A woman from the US state of Oregon experienced an sudden event. She was about to use a coin she discovered in her pockets, questioning if it was an everyday one, but it turned out to be an unprecedented Susan B. Anthony dollar, valued at $11.9 million. The coin she located in a petroleum station’s alternate is now appearing as one in all America’s most precious modern-day cash.
Ordinary looking coin caught attention
When the woman discovered this coin, she thought that it was some change she received so that she could purchase coffee. However, the shine and the design of the coin attracted her attention. She presented the coin to her son who is a history teacher. The son guessed immediately upon seeing the coin that it must be something unique.
A surprise discovery for collectors
The coin was forwarded to professionals for analysis, where a number of well-known grading companies confirmed it. They described it as a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar that was erroneously struck on a 90 percent silver plate. This is a mint error never observed on any other coin ever.
“This is a one-of-a-type coin. The U.S. Mint in no way produced a Susan B. Anthony dollar in ninety percent silver, and it became by no means put into circulate. This is an blunders that need to not have occurred — however did,” stated Laura Mitchell, senior expert with the American Coin Collectors Society.
Why is this coin worth $11.9 million
There are a few major reasons this coin is worth so much:
Struck on the wrong metal
The coin was initially intended to be struck in a plate consisting of a mixture of copper and nickel, but it was mistakenly struck in a silver plate possibly remaining from an earlier Eisenhower dollar.
First Year the Coin Was Issued
The coin date is 1979, the same year that the Susan B. Anthony dollar was first minted. As a first-year coin, it is even more valuable.
Very Good Condition
This coin graded MS-68, which means it is almost perfect and flawless. The higher the grading, the more expensive it is.
One of a Kind
No other Susan B. Anthony dollar has ever been discovered that was struck on 90 percent silver. This coin is unique.
When its authentic nature was disclosed, numerous private collectors put seven-digit bids on it. Eventually, the coin was sold in a closed auction for $11.9 million.
Could more coins like this still be in circulation
Although this is a shocking find, professionals opine that some rare Susan B. Anthony dollars can still be found circulating. Most people are not interested in dollar coins, and because of this, some special coins might still be stuck in one’s wallet, vending machine or bank roll.
“Most people just ignore these coins. They fall into vending machines, casinos or in bank transactions. So most likely more of these coins remain hidden — but just not yet found,” American Coin Collectors Society’s Laura Mitchell said.
How to know if a Susan B. Anthony dollar is a rarity
If you possess a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, remember the following:
Examine the date
The coin could be dated 1979, 1980, 1981 or 1999. Those minted in 1979 are particularly likely to be scarce.
Be on the lookout for a Mint Mark
A “P,” “D,” or “S” can be printed underneath the date. These reflect the mint location.
Be on the lookout for a Metallic Luster
A coin can be special if it has a shiny silvery-gray surface. Such coins are typically made of copper and nickel.
Compare the Weight
If you have a reliable digital scale, weigh the coin. Silver coins should be slightly more heavy.
Search for Design Clues
If the coin has a repetitive pattern, the print is ever so slightly distorted, or the finish appears different, it might be special.
Last Words: Coins Still Hold Big Treasures
This Oregon woman’s tale demonstrates that coins still contain secrets and riches beyond people’s imagination.
Every time you receive change at a store or sort through your old coins, make sure to inspect them thoroughly. You never know, the next million-dollar coin might be in your hands.
Would you like me to make a simple checklist for inspecting Susan B. Anthony dollars?
FAQs
Why was this Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $11.9 million?
It was a unique mint error — struck on a 90% silver planchet, making it one of a kind.
What made this 1979 dollar coin so special?
It was mistakenly made using silver intended for earlier Eisenhower dollars — a rare minting error never seen before.
What years were Susan B. Anthony dollars minted?
These coins were produced in 1979, 1980, 1981, and once again in 1999 for limited circulation.