In a surprising twist, a rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar worth an astounding $890,000 was recently discovered in a cash register at an antique shop. This discovery has sent shockwaves through the coin-collecting community, highlighting just how valuable seemingly ordinary coins can be when they’re rare or in exceptional condition.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, often overlooked and underappreciated by collectors due to its design and limited appeal, is now garnering attention for its potential to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. This incredible find serves as a reminder that hidden treasures can be found in the most unexpected places, turning an ordinary shopping trip into a life-changing moment for one lucky individual.
An Ordinary Day — An Extraordinary Coin
Dollar Found in Cash Register
In an unexpected turn of events, a clerk at an antique store in Savannah, Georgia, uncovered a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar while counting the cash register—a coin that was later valued at a remarkable $890,000.
What appeared to be just another 1980s dollar coin turned out to be one of the rarest minting mistakes in the brief history of the Susan B. Anthony series. Experts believe it had been unknowingly spent by a customer, likely mixed with other dollar coins, and nearly went unnoticed.
An Ordinary Day — An Extraordinary Coin
Dollar Found in Cash Register
The discovery was made by 27-year-old cashier Ellie Morgan, who was closing the register on a calm Wednesday. While organizing coins for deposit, she noticed that one Susan B. Anthony dollar had a different color and a raised rim that set it apart from the others.
“I almost just dropped it in the coin roll and kept going,” Morgan said. “But something about it felt… off. It looked older, and the design was sharper.”
She set it aside and showed it to her grandfather, a former coin dealer, who immediately saw the potential for a rare error. A few days later, it was authenticated and graded by a professional numismatic service, and the result was astonishing.
The Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
The coin turned out to be a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar struck on a silver planchet, a rare mistake made when leftover blanks from the earlier Eisenhower dollars were used.
Here’s what made the coin so valuable:
- Wrong Metal: It was minted on a 40% silver planchet, rather than the expected copper-nickel clad.
- Extremely Rare: Fewer than a dozen of these coins are known to exist.
- First-Year Issue: Since 1979 was the first year of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, error coins from this year are especially sought after.
- Near-Mint Condition: Graded MS-66, placing it among the best-preserved examples.
The coin was appraised at $890,000, with private collectors reportedly vying for the opportunity to place bids.
Still in Circulation? Experts Say Yes
Though the Susan B. Anthony dollar is seldom seen in everyday transactions, many Americans still have them in coin jars or receive them from vending machines, post office kiosks, and bank rolls. Because these coins were rarely used, it’s possible for rare error versions to quietly circulate for years without being recognized.
“This is one of those coins that blends in easily, especially if you’re not a collector,” said numismatist Angela Rivers. “But with the right eyes—or the right luck—you could find something worth hundreds of thousands.”
What to Look For
If you’re checking your own Susan B. Anthony dollars, here’s what to watch for:
- Date: 1979
- Mint Mark: Look for a “P” (Philadelphia) — most silver errors came from this mint
- Color: A dull silver tone, unlike the usual copper-nickel appearance
- Weight: Heavier than a typical SBA dollar (around 24 grams)
- Edge: A solid silver edge with no copper striping
Bottom Line
The discovery of a $890K Susan B. Anthony Dollar in a cash register at an antique shop shows how rare and valuable these coins can be. What was once considered a common coin has now become a sought-after collector’s item. If you’re a coin enthusiast or a casual observer, this story serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that might be closer than you think—whether in your pocket or a local shop.
FAQs
What makes the Susan B. Anthony Dollar so valuable?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar is valuable due to its rarity, limited mintage, and the exceptional condition of certain coins, particularly those with errors or unique characteristics.
How was the $890K Susan B. Anthony Dollar discovered?
The $890K coin was discovered unexpectedly in a cash register at an antique shop, where it had been overlooked for years.
Can I find rare coins like the Susan B. Anthony Dollar in everyday circulation?
While rare coins can sometimes appear in circulation, they are exceedingly rare. Most valuable coins are found by collectors or through diligent searching.
How can I tell if a Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth money?
A Susan B. Anthony Dollar may be worth more if it has rare errors, is in excellent condition, or belongs to a lower-mintage year.
