A simple coin tucked away in a forgotten purse has stunned the coin collecting world. A rare Susan B. Anthony dollar has sold for a massive $700,000, making headlines across the country and reigniting interest in rare U.S. currency finds.
A Shocking Find in a Pennsylvania Home
This remarkable discovery was made by a retired schoolteacher in Pennsylvania. While sorting through old belongings in a storage trunk, she stumbled upon a small leather purse filled with random items — faded receipts, loose change, and a curious-looking dollar coin.
That coin, assumed to be a regular Susan B. Anthony dollar, turned out to be a jackpot. Her grandson, a young coin enthusiast, quickly noticed something unusual about it. The edges, finish, and mint mark looked different from the typical dollar coins he had seen before.
Coin Authentication Reveals Rare Features
Curious, the family took the coin to a professional numismatist. After careful examination, the expert confirmed it was an ultra-rare 1981-S Type 2 Proof Susan B. Anthony dollar — a variant minted in San Francisco that features a sharper, clearer “S” mint mark. These Type 2 proofs are far rarer than their Type 1 counterparts.
Even more incredible, this coin displayed a double-die obverse — an error that causes the front design elements to appear slightly doubled. These kinds of minting errors are highly prized by collectors, and in this case, they helped catapult the coin’s value into six-figure territory.
Why This Coin Was Worth $700,000
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first issued in 1979 and circulated only until 1981, with a brief reissue in 1999. While not widely popular at the time, certain editions — especially error coins and high-grade proofs — are now considered extremely valuable.
This particular coin checked every box collectors look for:
- Rarity: Only a limited number of 1981-S Type 2 Proofs were ever produced.
- Error Feature: The double-die obverse made this coin unique.
- Condition: The coin was nearly flawless, likely stored untouched for decades.
- Historical Significance: The Susan B. Anthony series is a crucial part of U.S. coinage history.
The Auction That Stunned Everyone
The coin was submitted to a top-tier auction house specializing in rare U.S. collectibles. Bidders from across the globe quickly zeroed in on the rare find. After intense bidding, the coin was sold for a record-breaking $700,000.
“Finds like this are what keep the world of numismatics alive and exciting,” said an auction house representative. “It’s not just about money — it’s about preserving history and discovering the stories that coins can tell.”
How Many More Hidden Gems Are Out There?
This headline-making sale serves as a wake-up call for collectors and everyday people alike. Coins stored in drawers, purses, or old jars may hold unexpected value. Rare minting errors, unique variations, and historical oddities can turn ordinary-looking coins into life-changing treasures.
Experts encourage the public to check old coin stashes and get unusual coins professionally evaluated. It’s entirely possible that similar coins are still waiting to be discovered in homes across the country.
Final Thoughts
The incredible sale of a Susan B. Anthony dollar for $700,000 proves that coin collecting is far more than a hobby — it’s a gateway to discovering forgotten history and unexpected fortune. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just someone with an old coin jar, take a second look. The next record-breaking coin could be hiding right in your home.
Key takeaway: Don’t underestimate your spare change. That dusty purse or drawer might just be holding the next big numismatic surprise.