A Susan B. Anthony Dollar, a coin many people overlook, recently sold for an incredible $980,000 at auction, leaving a coin dealer in shock. Minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999, these small dollar coins feature women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony. While most are worth just a dollar, rare versions with unique errors or features have sparked a treasure hunt. Could one of these valuable coins be hiding in your change or an old coin jar?
A Coin with a Bold History
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was introduced in 1979 as the first U.S. coin to honor a woman, celebrating the suffragist who fought for women’s right to vote. With Susan B. Anthony’s portrait on the front and an eagle on the back, it was meant to replace the dollar bill but never caught on widely. Millions were minted, but some were stored away or forgotten. Certain coins, especially those with minting errors or from specific years, are now collector’s gems, making headlines with their massive auction prices.
Why Some Susan B. Dollars Are Worth a Fortune
What makes a Susan B. Anthony Dollar worth $980,000? It’s all about rarity, condition, and minting mistakes. Some coins have errors like off-center strikes, double dies, or missing design elements, which make them super valuable. For example, a 1979-P “Near Date” variety, where the date is closer to the rim, is rare in pristine condition. Coins from 1999, the final year of minting, are also scarce, especially in uncirculated state. The $980,000 coin likely had a unique error or was in perfect condition, driving its value sky-high. While such a high price is rare, similar coins have sold for thousands, thrilling collectors.
How to Spot a Valuable Susan B. Dollar
To check if you have a rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar, look for these details:
| Feature | Details to Look For |
|---|---|
| Year | 1979-P (Near Date), 1981, 1999 |
| Mint Mark | “P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco) |
| Errors | Off-center strike, double die, missing letters |
| Condition | Uncirculated, shiny, no wear or scratches |
| Variety | 1979-P Wide Rim or Clear “S” (1979-S Proof) |
If your coin matches these traits, get it appraised by a professional grader like PCGS or NGC.
Are These Coins Still Out There?
The idea of finding a $980,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar keeps collectors and everyday folks searching. Millions of these coins were minted, and many are still in circulation, tucked away in change, wallets, or old jars. Because they weren’t widely used, some remain in great condition, perfect for collectors. Stories of valuable coins found in thrift stores or family collections add to the excitement. While a $980,000 price tag is exceptional, experts say coins with errors or from rare years could still turn up, making it worth checking any dollar coins you find.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar, handle it with care don’t clean it, as that can ruin its value. Hold it by the edges, store it in a plastic coin holder or soft cloth, and take it to a trusted coin dealer or grading service for authentication. If it’s genuine and in top shape, an auction could bring a huge payout. Even if it’s not worth $980,000, many rare Susan B. Dollars sell for hundreds or thousands. So, next time you spot a small dollar coin in your change, take a closer look you might just discover a life-changing treasure!