A retired teacher browsing a dusty bookstore in upstate New York stumbled upon a surprising treasure: a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin now valued at an astonishing $2.122 million. Hidden inside a hollowed-out book on American politics, the discovery has set the numismatic world abuzz. Once dismissed as uninspiring and quickly phased out of circulation, the Susan B. Anthony dollar has suddenly re-emerged—this time as a record-setting collector’s item.
The Coin That Time Nearly Forgot
First minted in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than a symbolic female figure. However, it failed to gain traction due to its size and design, often confused with the quarter. Its production was halted in 1981, with a brief revival in 1999 before being replaced by the Sacagawea dollar in 2000.
Still, certain varieties from the series—especially mint errors or early releases—are coveted by collectors. Among these is the rare 1979-P “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” version, which was only minted in limited quantities before the U.S. Mint corrected the die spacing.
Why This Coin Is So Valuable
This newly discovered dollar isn’t just a 1979-P Wide Rim—it also exhibits minting anomalies that make it nearly one of a kind. Here’s what makes it stand out:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint Mark | 1979-P “Wide Rim” (Near Date) |
| Condition | Near-perfect, likely uncirculated due to preservation inside the book |
| Minting Error | Die clash, doubling on both obverse and reverse |
| Estimated Value | $2.122 million |
| Grading Status | Verified and authenticated by national numismatic experts |
Coins like this don’t just carry face value—they’re artifacts of minting history. And when a rare variation is discovered in pristine condition, it becomes a highly desirable collector’s piece.
How It Was Found
The coin was uncovered by a retired teacher who frequently scours small bookstores for rare finds. On this occasion, he reached for a thick book on American politics and noticed something odd: the cover had a subtle bulge. Inside was a carved-out section containing the coin—carefully hidden and untouched for decades.
Thinking little of it at first, he assumed it was just a regular dollar coin. But after a closer look, its luster and unique features prompted a trip to a local coin shop. The shopkeeper, recognizing its rarity, connected him with national grading services. The rest is numismatic history.
A Modern-Day Coin Hunting Tale
This story is more than just a lucky find; it’s a powerful reminder to pay attention to what might be hiding in plain sight. Rare coins aren’t just in museums or collector’s safes—they’re in garages, thrift stores, and apparently, even inside books.
Collectors are now on alert for more Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony dollars, especially those with minting irregularities. While most won’t fetch millions, some can still be worth hundreds or even thousands depending on their condition and rarity.
Renewed Interest in a Forgotten Coin
The Susan B. Anthony dollar is enjoying a rare second act. Once viewed as a misstep in U.S. coin design, it’s now the focus of renewed attention. Experts believe this multimillion-dollar discovery could spark fresh interest in both casual coin collecting and professional numismatics.
As one coin dealer aptly stated: “It’s a Cinderella story for a coin that never got its moment—until now.”
FAQs:
What makes the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar rare?
The “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” version was only minted for a short time and in limited numbers, making it rarer than standard versions.
What is a minting error?
A minting error is a mistake made during the coin production process, such as a die clash or double strike. These often increase a coin’s value.
How can I tell if I have a valuable dollar coin?
Look for variations like Wide Rims, doubling, or unusual design elements. Getting the coin professionally appraised is the best way to know its value.
