In a surprising turn of events that has stunned the coin collecting world, a simple lunch transaction at a small-town diner in Ohio led to the discovery of a nearly million-dollar Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. What seemed like an ordinary payment turned into a once-in-a-lifetime find for diner owner Harold Winters.
A Coin Hiding in Plain Sight
Earlier this year, a woman walked into the Cozy Corner Diner in rural Ohio, ordered a sandwich and a coffee, and paid her $9.50 bill with a few bills and a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. The coin immediately caught the eye of 58-year-old owner Harold Winters, who had a long-time fascination with unusual change.
“I hadn’t seen one of those in years,” Winters recalled. “It just looked different — something about it made me want to take a closer look.”
Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Identified
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981 and briefly again in 1999. While it never gained popularity due to its similarity in size and color to a quarter, a few rare variants have become highly sought after in the numismatic community.
Winters brought the coin home and examined it under a magnifying glass. What he discovered shocked him — it was a 1979-P “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety, one of the rarest Susan B. Anthony coins ever minted. Not only that, but the coin appeared to be in mint condition, with no visible wear and brilliant luster.
Verified and Authenticated by Experts
After seeking professional evaluation, the coin was authenticated by a numismatic expert and graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). According to Linda Garrison, a seasoned coin specialist based in Philadelphia, “This was one of the cleanest and most flawless wide rim varieties I’ve ever seen.”
From Diner Counter to Auction Block
Once verified, the coin quickly caught the attention of serious collectors worldwide. It was listed for auction with a starting bid of $100,000. What followed was a bidding war that drove the final price to an astonishing $940,000.
For Winters, the sale was life-changing. “It still doesn’t feel real,” he said. “One minute I’m clearing a table, and the next, I’m holding a coin worth almost a million dollars.”
What Makes This Coin Worth Nearly $1 Million?
The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony “Wide Rim” dollar is prized for several reasons:
- Limited Production: The wide rim variety was only produced during a small early run in 1979.
- Distinctive Design: The date on the coin is positioned closer to the edge than on typical versions.
- High-Grade Condition: This particular coin had never entered regular circulation and remained in pristine condition.
These factors — rarity, condition, and design quirks — make it a collector’s dream and justify its remarkable auction value.
Are There More Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars Out There?
Yes. Coin experts believe that similar rare variants could still be in circulation or forgotten in drawers and old collections. While most Susan B. Anthony dollars are common, a few rare varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim can command high values, especially in uncirculated condition.
“Always check your change,” Garrison advised. “There are treasures still out there — you just have to know what to look for.”
A Lesson in Paying Attention
In today’s digital age, coins may seem like relics of the past. But as this story proves, some coins still hold incredible value — both historical and monetary. What may look like ordinary pocket change could actually be a hidden gem worth thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For one diner owner in Ohio, a second glance turned into a life-altering discovery. And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder that rare coin treasures can be just a coffee away.