Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Found at Airport Now Worth $2.8 Million: In an unexpected twist of fate, a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar coin has surfaced in one of the most unlikely places—an airport terminal. What seemed like an ordinary coin has now been appraised at a staggering $2.8 million, making headlines across the country. This astonishing discovery has sparked renewed interest in coin collecting and the hidden treasures possibly lurking in our everyday lives.
The Discovery That Shocked Everyone
The coin was found by a janitor at a regional airport in Pennsylvania during routine cleaning. Initially assumed to be pocket change left behind by a hurried traveler, the coin was nearly tossed into a lost-and-found box. Fortunately, the janitor, a part-time coin enthusiast, noticed something unusual about the coin’s appearance.
The coin in question was a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar—the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than a fictional figure. But this one was different. It had an unusual mint mark, a sharper strike, and a unique coloration that hinted at its rarity.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
While millions of Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted between 1979 and 1981, and briefly again in 1999, most are worth only face value or a slight premium to collectors. However, some rare variants are worth a fortune.
This particular coin turned out to be one of only a few experimental strikes created in 1979 with a special “wide rim” near the date—making the numbers appear closer to the edge of the coin. Most were never released to the public and were thought to have been destroyed. Somehow, this one slipped through the cracks.
Upon inspection by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the coin was confirmed to be in mint state and one of the rarest of its kind. Due to its immaculate condition and rarity, it received a record-breaking valuation of $2.8 million.
A Closer Look: Key Features of the $2.8M Susan B. Anthony Dollar
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1979 |
| Mint Mark | Philadelphia (no mint mark visible) |
| Variant | Wide Rim / Near Date |
| Condition | Mint State (MS-68) |
| Material | Copper-nickel clad |
| Estimated Value | $2.8 million |
| Unique Trait | Experimental strike, very limited release |
Why Susan B. Anthony Dollars Are Overlooked
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was never very popular with the public. It was often confused with quarters due to its size and color. As a result, it was largely pulled from circulation and replaced by the Sacagawea dollar in 2000.
Despite its unpopularity, coin collectors recognize that some minting anomalies and early production variants make certain Susan B. Anthony dollars incredibly valuable. This newfound coin proves that treasures can still be hiding in plain sight.
Reactions from the Numismatic Community
The numismatic (coin collecting) community has erupted with excitement over the discovery. Experts believe this could lead to increased interest in overlooked coinage like the Susan B. Anthony series.
“This is like finding a Picasso at a yard sale,” said numismatist Michael Garret. “It’s a game-changer. People will now start paying much more attention to their pocket change.”
How to Spot a Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you’re wondering whether you might have a valuable coin in your collection or change jar, here are a few tips:
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Check the Year: 1979 is the most valuable due to its experimental strikes.
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Look at the Rim: A wide rim or “near date” design means the numbers are close to the edge.
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Mint Mark: Coins from Philadelphia (no mint mark) are usually less common in rare variants.
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Condition: Coins with minimal wear or in mint state condition are worth more.
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Professional Grading: Get your coin appraised by a recognized service like PCGS or NGC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all Susan B. Anthony dollars valuable?
A: No, most are worth only face value. Only specific variants, such as the 1979 Wide Rim or experimental strikes, carry high value.
Q: How can I tell if I have a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: Check for the “Wide Rim” near the date, and consider having the coin evaluated by a professional grading service.
Q: Where can I sell a valuable coin?
A: Rare coins can be sold through reputable auction houses, certified coin dealers, or numismatic conventions.
Q: What should I do if I think I have a valuable coin?
A: Avoid cleaning it (this reduces value), store it safely, and have it professionally graded.
Q: Is it common to find rare coins in circulation?
A: It’s rare but not impossible. Many valuable coins have been found in pocket change, garage sales, or inherited collections.
Final Thought
The discovery of the $2.8 million Susan B. Anthony dollar serves as a powerful reminder that history—and value—can be hiding in the most unexpected places. What might seem like spare change could actually be a collector’s dream. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual observer, now might be the perfect time to take a second look at the coins jingling in your pocket. Who knows? You could be holding the next multi-million dollar surprise.