Susan B Anthony Dollar Discovery: Imagine digging through an old donation box at a local bookstore and finding a coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That’s exactly what happened recently when someone stumbled upon a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar hiding among spare change. This coin, first made back in 1979, features Susan B. Anthony – a woman who fought hard for women’s right to vote. While millions of these coins were produced, some versions are super rare because of mistakes made during minting. This discovery proves that you never know what treasures might be sitting right under your nose in the most ordinary places.
Why the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Was Different
The Susan B. Anthony dollar came out to replace the huge Eisenhower dollar that was just too big and clunky. The new coin was smaller and showed Anthony’s face on one side with an eagle landing on the moon on the other – pretty cool, right? But here’s where things got messy. People kept confusing it with quarters because they were similar in size and color. Vending machines had fits, and folks just weren’t thrilled about using them. Because of this confusion, the mint stopped making them after just a few years, which is exactly why certain versions have become treasure today.
What Makes Some of These Coins Worth Big Money
Not all Susan B. Anthony dollars are created equal. Some are worth face value, while others can make collectors empty their wallets. Take the 1979-P Wide Rim variety – the date spacing looks different, and collectors go nuts for it. Then there are proof coins from 1979 and 1981 with special mint marks that are tougher to find. But the really exciting stuff? Minting errors like double dies (where the image stamps twice) or off-center strikes where the design looks wonky. These mistakes make coins one-of-a-kind, and that’s where serious value comes into play.
Complete Guide to Susan B. Anthony Dollar Values
| Coin Variety | Year | Mintage Figures | Approximate Value Range | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wide Rim (Far Date) | 1979-P | Unknown but limited | $50 – $250+ | Date sits farther from rim |
| Type 2 Proof | 1979-S | 3,677,175 | $15 – $100 | Cleaner “S” mint mark |
| Type 2 Proof | 1981-S | 4,063,083 | $20 – $150 | Sharper mint mark details |
| Circulation Strike | 1981-P | 3,000,000 | $3 – $20 | Lower mintage year |
| Mint Error (varies) | Various | Extremely limited | $100 – $5,000+ | Double dies, off-center strikes |
How Condition Determines the Price Tag
You might think any old rare coin is worth a fortune, but condition changes everything. Collectors use professional grading services that examine coins under magnification and assign grades from Poor to Mint State-70 (basically perfect). A Susan B. Anthony dollar that’s been through the wringer – scratched, worn down, or damaged – loses value fast. But one that looks fresh from the mint, with sharp details and original luster? That’s when prices climb. Even tiny scratches from being jostled in pockets can drop value by hundreds of dollars, which is why serious collectors handle their treasures with cotton gloves.
Collector Secrets: What to Watch For
• Check every Susan B. Anthony dollar you get as change – look closely at the date position and mint mark
• Carry a small magnifying glass to spot double die errors where letters or numbers appear doubled
• Never clean old coins! Cleaning actually destroys value by scratching the surface
• Store finds in soft plastic holders called flips to prevent damage from air and handling
• Join online coin forums where collectors share tips about recent discoveries and values
• Get suspicious if a coin looks weird – off-center strikes, wrong metal color, or missing design elements could mean big money
Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: How can I tell if I have a 1979-P Wide Rim dollar?
A: Look at the date – on normal coins, the date sits closer to the rim. On Wide Rim varieties, there’s noticeably more space between the date and the coin’s edge. A magnifying glass helps spot the difference.
Q: Are Susan B. Anthony dollars still accepted as money?
A: Yes, they’re still legal tender worth exactly one dollar. But many stores might look at you funny since these coins haven’t been made in decades. Some banks will take them, though.
Q: What’s the most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar ever sold?
A: A 1979-P Wide Rim dollar graded MS-67 (near perfect) sold for over $3,000 at auction. Error coins with major mistakes have sold for even more.
Q: Where should I look for rare coins like this?
A: Check coin jars, donation boxes, garage sales, estate sales, and even your grandparents’ old collection. The bookstore discovery proves treasures hide in plain sight.
Q: Should I get my coin professionally graded?
A: If you think you’ve found something rare and it looks almost perfect, yes. Professional grading costs money but adds value because buyers trust certified coins.
Q: Why weren’t these coins popular when first released?
A: People hated that they looked too much like quarters. Stores got annoyed, customers got confused, and the coins just never caught on despite honoring such an important historical figure.
