Susan B. Anthony Dollar : One day, a person was folding clothes when they found an old Susan B. Anthony dollar inside a sock. It had been washed and dried with the laundry. At first, they didn’t think it was special. But the coin looked shiny and had a strange design.
That made the person curious. They took the coin to a local coin expert. What they learned was shocking — it was not a regular coin. It was a rare coin with a minting error, and it was worth a lot of money.
Why Was This Coin So Valuable?
The coin later sold for $39,500 at a rare coin auction. But why would anyone pay so much for it? There were a few main reasons:
- Minting Error: The coin had a double strike. That means it was stamped twice by mistake at the U.S. Mint.
- Rare Variety: It was a 1979-P Wide Rim, also called “Near Date.” This version is already rare.
- Great Condition: Even after going through the washer and dryer, it had only small scratches.
- Grading: It was graded and confirmed by PCGS, a trusted coin grading company. The grade was MS65, which means very fine condition.
Coin Details Table
| Feature | Details |
| Coin Type | Susan B. Anthony Dollar |
| Year | 1979-P (Wide Rim/Near Date) |
| Mint Mark | Philadelphia (P) |
| Error Type | Double Strike |
| Grade | MS65 (Mint State) |
| Material | Copper-Nickel Clad |
| Auction House | Stack’s Bowers Galleries |
| Final Auction Price | $39,500 |
What Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
This coin was first made in 1979. It was the first U.S. coin to show a real woman from history — Susan B. Anthony.
Even though it was a big deal, the coin wasn’t popular with people. It looked too much like a quarter, so many people spent it without noticing. But now, collectors love certain rare versions of this coin.
Other Rare and Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Some coins have errors or special types that make them worth much more than $1.
| Coin Variety | Value Range | Description |
| 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) | $600 – $1,500 | The date looks closer to the edge |
| 1981-S Type 2 Proof | $300 – $1,200 | ‘S’ mark is clear and flat |
| Double Strike Errors | $2,000 – $40,000+ | Coin stamped twice |
| Off-Center Strike | $500 – $2,000 | Design is not centered |
| Transitional Errors | $5,000 – $20,000+ | Wrong metal used |
How the Coin Survived the Washing Machine
Washing machines can damage coins. Hot water, spinning, and hard surfaces can cause scratches or bends.
But the Susan B. Anthony dollar is made of a strong copper-nickel metal. It also had a strong original strike. That helped it survive without much damage.
Signs You May Have a Rare Coin
You might already have a rare coin at home. Look for these things:
- Two images or a doubled edge.
- Text or date that looks off.
- A coin that looks like a quarter but feels different.
- Very shiny coins from 1979, 1980, or 1981.
- Missing parts or odd marks on the coin.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Rare Coin
Found a coin that looks strange or different? Here’s what you can do:
- Don’t clean it. Cleaning can lower its value.
- Use a magnifying glass to look closely.
- Check online using sites like PCGS or NGC.
- Visit a local coin expert or coin show.
- Get it graded by a professional company.
FAQs
What is a minting error?
It’s a mistake made when the coin is made.
What does Wide Rim mean?
The space around the date is smaller.
Should I clean a rare coin?
No, it can ruin the value.
Where can I check coin values?
Look at PCGS or NGC websites.
How do I sell a rare coin?
Visit a coin dealer or auction house.
