A quiet garage sale in suburban New York recently led to a discovery that has stunned coin collectors nationwide. A rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar, purchased unknowingly in a $2 box of odds and ends, turned out to be worth a staggering $940,000. What began as a simple weekend outing has now become a headline-grabbing story in the world of numismatics.
A Coin With a Story: Found Among Forgotten Items
The lucky buyer, who has chosen to remain anonymous, picked up a box of miscellaneous items during a community garage sale. Among the forgotten trinkets was a seemingly ordinary dollar coin. However, something about the coin’s edge and finish looked unusual—prompting the buyer to have it evaluated by a professional appraiser.
To their amazement, the coin was identified as a 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar, also known as the “Near Date” variety. But it wasn’t just the rare variety that made it valuable—it was a combination of minting errors and pristine condition that pushed its value close to the million-dollar mark.
Why Is This Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth $940,000?
First introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was designed to honor the iconic suffragist. Intended to replace the larger Eisenhower dollar, the coin was similar in size and color to a quarter, which led to public confusion and limited circulation.
Despite its short run, certain rare versions—like the 1979-P Wide Rim—are highly sought after by collectors. The coin found at the garage sale is believed to be a prototype or misstrike, featuring both a rare planchet error and a nearly flawless MS-68+ Mint State grade.
Key Features That Make It Valuable:
- Wide Rim/Near Date design, with the date closer to the rim than on standard coins
- Off-center strike and a misaligned die
- Rare planchet—suggesting a possible prototype
- Pristine condition, graded MS-68+, just two points below perfect MS-70
These rare features make the coin not only a collector’s dream but a unique piece of minting history, which explains the $940,000 valuation at auction.
Market Buzz: Coin Collectors on High Alert
News of the find quickly went viral, igniting excitement across coin forums and collector communities. Dealers and grading services reported a sharp uptick in inquiries about the Susan B. Anthony series, particularly the 1979-P Wide Rim and 1981-S Proof versions.
Experts stress that while most Susan B. Anthony Dollars are still only worth face value, a rare few—especially those with mint errors and high grades—can be life-changing finds.
Could There Be One in Your Collection?
The big question: could another ultra-rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar be hiding in your drawer, coin jar, or inherited collection? It’s certainly possible. Here’s what to look for:
Checklist for Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars:
- Look for the 1979-P Wide Rim—the date should appear very close to the rim
- Check the condition—mirror-like shine, no wear, and strong strike details
- Mint marks matter—variations like “S” for San Francisco or any anomalies in the mint mark
- Errors are key—off-center strikes, doubled dies, or planchet irregularities add value
If you suspect your coin might be rare, consider having it professionally graded by trusted services like PCGS or NGC. Authentication and certification are crucial for determining true market value.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of a $940,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar at a local garage sale is a thrilling reminder that hidden treasures aren’t always locked in vaults. Sometimes, they sit quietly in forgotten boxes, waiting to be uncovered by a curious eye.
So the next time you come across an old dollar coin, especially from 1979 to 1981, take a closer look. What you thought was pocket change might just turn into a headline-worthy fortune.