Imagine reaching into your pocket for loose change and pulling out a small coin that could change your life forever. That’s exactly what happened to an ordinary woman from Oregon who discovered a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar worth a staggering $11.9 million. Minted in 1979 with a one-of-a-kind silver error, this overlooked gem proves that fortune might be hiding in your wallet right now. In this guide, we’ll explore the coin’s history, the thrilling discovery, and tips to spot your own potential jackpot.
The Story Behind the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Who Was Susan B. Anthony and Why Her Face on a Coin?
Susan B. Anthony was a brave leader in the fight for women’s rights in the United States. She worked hard to help women get the right to vote, which finally happened in 1920, long after her death in 1906. To honor her, the U.S. government decided to put her picture on a new dollar coin in 1979. This was a big deal because it was the first time a real woman—not just a made-up figure like Lady Liberty—appeared on an everyday U.S. coin.
The coin, often called the SBA dollar for short, looks a lot like a quarter but is worth one dollar. On one side, you see Anthony’s face looking serious and strong. The other side shows an eagle landing on the moon, a nod to America’s space adventures. These coins were made to replace paper one-dollar bills and make it easier to use in vending machines or for bus fares. But people didn’t like how small it was—it confused them with quarters—and it didn’t catch on much.
Production Years and Why They Stopped Making Them
The U.S. Mint started producing Susan B. Anthony dollars in late 1979 in Philadelphia. They made a huge number—over 758 million coins—through 1981. Then, they paused because not many people used them. Demand was low, so the coins piled up in storage. They brought them back for a short time in 1999 to help with needs like casino chips and transit tokens. In total, about 888 million were minted, but most are common and only worth their face value of $1.
Even today, these coins are legal money. You can spend them at any store, and banks still accept them. But here’s the exciting part: while most are ordinary, a few rare ones have turned up with mistakes from the minting process. These errors make them super valuable to collectors who love hunting for hidden treasures.
The Shocking Discovery: From Wallet to Wealth
How One Woman’s Routine Day Turned into a Millionaire Moment
Picture this: A middle-aged woman from Oregon is going about her day, maybe grabbing coffee or paying for groceries. She pulls out some change from her wallet and notices a shiny dollar coin that feels a bit different—heavier, almost. Curious, she sets it aside instead of spending it. Later, at home, she decides to look it up online. What she finds blows her mind: it’s a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar, but not just any version. This one was accidentally made using silver planchets (the blank metal discs) meant for older, bigger coins like the Eisenhower dollar.
These silver planchets are 90% pure silver, unlike the usual copper-nickel mix used for SBA dollars. This mix-up at the mint is incredibly rare—no other SBA dollar like this has ever been found. Experts call it a “mule error” or “wrong planchet error,” where the wrong metal blank gets stamped. The woman, who wishes to stay anonymous, took it to a coin expert for verification. Tests confirmed it was genuine silver, and word spread fast in the collecting world.
The Auction Frenzy and Record-Breaking Sale
Once authenticated, the coin hit the auction block in a sealed bid sale, meaning buyers submitted private offers without knowing others’ bids. Collectors from around the globe jumped in, seeing it as the holy grail of modern U.S. errors. Bids climbed into the millions, driven by its one-of-a-kind status and tie to women’s history. In the end, a private buyer snapped it up for $11.9 million in September 2025. That’s more than many houses cost!
This sale isn’t just about money—it’s a reminder that everyday items can hold massive value. The Oregon woman went from puzzled to prosperous overnight, proving that luck favors the observant. Stories like hers pop up now and then, but this one stands out for its sky-high price and the coin’s ongoing use in circulation.
Why Is This Coin Worth So Much? Breaking Down the Value Factors
Rarity and Minting Errors Explained Simply
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are easy to find and cheap—maybe $1 to $5 if they’re in good shape. But rarity comes from low numbers made or mistakes during production. This $11.9 million coin’s silver error makes it unique: only one known example exists. Other rare types include the 1979 “near date” variety, where the date sits too close to the edge, or the “wide rim” version with thicker edges.
Errors happen when machines at the mint glitch. For example, if a coin gets stamped off-center or on the wrong metal, it becomes a collector’s dream. The silver planchet error here happened because leftover blanks from 1970s silver dollars got mixed in by accident. Add in the coin’s age and historical nod to Anthony’s legacy, and you’ve got why it fetched such a price.
Market Trends for Collectors
Coin collecting, or numismatics, is a booming hobby. Values rise with demand from enthusiasts who value history over just money. Recent sales show SBA dollars gaining steam, especially with new interest in women on currency (like the American Women Quarters program started in 2022). Online sites like eBay see thousands of listings, but top errors go to big auctions like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers for the best prices.
| Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Varieties | Key Feature | Approximate Value Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Near Date | Date too close to rim | $10 – $500 | Common error, but high-grade examples fetch more |
| 1979-S Proof Type 2 | Clear “S” mint mark | $50 – $1,000 | Made for collectors, not circulation |
| 1999-P Wide Rim | Thicker edge variety | $20 – $200 | Scarcer than standard, popular with beginners |
| 1981-S Proof | Last year of main run | $5 – $50 | Affordable entry for new collectors |
| 1979-P Silver Error (This Coin) | Struck on 90% silver | $11.9 Million | One-of-a-kind; never before seen |
This table highlights top varieties based on recent auction data. As you can see, most are budget-friendly, but errors like the silver one are game-changers.
Tips for Spotting Your Own Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Simple Checks You Can Do at Home
Don’t toss that odd coin in your change jar! Start by weighing it—a normal SBA is about 8.1 grams, but silver ones feel heavier at around 9-10 grams. Check the date: Look for 1979-P with the “P” close to the bottom. Use a magnifying glass for mint marks (tiny letters like “P” for Philadelphia). Clean it gently with water and a soft cloth—never polish, as that lowers value.
Hunt in likely spots: old purses, grandma’s cookie jar, flea markets, or bank rolls of dollars. Apps like CoinSnap can scan and identify coins quickly. If it looks special, snap photos and consult free sites like PCGS CoinFacts.
Where to Sell If You Find a Winner
For quick cash, try eBay or local coin shops—they’ll grade it (rate its condition from 1-70) and offer fair prices. For max value, go to professional auctions; they handle authentication and draw big buyers. Always get a certificate of authenticity to prove it’s real. Remember, even common SBAs can add up if you have a bunch.
Conclusion
The tale of the $11.9 million Susan B. Anthony dollar is more than a lucky find—it’s a spark that reignites curiosity about the coins jingling in our pockets. From honoring a women’s rights hero to hiding multimillion-dollar secrets, these small discs pack big stories. Whether you’re a collector or just someone who likes a good treasure hunt, this discovery reminds us: History and wealth are closer than we think. Next time you get change, take a second look—you might hold the next big score. Start checking today, and who knows? Your ordinary dollar could be extraordinary.
FAQ
What makes a Susan B. Anthony dollar rare?
Rarity comes from minting errors, low production numbers in certain years, or special features like wide rims. The 1979 silver error is the rarest, with only one known.
Are Susan B. Anthony dollars still legal to use?
Yes! They are official U.S. currency worth $1 each and accepted anywhere dollars are.
How can I tell if my SBA dollar is valuable?
Weigh it, check the date and mint mark, and look for errors. Use online guides or apps for a quick scan. If unsure, visit a coin dealer.
Where was the $11.9 million coin found?
It was discovered in a woman’s wallet during everyday change in Oregon, USA.
Can I still buy Susan B. Anthony dollars?
Absolutely—common ones are cheap on eBay or from the U.S. Mint. Rare varieties cost more at auctions.