Imagine dropping a coin on the counter to pay for your morning coffee—just another ordinary day, right? Now imagine that same coin later selling for an astonishing $890,000. Sounds like something out of a movie, but it actually happened. A Susan B. Anthony dollar, casually handed over at a diner in Ohio, turned out to be one of the most valuable coins ever sold.
From Pocket Change to Auction Block
It all began at a cozy little spot called the Cozy Corner Diner. A woman came in, had a simple breakfast, and paid her $9.50 tab with some bills and coins—including a Susan B. Anthony dollar. Nothing seemed unusual at the time. After all, these dollar coins are often mistaken for quarters thanks to their size and silvery color. But one coin in that handful wasn’t just another SBA dollar—it was a rare gem hiding in plain sight.
Weeks later, a numismatist (that’s a fancy term for a coin expert) got hold of it, and the discovery sent shockwaves through the collecting world. When it hit the auction block, bidding went wild. The final price? A jaw-dropping $890,000—by far the most any Susan B. Anthony dollar has ever fetched. Before this, the record hovered around $20,000. So, what made this one so special?
Why Was This Coin Worth Nearly $1 Million?
A few things set it apart:
- Flawless Condition: This coin was in near-perfect shape, graded near the top of the Mint State scale (think MS67 or higher). That kind of preservation is extremely rare.
- Rare Variety or Mint Error: It wasn’t just any SBA dollar. Coins like the 1979-P “Wide Rim” variety are already valuable, but if you throw in a minting mistake or unusual strike, the price skyrockets.
- An Incredible Backstory: People love a good story, and this coin delivered. The idea that it was used for a simple breakfast before making headlines at an auction gave it the kind of narrative collectors drool over.
- Rising Demand: There’s been growing interest in coins honoring women from American history. As the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman—Susan B. Anthony—this series is gaining momentum among collectors.
A Quick Look at Susan B. Anthony Dollars
These coins were minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999. Designed by Frank Gasparro, they feature Susan B. Anthony’s profile on the front and an eagle landing on the moon on the back—a nod to the Apollo 11 mission.
But here’s the catch: the coin was never very popular. People constantly mistook it for a quarter, and most ended up sitting unused in federal vaults. After 2000, they were phased out in favor of the golden Sacagawea dollar.
Coin Details:
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel (copper-nickel clad)
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: 8.1 grams
- Edge: Reeded
How Much Are They Usually Worth?
If you have a few Susan B. Anthony dollars lying around, don’t start planning your retirement just yet. Here’s a general idea of what they go for:
- Circulated coins: $1 to $10
- High-grade uncirculated coins (MS65–MS66): $250 to $1,900
- Rare varieties or proofs (like the 1979-P Wide Rim in MS67+): Up to $21,600
And then there’s this outlier—nearly hitting the million-dollar mark. It’s not typical, but it shows what’s possible when rarity meets condition meets story.
Why This Matters to Coin Collectors
This isn’t just a fluke. It’s a sign that collectors are valuing coins not only for rarity and grade but for their history and narrative. It’s a reminder that provenance—a coin’s origin and journey—can make all the difference.
For coin hunters, here are the takeaways:
- Always check for rare varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim.
- Handle coins carefully to preserve condition.
- If your coin has a good story, document it—you never know what it might be worth.
- Keep an eye on coins featuring historic American women; demand is growing.
One Coin, One Cup of Coffee, One Legend
This remarkable Susan B. Anthony dollar didn’t just break records—it rewrote the story of a coin once overlooked and underappreciated. From a sleepy Ohio diner to a high-stakes auction room, this coin’s journey captured imaginations and opened eyes.
So, the next time you get change back at the grocery store or count the coins in your junk drawer, take a closer look. That ordinary-looking coin might just be the next headline-maker.