The Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth $1.5 Million — Still in Circulation

In a surprising twist that’s captivating collectors and casual coin holders alike, a rare version of the Susan B. Anthony dollar — a coin most Americans hardly give a second glance — has been valued at a staggering $1.5 million.

Many are shocked to learn that this valuable coin may still be out in everyday use, quietly blending in with pocket change, vending machine slots, or coin jars across the country.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth $1.5 Million

A Coin That Wasn’t Always Beloved

First released in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar honors the legendary women’s rights pioneer. It holds the distinction of being the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than a symbolic female figure like Lady Liberty. Despite its historical significance, the public didn’t warmly embrace the coin. Its similar size and color to a quarter led to confusion, resulting in low usage. Production for general circulation ceased in 1981, although a brief return occurred in 1999 to meet demand from transit and vending industries.

Initially regarded as a failure, the coin has recently gained unexpected attention due to the discovery of a highly rare and valuable minting error.

The $1.5 Million Mistake

What sets this particular Susan B. Anthony dollar apart is a unique mistake made during the minting process. Experts believe the coin is a 1979-P “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety, which is already sought after. However, this one also features a double-die obverse (DDO), where certain parts of the design — like the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” and Anthony’s portrait — appear doubled.

Its value, soaring to $1.5 million, comes from a mix of extreme rarity, pristine condition (graded MS-68 or better), and the pronounced doubling error. Very few coins with this combination are known to exist, making it a major score for collectors when one surfaced in a private transaction.

Still Out There?

Experts believe the possibility remains that more of these rare coins are still in circulation. Given how many were minted and how casually they were handled, one might still be sitting in a forgotten piggy bank or drawer.

“If you have any 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars, take a moment to inspect them,” advises Ron Thompson, an Ohio-based coin appraiser. “Focus on the date spacing and look for any doubling. Even if it’s not the million-dollar coin, some varieties still fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.”

What to Look For

Curious if your coin is valuable? Here’s what to check:

• 1979-P Wide Rim: The date appears closer to the coin’s edge than usual.
• Doubling: Check for duplicate impressions in the inscriptions.
• Mint Condition: Coins with little to no wear are far more valuable.

For confirmation, professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can assess the coin’s condition and authenticity. While most Susan B. Anthony dollars are still worth face value, finding one worth even $50 or $100 is a pleasant surprise.

A Reminder to Check Your Change

Stories like these highlight how easily overlooked pieces of history can suddenly become treasures. Ordinary coins can carry extraordinary value, reminding us that valuable artifacts aren’t only found in museums.

So before you spend that Susan B. Anthony dollar, take a closer look — you could be holding a fortune in your hand.

Final Thought

Not every Susan B. Anthony dollar is valuable, but the next one you come across might just be a life-changing find. Always check your spare change — you never know what hidden gem might be waiting.

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