Imagine folding clothes and hearing a strange clink. That’s exactly what happened to one lucky (or very observant) person in 2024. Among the socks was a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar. They sent it to PCGS, got it graded MS68, and it just hammered for $39,500 at Heritage Auctions. Yes, really!
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar: A Quick History
Released in 1979, the SBA dollar was the first U.S. coin to honor a real woman who wasn’t a president. It was meant to replace the bulky Eisenhower dollar and save taxpayer money. But people hated its size (almost identical to a quarter) and it flopped hard. Only minted 1979–1981, then once more in 1999.
Why Some SBA Dollars Are Worth Thousands
Most are worth face value. But tiny minting mistakes and super-high grades turn a few into rare coins collectors fight over. The big winners?
- 1979-P “Wide Rim” (Near Date)
- Certain 1981 varieties
- Flawless MS67/MS68 examples
The $39,500 Coin: What Made It So Special?
This particular piece was a 1979-P Wide Rim in mind-blowing MS68 condition – basically perfect to the naked eye and under magnification. Fewer than a handful exist at that grade. Population reports show only 2 coins at MS68 with none higher!
Top Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Varieties (Table)
| Year | Variety | Regular Price (circulated) | Recent High Grade Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P | Wide Rim (Near Date) | $5–$15 | $18,000+ (MS67) |
| 1979-P | Narrow Rim (Far Date) | $1 | Common |
| 1979-D | Regular | $1 | $2,500 (MS68) |
| 1979-S | Type 2 (Clear S) | $5–$20 | $10,000+ (PR70 DCAM) |
| 1981-P | Regular | $2 | $8,000+ (MS67) |
| 1999-P | Regular | $1 | $300–$600 (MS68) |
How You Can Still Find Valuable Ones Today
Rolls from banks, old cash registers, casino change machines, and yes – even laundry rooms! Thousands of high-grade examples still sit unnoticed in collections and jars.
Expert Tips to Avoid Missing a Treasure
- Use a 10x loupe to check the 1979-P rim width
- Look for strong strikes and no marks
- The date should be almost touching the rim on valuable Wide Rim coins
- Get anything promising graded – it can 100x the value
Notable SBA Dollar Auction Records (Table)
| Date | Grade | Price Realized | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2024 | MS68 | $39,500 | Heritage |
| Jan 2023 | MS68 | $27,000 | GreatCollections |
| 2022 | PR70 DCAM | $19,200 | Heritage |
| 2021 | MS67+ | $15,600 | Stack’s Bowers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all Susan B. Anthony dollars rare?
A: No! 99.9% are worth $1. Only specific dates and flawless condition matter.
Q: Where do I sell a potential rare one?
A: Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading first, then auction at Heritage, GreatCollections, or eBay (with certification).
Q: What’s the most valuable SBA dollar ever?
A: The current record is $39,500 for that laundry-found MS68.
Final Thoughts: Your Pocket Change Could Be Next
One person’s laundry mishap just became a $39,500 windfall. That same potential is still hiding in jars, drawers, and coin rolls across America. Next time you spot a Susan B. Anthony dollar, take a second look – you might be holding the next big rare coin story!