Picture this: You grab a steaming cup of joe at your local diner, toss a shiny dollar coin on the counter, and head out the door. No big deal, right? But what if that coin was a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar hiding a minting secret worth nearly a million bucks? That’s exactly what happened in a story that’s got rare coin collectors buzzing.
This isn’t just about one lucky find—it’s a wake-up call for anyone with a jar of loose change. Dive in, and I’ll show you why this Susan B. Anthony dollar auction shattered records and how you might spot your own hidden gem.
What Happened: The $2.75 Coffee That Cost a Fortune
It was an ordinary day in a small-town diner. A woman ordered coffee, paid with a Susan B. Anthony dollar from her purse, and left with her change. The server pocketed the coin, thinking nothing of it. Weeks later, while sorting through tips, he noticed something off about the edge. Turns out, it was a 1979-P Wide Rim “Near Date” variety—a rare minting error where the date hugs too close to the rim.
Experts at Heritage Auctions graded it MS-68, pristine and untouched. Bidding exploded, and it sold for $890,000. From caffeine fix to collector’s crown jewel, this tale shows how everyday rare coins can rewrite lives.
The Backstory: A Quick History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Launched in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar honored the suffragette who fought for women’s voting rights. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman—not Lady Liberty. Minted from 1979 to 1981, then briefly in 1999, over 888 million were produced. But confusion with quarters doomed it—same size, golden hue.
The Wide Rim error? A production glitch on just a handful of 1979 Philadelphia coins. What started as a push for equality became a numismatic icon, blending history with huntable rarities.
Why This Rare Coin Is Worth a Fortune Today
In today’s market, rarity rules. Most Susan B. Anthony dollars fetch under $5, but errors like the Wide Rim? They soar due to scarcity—fewer than 1 in 10,000 from that run. Add pristine condition and a juicy provenance (that coffee story seals it), and you’ve got auction fever.
Numismatists crave these for their empowerment vibe and mint quirks. With coin values climbing 15% yearly, this $890,000 sale isn’t a fluke—it’s the new benchmark for rare Susan B. Anthony dollars.
Hunt for Treasures: How You Can Spot and Collect Rare Coins
Dreaming of your own payday? Start simple. Raid your change jar or hit estate sales for Susan B. Anthony dollars. Look for Wide Rim edges or “Near Date” stamps. Apps like CoinSnap help ID them fast.
Join clubs like the American Numismatic Association for swaps and tips. Budget $20–$100 to start a collection—affordable entry to rare coins that could pay off big. Who knows? Your next vending machine pull might be gold.
Mind-Blowing Facts and Auction Stats
- Only 12 Wide Rim examples graded above MS-67 exist.
- This coin’s $890K sale beat prior records by 4x—top SBA was $21,600.
- Total SBA mintage: 888M, but errors make them unicorn rare coins.
Pro Tips from Numismatic Pros
Don’t polish that heirloom—cleaning tanks value by 50%. Get PCGS or NGC grading for authenticity; it doubles resale odds. Track auctions on eBay or Heritage for trends. Diversify: Pair SBA with Mercury dimes for a balanced rare coins portfolio. And always, store in albums away from humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the rarest Susan B. Anthony dollar?
The 1979-P Wide Rim Near Date—super scarce and pricey.
Are Susan B. Anthony dollars still legal tender?
Yes! They’re worth face value, but rarities fetch way more.
How do I sell a rare coin?
Authenticate first, then hit auction houses like Heritage.
Can I find one in circulation?
Rarely, but check old rolls or banks—fortune favors the curious.
Conclusion
This wild ride from diner counter to $890K hammer proves rare coins like the Susan B. Anthony dollar aren’t just metal—they’re stories waiting to unfold. Whether you’re a hobbyist or newbie numismatist, start checking your pockets today. You might uncover history’s next big score. Share your finds in the comments, or grab a coin guide below. What’s your rarest discovery?