Susan B. Anthony Dollar : In what began as a casual morning coffee run, an unsuspecting woman unknowingly handed over a small piece of American numismatic history. That seemingly ordinary Susan B. Anthony dollar coin — used to pay for a $2.75 cup of coffee — would later stun collectors at auction by selling for a staggering $890,000.
A Coin With a Secret
The coin, which was initially dismissed as just another relic of late-20th-century U.S. currency, turned out to be one of the rarest known minting errors from the short-lived Susan B. Anthony series. Issued between 1979 and 1981, with a final run in 1999, these dollars were often mistaken for quarters and largely fell out of public favor. But one version — the 1979-P “Wide Rim” near-date variety — has become highly sought-after among collectors.
This particular coin, however, was something even more exceptional.
A Chance Discovery
According to reports, the woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, received the coin as change from a family heirloom box she was sorting through. Not giving it much thought, she used it to pay at a small coffee shop in Pennsylvania. The owner, a hobbyist collector, immediately noticed something unusual.
“It looked off — not counterfeit, but different,” said Sam Delaney, the café owner. “The rim was thicker, and the date seemed unusually close to the edge. I held onto it and later had it appraised.”
The Appraisal That Shocked Experts
Delaney took the coin to a certified numismatist, who confirmed it was not only a 1979-P Wide Rim but also an off-metal strike — mistakenly minted on a 90% silver planchet intended for a commemorative coin, a fluke believed to involve only a handful of surviving examples. The coin’s pristine condition (graded MS-67 by PCGS) only elevated its value.
“It’s an incredibly rare specimen,” said Laura Simmons, senior appraiser at Heritage Auctions. “This coin combines an extremely rare error with exceptional preservation — a unicorn in the world of minting.”
The Auction
At a Heritage Auctions event last month, spirited bidding pushed the final sale price to an eye-watering $890,000. The coin is now in the hands of a private collector, while Delaney says he’s still stunned by the chain of events.
What About the Woman?
As for the original spender of the coin, Delaney did track her down and offered her a share of the proceeds. “She was shocked, of course. But very gracious. I gave her $50,000 — she said it was the most expensive coffee she’d ever bought.”
A Lesson in Loose Change
This story serves as a potent reminder to check your change — you never know what rare treasures might be hiding in plain sight. While most Susan B. Anthony dollars remain worth only their face value, a select few can be worth hundreds of thousands — if not close to a million.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs…)
Q1: What made the Susan B. Anthony dollar in this story so valuable?
A: The coin turned out to be a rare 1979-P “Wide Rim” near-date variety with an unusual minting error — it was struck on a silver planchet not intended for Susan B. Anthony dollars. Combined with its excellent condition (graded MS-67), these factors made it exceptionally valuable to collectors.
Q2: What is a “Wide Rim” Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: The “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” 1979-P variety features a thicker rim and the date positioned closer to the edge than on the standard version. It’s considered significantly rarer and more valuable, especially in high grades.
Q3: How common are valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars?
A: Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth only face value, but rare varieties — like the 1979-P Wide Rim or coins with minting errors — can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on condition and rarity.
Q4: How was the coin discovered to be rare?
A: The café owner who received it as payment was a coin enthusiast. He noticed the unusual rim and spacing of the date, prompting him to have it professionally appraised, which revealed its rare characteristics.
In a world where digital payments dominate, it’s easy to overlook the humble coins jingling in our pockets. But as this remarkable story proves, history, rarity, and value can sometimes hide in plain sight. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone reaching for spare change, it’s worth taking a closer look — because even the most ordinary coin might just buy you more than a coffee. It could change your life.
So the next time you reach for coins to pay for your morning brew, you might just be holding a fortune in your palm.
