Have you ever checked your spare change and found something strange? What if one of those coins was actually worth $15,000? That’s right — a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar coin could be sitting in your pocket, purse, or coin jar right now. Let’s explore how to find it, what makes it so valuable, and how you can cash in on this little-known treasure.
What Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar is a U.S. coin first minted in 1979 to honor the famous women’s rights activist. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than a symbolic female figure like Lady Liberty.
Here’s what makes this coin stand out:
- It’s silver-colored but made mostly of copper.
- It’s smaller than older dollar coins, making it easy to mix up with quarters.
- It was only minted from 1979 to 1981, and once again in 1999.
Because of its short production time and design quirks, certain Susan B. Anthony dollars are now rare and highly valuable.
Why One of These Coins Is Worth $15,000
Not all Susan B. Anthony coins are valuable — but one specific version can fetch up to $15,000. That coin is the 1979-P “Wide Rim” (or Near Date) version.
Here’s why it’s rare:
- In early 1979, the U.S. Mint produced coins with a narrow rim that left extra space between the numbers and the edge.
- Later in the year, they switched to a wider rim, bringing the numbers closer to the edge of the coin.
- Only a small number of these “Wide Rim” 1979-P coins were made.
How to tell if you have the $15,000 coin:
- Look for the 1979 date with a Philadelphia “P” mint mark.
- Check if the rim is thicker and closer to the numbers (especially the “1” and “9”).
- If you’re unsure, take it to a coin dealer for verification.
Where to Look for This Rare Coin
You don’t need to be a collector to find this valuable coin. People have discovered them in the most unexpected places!
Check these spots:
- Old coin jars or piggy banks
- Your wallet or purse
- Parking meter or vending machine change
- Coin rolls from the bank
- Pocket change from grocery stores
Real-life example:
A man in Texas found a rare Susan B. Anthony coin mixed in with some loose quarters — and later sold it for over $10,000 after getting it professionally graded!
Other Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars to Watch For
While the 1979-P Wide Rim coin is the most valuable, other versions can be worth more than face value, especially if they’re in great condition.
Keep an eye out for:
- 1979-S Proof Type 2: Has a clear and sharp “S” mint mark — worth up to $500
- 1981-S Type 2 Proofs: Highly collectible — value ranges between $100 to $400
- 1999-P or D in Mint State (MS-67 or higher): Can sell for hundreds depending on condition
Fun Facts About Susan B. Anthony Dollars
- The coin was unpopular when first released because it was so similar in size and color to the quarter.
- Susan B. Anthony was chosen to appear on the dollar thanks to grassroots efforts by women’s groups.
- The coin was briefly reissued in 1999 due to a shortage of dollar coins before the Sacagawea dollar launched in 2000.
Tips to Sell or Collect Valuable Coins
Think you might have the $15,000 Susan B. Anthony dollar? Here’s what to do next:
Step-by-step tips:
- Don’t clean the coin — it could hurt its value!
- Take clear photos front and back.
- Visit a local coin shop or submit the coin to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Check online marketplaces like eBay to compare prices.
If you’re interested in collecting more coins, consider getting a coin album and learning how to spot valuable features like mint marks, errors, and special editions.
Final Thoughts: Could You Be Holding a Fortune?
The idea that a $15,000 coin could be hiding in your change isn’t just fun — it’s real. These rare Susan B. Anthony dollars are out there, and someone is going to find them. Why not you?
So go check your change — your next trip to the store might bring you more than just groceries. It could bring you a fortune.
