In an extraordinary twist of fate, a rare prototype Susan B. Anthony dollar—believed to be a test-strike using an experimental die—was discovered by chance in an airport terminal lounge and has since been valued at a staggering $2.8 million.
A “One-in-a-Generation” Find
The coin, struck in 1979, features distinctive anomalies that set it apart from all regular Susan B. Anthony dollars. Experts confirm it was produced using a prototype die intended strictly for mint testing—never meant for circulation. Only one known example of this prototype exists, making it a true numismatic unicorn.
A Brush with the Everyday
The revelation came after a traveler casually picked up the dollar to tip a lounge attendant. At first glance, it was just a regular $1 coin. But a sharp-eyed collector traveling nearby noticed subtle differences—variations in texture, weight, and date spacing—that immediately suggested something extraordinary. The coin had “almost slipped into a vending machine,” the discoverer later recalled .
Authentication and Auction
Once authenticated by leading grading authorities, the coin was confirmed as a unique prototype. In a private auction, intense bidding resulted in a final sale price of $2.8 million, a record-setting amount for any Susan B. Anthony dollar
Why So Valuable?
- Prototype origin: Mint-test dies were never meant for production, creating a singular artifact.
- Unique status: With only one confirmed specimen, it’s the holy grail for coin collectors.
- Pristine condition: Likely uncirculated, with no wear from handling or commerce.
The Bigger Picture
Susan B. Anthony dollars, minted between 1979–1981 and again briefly in 1999, generally sell for face value unless they feature rare varieties or minting errors. High-grade coins fetch thousands—but a prototype like this breaks all records
Takeaway Tips for Collectors
- Examine any Susan B. Anthony dollar closely, especially if caught in an unlikely spot like airport quarters.
- Unusual features matter: prototype tooling, die marks, or off-metal errors can signify extreme rarity.
- Have rare coins graded by professionals like PCGS or NGC to unlock authentic values.
Bottom Line
What could have been spent on a coffee instead became a multimillion-dollar discovery—a testament to the hidden treasures that can still surface in everyday life. Whether tucked into a tip jar or collected over decades, coins sometimes hold more than their face value… and in this case, a historic fortune.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of this specific prototype’s mint anomalies or how grading elevated its value!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs…)
1. What is the Susan B. Anthony dollar?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar is a U.S. coin first issued in 1979 to honor women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony. It was minted until 1981 and again in 1999. It is often mistaken for a quarter due to its similar size.
2. Why is this particular Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $2.8 million?
This coin is a prototype or test-strike made using experimental dies, never intended for public circulation. It is believed to be the only known example, making it extraordinarily rare and highly valuable to collectors.
3. Where and how was the coin found?
A traveler discovered it at an airport terminal lounge, where it was nearly used as a tip or placed in a vending machine. A nearby coin enthusiast noticed unusual features on the coin and suggested it be authenticated.
4. How was the coin authenticated?
The coin was evaluated by professional numismatic grading services, such as PCGS or NGC, which confirmed it as a mint prototype based on die characteristics, metal composition, and strike details.
