In a surprising twist that has caught the attention of collectors across the country, a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar coin has been sold for an astonishing $980,000, sending shockwaves through the numismatic community.
The unexpected windfall not only stunned the anonymous coin owner but also left the seasoned dealer who handled the transaction in disbelief.
A Coin Many Overlooked
Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was intended to modernize U.S. coinage. It was also historic — the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than a symbolic representation. However, the coin never gained popularity in everyday use. Many people mistook it for a quarter due to its size and color. Production was halted in 1981, with a brief return in 1999. Most Anthony dollars are still only worth face value or slightly more, depending on condition.
But this particular coin was anything but ordinary.
Discovery in an Inherited Collection
According to reports, the coin was found by a family going through an old coin collection inherited from a relative. They decided to bring the coins to a local dealer for appraisal, not expecting anything more than a few hundred dollars in total. What they didn’t realize was that tucked inside a binder was a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar with a unique feature — a rare “Wide Rim” variation in near-perfect condition.
The coin was sent for grading and came back with a near-flawless MS68 rating, an incredibly high mark for a coin of that era. Most known examples of the 1979-P Wide Rim are found in lower grades due to years of circulation. But this one appeared untouched, likely preserved since its minting.
A Dealer’s Moment of Awe
The coin was eventually auctioned through a major numismatic auction house, where fierce bidding drove the price higher than most experts had anticipated. When the final hammer came down at $980,000, the dealer who facilitated the appraisal admitted he was “completely stunned.”
“I’ve handled rare coins for over 20 years,” the dealer said. “I knew this coin was special the moment I saw it, but I never imagined it would reach that kind of price.”
Why It’s So Valuable
The Wide Rim variety, also known as the “Near Date” version, refers to the closer spacing between the date and the rim of the coin. While not extremely rare in itself, finding one in mint-state condition is highly unusual. Collectors place a premium on such specimens, especially if they have sharp details and luster.
Additionally, the growing popularity of modern U.S. coin collecting has led to increased interest in so-called “forgotten” series like the Anthony dollars. The recent sale proves that even relatively modern coins can command record-breaking prices under the right conditions.
Takeaway for Collectors
This sale serves as a wake-up call for casual collectors and families holding on to old coin collections. Hidden treasures may be sitting in boxes or drawers, waiting to be discovered. While not every coin is worth six figures, it’s becoming clear that certain varieties, especially in exceptional condition, are gaining momentum among serious buyers.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar has long been overlooked, often dismissed as pocket change. But this headline-making sale reminds us that the world of coin collecting still holds surprises — and that even coins once considered ordinary can hold extraordinary value.