A Susan B. Anthony dollar packed in a usual cash register of a little antique store became a dream of coin collectors of the world. However, when the store owner went to count money in the register as usual, he found a different type of coin. Upon second view, it was realized that this was not a regular coin, but a scarce Susan B. Anthony Dollar of 1979. Estimation of its worth was about $890,000, i.e., roughly Rs 98 lakh. This finding proved that sometimes, invaluable things can also be found in our everyday life.
Historical Significance of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
In 1969, the US Congress began considering a smaller dollar coin made of canvas metal to facilitate coin-cash transactions. First issued in 1979, the coin got its name from the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, a symbol of women’s rights and its design. The central idea of the series was to modernize the monetary system, but because it had a pink metallic (copper-nickel clad) coating and resembled a quarter (25 cents) in color and shape, it failed to enter into mass circulation.
Design and Features

- Size: 26.5 mm diameter
- Metal composition: Copper-nickel clad (approximately 8.1 grams)
- Obverse: Susan B. Anthony’s obverse woman rights advocate
- Reverse side: Inscribed daggers “E PLURIBUS UNUM“and “ONE DOLLAR” between grapevine strings
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (with no mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”)
Although the vast majority of examples were struck on a copper-nickel clad, some were inadvertently minted on the 40% silver planchet of the old Eisenhower dollar.
These coins caused a stir in the numismatic world.
The $890,000 Find: An Extraordinary Turn
A coin worth far more than the original dollar value was found during an end-of-day cash count at a small antique store in Savannah, Georgia. When it was sent to experts, it was discovered to be a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar p edition, mistakenly minted on a 40% silver planchet. Only 10-12 coins of this kind are known to exist, and this one was a priceless specimen in Near-Mint MS-66 grade.
The Rarity of 1979 D Susan B Anthony Dollar Errors

Minutes in coins are a boon to numismatists. Features of the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar errors:
- Incorrect planchet: Silver planchet, instead of the usual copper-nickel clad
- First-year errors: 1979 was the first year the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was issued, so the errors are considered especially valuable
- Minor graphics displacement: On some coins, the lines of the letters “ONE DOLLAR” or “LIBERTY” become too wide or close together
- Error grading: Coins graded MS-65 or above are worth several times more
1980 Susan B Anthony Dollar and another version

If you want to know more about the 1980 Susan B Anthony dollar, note that most of the coins issued that year were made with the standard clad. Proof cutlists are only available from the San Francisco Mint (“S”) and are also rare, but not as rare as the 1979 silver versions with the flaw. However, the Susan B. Anthony dollar value of Proof editions continues to increase in bulk, especially when they are graded PR-69 or PR-70.
Susan B Anthony Dollar Value Analysis
The Susan B. Anthony dollar in the coin market depends on several factors:
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (“D”), or San Francisco (“S”)
- Mint Year: 1979, 1980, 1999, and error year
- Grades: MS-60 to MS-67+, Proof PR-60 to PR-70
- Errors: Incorrect planchet, displaced printing, extra strikes
- Condition: Uncirculated, Proof, Deep Cameo Proof
For example, an uncirculated MS-63 grade coin with a normal 1979 Susan B. Anthony value sells today for around $25–$50, while MS-65 or above coins minted on an error-prone 40% silver planchet can reach several hundred thousand dollars.
Treasure Hunt: How to Identify
- Check the date and mint mark
- Pay special attention to 1979, 1980, or 1999
- Identify the “P”, “D,” or “S” mark
- Color and Metal
- Different from the golden-silver sheen of the common copper-nickel clad
- Silver tone on the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar p
- Weight
- ~8.1 g in common, ~24 g in silver
- Edge
- Copper-nickel clad has a copper stripe down the middle, and silver has a completely silver one
- Error Type
- See examples of 1979 d Susan B. Anthony dollar errors: Wide Rim, Near Date, Off-Center
Expert Appraisals and Grading
If you suspect you have a valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar, send it to a certified grading service (PCGS or NGC):
- Place the coin in a secure EVA foam or anti-turning holder. Keep it safe
- Avoid damaged zip-lock bags or wrapping, such as duvets
- Protect the silver or silver planchet coating from scratches or fingerprints
The grading process can be costly, but a high grade can multiply the value of your asset.
Enrich your collection
- Savings jars and old vending machines
People often end up using coins in their pockets or in vending machines. - Antique store cash registers
As was the case with this $890K find, valuable coins can sometimes be found hidden in antique store registers. - Bank rolls
Bankrolls can sometimes contain rare, flawed coins. - Online auctions and numismatic clubs
You can also grow your collection by looking at fine details on various websites and getting expert advice.
Safe storage and handling
- Moisture control: Use silica gel packs
- Limit heating: Avoid extremely hot or cold places
- Handling: Touch only with cotton gloves or a corner
- Display: Store in UV-proof glass and frames
Proper care will keep your coins’ grades stable and maintain their Susan B. Anthony dollar value.
Prospects
Growing interest in the coin market With this, the search and valuation of Susan B. Anthony Dollar has increased in the last few years. If a new flawed version is found in the future, its value could be even higher. So even the undiscovered collectors can now check out the coins kept in the “idea box” with peace of mind.
Conclusion
This unique discovery shows that even the coins we use every day can have hidden heritage. An ordinary Susan B. Anthony Dollar can sometimes be the source of great value. If you examine coins carefully and pay attention to mint errors, you could find an ancient treasure in your hands. So the next time you look in a second-hand shop or your ordinary pile of change, you may have a rare treasure on your hands.
FAQs
Q1. What makes the $890,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar so valuable?
A1. It’s a rare 1979-P silver planchet error and near-mint MS-66 condition.
Q2. How can I identify a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar error?
A2. Check for “P” mint mark, silver tone, ~24 g weight, and Wide Rim/Near Date minting anomalies.
Q3. Is the Susan B. Anthony dollar still found in circulation?
A3. Rarely, but they still appear in vending machines, bank rolls, and coin jars.
Q4. What is the value of a common 1980 Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A4. Uncirculated MS-63 coins sell for around $25–$50; proofs fetch more.
Q5. Where should I check for rare Susan B. Anthony dollars?
A5. Antique shop cash registers, piggy banks, bank rolls, and online auctions.