In a small town in Pennsylvania, a simple load of laundry led to a big surprise. A woman found a coin in her washing machine that turned out to be worth thousands. It wasn’t just any coin—it was a rare 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar with a minting error. Though these coins are common, this one was special. After being cleaned in the wash, it was sold for $39,500 at an auction.
The Story Behind the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The U.S. Mint released the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979. It was made to honor Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the women’s rights movement. This coin was the first U.S. coin to show a real woman.
The coin is about the same size and weight as a quarter. Many people didn’t like that, so it wasn’t used much. Most are only worth face value. But a few with errors or rare features can be worth a lot more.
A Lucky Find in a Pile of Laundry
The rare coin was found in Erie, Pennsylvania. A woman found it after washing her clothes. It had been in a jeans pocket and looked scratched and bent. But something about it seemed different.
She took it to a coin shop to find out more. Experts there looked at it and saw it was a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar with an off-center strike. This error means the design was not in the right place. Part of the coin was blank, and Susan B. Anthony’s face was pushed to the side.
The coin was sent to PCGS, a coin grading service. It was later sold in July 2025 for $39,500 to a collector.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable
The value came from a rare minting error called an off-center strike. This happens when the coin blank is not lined up right during minting. The result is a design that is shifted or missing parts.
This coin was struck 50% off-center, which is very rare. Even though it went through the washing machine, it was still in good enough condition for collectors to want it.
Here is a comparison of Susan B. Anthony dollar values:
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1979-P Off-Center Error | $5,000–$40,000 |
| 1979-P Near Date | $10–$50 |
| Regular 1979-P Susan B. Anthony | $1–$2 |
How to Know If Your Coin Is Worth Something
You might have a valuable coin and not even know it. Here are a few tips to help you spot one:
- Look for a small “P” near Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder. This shows it was made in Philadelphia.
- See if the design looks off-center or part of it is missing.
- Check if the date “1979” is very close to the edge of the coin. This is called a “near date.”
- Unused or barely used coins are worth more.
- Use a magnifying glass to see any small mistakes or errors.
If you think your coin is rare, don’t clean it. Put it in a soft cloth and take it to a coin expert or grading company.
A Hidden Treasure in Everyday Life
The story of this coin has excited many collectors. People are now checking their coins at home and in their change jars. It’s a good reminder that treasure can be hiding in plain sight.
If you ever find a Susan B. Anthony dollar, take a closer look. It might be worth more than you think. Instead of tossing it aside or washing it again, have a coin dealer take a look. As this story shows, even a dirty old coin can be worth thousands.
FAQs
What year was the rare coin made?
1979.
Where was the coin found?
In a washing machine in Pennsylvania.
What kind of error did the coin have?
A 50% off-center strike.
How much did the coin sell for?
$39,500.
What makes Susan B. Anthony coins valuable?
Rare minting errors.
