In an astonishing discovery that has surprised both coin collectors and everyday people alike, a seemingly ordinary Susan B. Anthony dollar coin—long mistaken for a simple game token—has been identified as an ultra-rare minting error worth an incredible $1.1 million.
A Coin Hidden in Plain Sight
The remarkable coin was found during a routine household clean-up by a resident of Michigan. For nearly twenty years, it had been tossed around like a Monopoly piece at the bottom of an old board game box, completely overlooked for its true value.
It wasn’t until the owner noticed the coin’s slightly off-center strike and unusual shine that curiosity got the better of them. Taking it to a local coin appraisal event changed everything.
The Story Behind the Rare Susan B. Anthony Coin
At the appraisal fair, numismatic experts quickly recognized the coin’s significance. This was no ordinary Susan B. Anthony dollar—it was a 1981-S Proof with a rare double strike error. Only a handful of these coins are known to exist worldwide.
The double strike error occurred during the minting process when the coin was struck twice with a slight misalignment. This unique feature creates distinctive details that collectors highly prize.
Jonathan Marks, a seasoned numismatist with over 25 years of experience, said, “Finding a coin like this in everyday circulation—and especially in a game box—is nearly unheard of. The rarity here is truly extraordinary.”
Why This Susan B. Anthony Coin Commands Such High Value
Although Susan B. Anthony dollars are generally common, certain minting years between 1979 and 1981, along with a brief 1999 run, produced multiple variations. These include small date and large date formats, different mintmark types, and rare proof errors.
This particular coin’s combination of a proof finish and double strike error makes it exceptionally valuable. A private collector purchased it for $1.1 million, setting a new high watermark for Susan B. Anthony coin sales.
Overlooked Coins Can Hold Hidden Value
The story highlights a common theme in the world of coin collecting: many valuable coins are overlooked because they resemble everyday tokens or game pieces. Susan B. Anthony dollars, with their flat design and smaller size compared to newer dollar coins, are often mistaken for arcade tokens or foreign coins.
Marks commented, “This isn’t the first time a valuable coin was dismissed as a toy. It’s a good reminder to always check your change and old collections carefully.”
Are More Rare Susan B. Anthony Coins Still Out There?
Many Susan B. Anthony dollars remain in limited circulation today, frequently found in vending machines or as unexpected change from places like the U.S. Postal Service. Experts believe there could still be undiscovered rare variations, including double strikes and off-center errors.
Production of the Susan B. Anthony dollar ended in 1981 due to lack of public interest. However, recent high-profile discoveries and record auction prices have reignited excitement for this coin, especially among younger collectors.
The Growing Buzz Around Rare Coin Discoveries
This viral discovery is part of a larger trend: social media and online communities have boosted public interest in rare coin finds. Stories of ordinary people uncovering valuable coins—like six-figure wheat pennies or Roosevelt dimes fetching near a million dollars—have inspired many to search their own collections.
Now, the Susan B. Anthony dollar joins this elite list of coins that were hiding in plain sight, sometimes for decades.
Final Thoughts
The incredible story of a $1.1 million Susan B. Anthony coin mistaken for a game token is a powerful reminder: valuable treasures often lie hidden in everyday places. Before you toss aside that old coin, take a closer look—it might just be your key to an unexpected fortune.