coin sorter I got a while back from Sharper Image. Cheap plastic but does the job for my low volume. It sounds like you run someone else's vending machine route for them. Have you considered setting up your own and specifically finding machines that don't reject silver? Any tips on where I can learn more about vending machines and their coin rejection techniques? I knew a girl who worked the professional coin sorter at an arcade. She could always tell the silver quarters from their ping when they went through the machine. Had tons of them. Makes me want to start a laundromat or arcade...
Welcome to the forum PhattyB. (From one newbie to another) You have the dream job for a coin hunter! I know the sound. The very first silver coin I ever got was a pre-65 half dollar. I got it as a tip when I was 15 years old, bagging groceries in the commissary on post. I heard it hit our cup and it made a higher pitch "plink" sound. When the customer moved on and I had a spare minute, I fished it out and recognized that it was silver. I asked my partner if he minded if I kept it and he said it was OK. WooHoo!
I have been getting lucky at coinstar machines. Past two visits: two Rosies, 25 wheaties/coppers and misc. Change.
Beachbum, Check out the Reject Tube & Coinstar machine thread, your post would fit right in and would give it a bump. HOTN
