Last month, a small antique bookstore in Ohio posted a photo that blew up across coin groups on Reddit and Facebook. An employee emptying the donation box found a single 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar mixed in with modern change. What started as a funny “cool find” post quickly turned into a frenzy when collectors noticed something unusual about the coin…
What Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Anyway?
The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar was the first U.S. coin to honor a real woman who wasn’t a president’s wife. Released in 1979, it was meant to replace the bulky Eisenhower dollar and compete with paper dollars. Most people hated it because it was too similar in size to a quarter!
A Quick History of the SBA Dollar (1979–1999)
- 1979–1981: First run, huge mintages
- 1981–1999: Production stopped (nobody used them)
- 1999: One-year comeback for the vending machine industry
Total minted: Over 800 million – yet some are surprisingly scarce in high grade.
Why Some Susan B. Anthony Dollars Are Actually Valuable
While 99% are worth exactly $1, a tiny handful of errors and low-mintage varieties sell for hundreds – even thousands. The bookstore coin? It turned out to be a rare 1979-P Near Date / Wide Rim variety in stunning condition.
Key Dates & Mint Marks That Make Them Rare
- 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date)
- 1981-S Proof Type 2 (clear S mint mark)
- All 1999-P and 1999-D (low mintage)
Value Comparison Table: Common vs. Rare SBA Dollars
| Year & Variety | Circulated Value | MS-65 Value | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P (normal Far Date) | $1 | $6–$10 | – |
| 1979-P Wide Rim (Rare) | $25–$50 | $300–$800 | $15,000 (MS-68) |
| 1981-P or D | $1–$2 | $8–$15 | – |
| 1999-P or D | $5–$10 | $40–$100 | $600+ (MS-68) |
| 1979-S Proof Type 2 | – | $80–$200 | $2,000+ |
How YOU Can Start Finding Hidden Rare Coins
- Check donation boxes, library sales, and thrift stores
- Ask cashiers for “big dollars” from the drawer
- Search your own change jars and old purses
- Attend estate sales – coins often get overlooked
Expert Tips From Seasoned Coin Hunters
- Always carry a 10x loupe – tiny details matter
- Look for the 1979-P where the date almost touches the rim
- Never clean coins! It destroys value
- Join local coin clubs – members love sharing hunting spots
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all Susan B. Anthony dollars rare?
A: No – most are worth face value. Only specific varieties are valuable.
Q: How do I tell a rare 1979-P Wide Rim apart?
A: The date is very close to the rim and the rim itself looks wider.
Q: Where can I sell a rare SBA dollar?
A: eBay, Heritage Auctions, or local reputable dealers.
Final Thoughts – Your Next Rare Find Could Be Anywhere
That dusty donation box in Ohio just proved it: rare coins are still hiding in plain sight. One lucky bookstore employee turned a $1 coin into a potential $500+ payday. So next time you see a Susan B. Anthony dollar, stop and look twice – it might be your viral moment. Happy hunting, friends!