Imagine picking up a coin from the ground and realizing it’s worth more than a luxury car. That’s exactly what happened when a lucky person found a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar in a parking lot.
This coin turned out to be worth an incredible $580,000, sparking excitement among coin collectors and ordinary people alike. Let’s explore why this coin is so valuable, how it was identified, and how you might spot one yourself.
What Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was a special coin released by the U.S. Mint between 1979 and 1981, and again briefly in 1999. It honored Susan B. Anthony, a famous women’s rights activist who fought for equality and the right to vote.
This coin made history as the first U.S. currency to feature a real woman. However, it wasn’t widely used because it looked very similar to a quarter, confusing many people.
Today, some versions of this coin are considered rare treasures, especially those with minting errors or special mint marks that set them apart.
Why Is This Coin Worth So Much?
Not every Susan B. Anthony dollar is valuable, but a few are extremely rare and fetch huge prices. The coin found in the parking lot likely had one or more of these special traits:
- Minting Errors: Mistakes made during production, such as misaligned designs or missing details.
- Low Mintage: Some years had fewer coins made, making them rare.
- Perfect Condition: Uncirculated or “mint” coins are worth more.
- Historical Significance: Being the first coin to feature a woman gives it lasting value.
The Lucky Parking Lot Discovery
A simple walk through a parking lot led to a life-changing moment when a person spotted a shiny coin and picked it up.
What looked like an ordinary dollar turned out to be a rare 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, later confirmed to be worth nearly $580,000. Experts believe this particular coin was a “Wide Rim” 1979-P version, which collectors highly prize due to its distinct design difference.
How Experts Identified the Coin
The finder took the coin to a professional coin dealer for inspection. Experts use magnifying tools and guidebooks to check important details such as:
- Mint mark: A small letter like P, D, or S shows where the coin was made (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco).
- Year: Rare years like 1979 or 1981 are valuable.
- Errors: Unique features like “Wide Rim” or “Clear S” marks increase worth.
Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar Versions
| Year | Mint Mark | Special Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | P | Wide Rim / Near Date | $500 – $580,000 |
| 1979 | S | Clear S Mint Mark | $100 – $10,000 |
| 1980 | S | Proof Coin | $50 – $5,000 |
| 1981 | Any | Uncirculated Condition | $50 – $15,000 |
| 1999 | P or D | Limited Mintage | $10 – $1,000 |
Where You Might Find One
You don’t need to be a professional collector to find a valuable coin. Check these places:
- Old change jars at home.
- Coin rolls from your bank.
- Garage sales or flea markets.
- Even parking lots, just like this story proves!
How to Start Coin Collecting
If this story inspired you, coin collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Start by learning about different U.S. coins, invest in a magnifying glass and coin holders, and always check your spare change carefully. You never know when you’ll uncover something worth thousands of dollars.
The discovery of a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $580,000 is a reminder that history can hide in plain sight.
This coin is not just money—it represents a powerful story of equality, craftsmanship, and luck. So, next time you find a coin lying around, take a closer look. It might just change your life forever.
FAQs
How can I tell if my Susan B. Anthony dollar is valuable?
Check the year, mint mark, and any unusual features like wide rims or clear S mint marks.
Where can I find these rare coins?
Look through old change jars, bank rolls, flea markets, and garage sales—rare coins often appear in unexpected places.
What should I do if I find a rare coin?
Take it to a certified coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify its authenticity and value.