From Family Handyman · Alex Shoemaker · · 1m 20s
Why some quarters are painted red
Red-painted quarters were once used as "house coins" in jukeboxes, arcades, and laundromats across America.
In brief
Red-painted quarters were once used as "house coins" in jukeboxes, arcades, and laundromats across America. Red-painted quarters are old business coins used to test machines, not valuable collectibles. Originally reported by Family Handyman.
Red quarters aren't paint stains
A quarter with red paint across George Washington's face was likely marked on purpose. These coins were especially common during the mid-20th century.
Businesses marked their own coins
Companies painted quarters red so workers could pick them out after they went through coin-operated machines. These were called "house coins" or "shill coins."
Jukeboxes used them most often
A bar or restaurant could put a marked quarter into a jukebox to play music. When the machine was emptied, the red quarter was easy to spot and return to the business.
Arcades and laundromats did it too
Workers used marked quarters to test games, washers, or dryers. Red nail polish was a common marking method, but some businesses used other colors.
The paint doesn't add value
Red paint usually doesn't make a quarter worth more than 25 cents. The year matters more: quarters from 1964 or earlier contain 90% silver.
Never clean an old coin
Scrubbing off the paint can damage the coin's surface and lower its value. If the quarter is from 1964 or earlier, leave it as found until a dealer can examine it.
The headline
Red-painted quarters are old business coins used to test machines, not valuable collectibles.
