In the world of pocket change, it’s easy to overlook the small stuff—literally. But what if that ordinary-looking coin in your wallet was worth thousands of dollars? That’s exactly the case with a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar error coin that has stunned the coin collecting world.
A Rare Discovery in Everyday Change
First minted in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was a landmark in U.S. currency history. It was the first American coin to feature a real woman who wasn’t fictional or symbolic. Although the coin never gained popularity in everyday transactions, it’s now making headlines for a completely different reason—a rare mint error.
Experts have confirmed only two known Susan B. Anthony dollar error coins of a specific type still in public circulation. What’s astonishing is that these coins were discovered years apart, hinting that more may still be out there—hiding in plain sight.
What Makes This Error Coin So Special?
A Minting Mishap: The Transitional Planchet Error
The coin features what’s known as a “transitional planchet error”. This occurs when a coin is accidentally struck on a blank meant for a different denomination or metal type. In this case, a Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted on a copper-nickel clad quarter planchet instead of the standard dollar planchet.
The result? A coin that looks almost normal to the untrained eye—just slightly lighter and thinner than usual. The design, year, and appearance are all there, but the composition is completely off. And that makes it incredibly valuable to collectors.
Still Circulating After Decades
What makes this story even more exciting is that both known error coins were found in everyday use—one in a bank roll and the other in ordinary pocket change. These weren’t locked away in vaults or bought at auctions. They were casually spent and passed along, unnoticed for years.
So, could there be more out there? Absolutely. With millions of Susan B. Anthony dollars minted between 1979 and 1981—and again in 1999—it’s entirely possible that more rare errors are still waiting to be discovered.
How Much Is It Worth?
Although no public sale has been documented for these specific error coins, similar minting mistakes have fetched $10,000 to $20,000 at auction. If another example were to surface, especially in near-mint condition, the value could skyrocket even higher.
The rarity, condition, and verification from professional grading services like PCGS or NGC would all impact the final price.
Why Coin Collectors Are Obsessed
In the digital age, where fewer people carry cash, the allure of physical coins is stronger than ever. Stories like this keep the thrill of coin collecting alive. It’s not just about money—it’s about the mystery, the history, and the human errors that turn ordinary coins into extraordinary finds.
This rare Susan B. Anthony error coin is a perfect example. It serves as a reminder that hidden treasures can still exist in your change jar or wallet.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just someone who still uses coins now and then, keep your eyes open. Only two of these rare Susan B. Anthony error coins have been found—but there’s always the chance that a third is still out there, waiting to be discovered.
Next time you get change from a vending machine or cashier, don’t just toss it in your pocket. Take a closer look. That ordinary-looking dollar coin could be one of the rarest errors in American coinage history.