A routine shift at a small-town diner turned into a life-changing moment when a seemingly ordinary coin—a Susan B. Anthony dollar—was discovered in the cash register.
What looked like pocket change ended up being a rare collector’s item valued at a staggering $890,000.
A Coin That Blended In
The Susan B. Anthony dollar, first minted in 1979, is not often seen in daily transactions today. Many Americans mistake it for a quarter due to its similar size and silver coloring. For that reason, it’s often overlooked. But one coin collector and part-time employee at the diner in Ohio paid closer attention—and it paid off.
According to the diner owner, the discovery happened during a routine closing-time count. The employee noticed the coin had an unusual shine and slightly different strike. Out of curiosity, he took a picture and shared it in an online coin forum. The response was immediate: “You may have something extremely rare,” one expert replied.
What Makes This Susan B. Anthony Dollar So Special?
While millions of Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted between 1979 and 1981, and again in 1999, only a few specific variants hold major value. This particular coin turned out to be a 1979-P “Wide Rim” Near Date variety—already considered valuable among collectors. But what made this one a true outlier was a striking mint error combined with perfect condition grading (MS70) by a leading coin grading service.
Experts say the coin was likely part of an early mint run with a die alignment error. That, along with it remaining untouched and uncirculated all these years, contributed to its sky-high value. It’s believed to be one of only two such coins in existence.
A Surprise Auction Windfall
Once authenticated and graded, the coin was listed by a private auction house known for rare numismatic pieces. Interest quickly grew, with multiple collectors and institutions vying for ownership. In a matter of days, the coin fetched $890,000, surpassing all expectations.
The diner worker who made the discovery has since remained anonymous but released a short statement:
“I almost dropped it back in the register. I just had a gut feeling it looked different. I never imagined it could be worth more than my yearly income.”
What This Means for Coin Collectors
The incident has stirred excitement in the coin collecting community and beyond. It’s another reminder that valuable coins are still hiding in plain sight—sometimes right in our pockets or change drawers. The Susan B. Anthony dollar, once criticized for its unpopularity and similarity to the quarter, is now enjoying a moment in the spotlight.
Collectors are now revisiting their old stashes and double-checking their change. Online searches for “Susan B. Anthony dollar value” have spiked dramatically in the days following the auction.
What to Look For in a Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you have old coins lying around, here’s what might increase the value of a Susan B. Anthony dollar:
- 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) version
- Proof coins with mint marks like “S” (especially from 1981)
- Mint errors like double strikes, off-centering, or die cracks
- Coins in uncirculated or mint condition (MS65 and above)
It’s advised to get coins appraised or graded by a reputable service if you suspect they might be valuable.
Also Read:- One Buffalo Nickel With No Date Just Made Headlines After Selling for $1.2 Million
Final Thoughts
This incredible discovery proves that history and value often hide in plain sight. Whether you’re a dedicated numismatist or just someone who handles a lot of cash, it might be time to take a closer look at your spare change. That dull coin might just be a small piece of U.S. history—worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
