In a surprising twist that has amazed both casual collectors and expert numismatists, a rare 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is reportedly valued at an astonishing $5 million—and even more astonishingly, it is believed to still be circulating as everyday currency in the United States.
While dollar coins typically go unnoticed by most people, this particular Susan B. Anthony Dollar has captured significant attention due to its extreme rarity and mysterious history.
The Birth of a Historic Coin
Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar marked the first U.S. coin to honor a real woman, celebrating the pioneering suffragist who championed women’s voting rights.
This coin represented a bold design shift, replacing the larger Eisenhower Dollar with a smaller, more practical size. However, because it closely resembled the quarter in both size and color, it caused confusion among users and failed to gain widespread acceptance.
Despite its lukewarm reception by the public, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar remains historically significant, with some editions becoming quite valuable over time.
What Makes This Coin Worth $5.0 Million?
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar currently in the spotlight is far from ordinary. Experts believe it to be a pattern coin, a rare prototype struck before mass production began. These pattern coins often show subtle differences, such as an unusual mint mark, missing design elements, or a unique composition.
Rumors among collectors and auction houses hint that this particular coin might be a proof version featuring a “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety produced in a limited early run at the Philadelphia Mint. Only a handful of these coins are known, and many remain hidden in private collections.
This rare specimen could very well be one of those scarce early pattern coins, possibly still circulating unnoticed in everyday transactions like vending machines, change trays, or coin jars across the country.
Why It Matters Today
The excitement surrounding this coin goes beyond its extraordinary value. It sparks the imagination that something as small and overlooked as loose change could be worth millions. In an economy where every dollar counts, the idea that everyday coins might hold hidden treasures inspires many Americans.
Numismatic communities have embraced social media to share photos and tips to help ordinary people identify valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars. Online forums are flooded with images of 1979 coins as enthusiasts hope to uncover the next valuable find.
How to Identify the Million-Dollar Coin?
Not all Susan B. Anthony Dollars from 1979—or any other year—are valuable, but collectors recommend checking for certain features:
Look for a “P” mint mark with a Wide Rim or Near Date, where the date is positioned unusually close to the coin’s edge.
A proof finish often signals a unique strike, characterized by mirror-like surfaces and frosted details.
Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition tend to be worth much more.
Uncommon variations such as misspellings, off-center strikes, or doubled images can dramatically increase value.
Experts suggest having your coin professionally graded before selling or auctioning it. Trusted services like PCGS or NGC offer authentication and valuation.
In Conclusion
While it’s not unheard of in the rare coin world, the notion that a $1 coin could command a $5 million price tag seems almost unbelievable. With the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar now in the spotlight, there’s no better time to examine your change.
That forgotten penny or dollar coin in your drawer might just be the next multi-million-dollar discovery.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar so rare and valuable?
It’s considered a pattern coin with distinctive features like a wide rim, proof finish, or minting irregularities that make it exceedingly rare.
Q2: How can I check if my Susan B. Anthony Dollar is valuable?
Look for a wide rim, a shiny proof surface, a “P” mint mark, and a flawless, uncirculated condition.
Q3: Where can I get my coin evaluated or authenticated?
Professional grading companies such as PCGS or NGC provide authentication and condition assessment.
Q4: Is it possible that a rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar is still in circulation?
Yes, experts believe one of these rare coins may still be circulating unnoticed in everyday change, waiting to be found.