Susan B. Anthony Dollar Found
In a tale that mixes nostalgia with numismatic surprise, a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, tucked away in a baby’s memory box, has just made history.
Discovered during a routine attic cleanout in a Pennsylvania residence, this coin—originally kept as a sentimental keepsake from the late 1970s—turned out to be an exceptionally rare and valuable find. It has now set a new record in the auction world.
An Innocent Discovery Turns Remarkable
The coin was uncovered as a family was preparing to downsize their long-time home. Among boxes of forgotten items was a small pink container labeled with their grown daughter’s name. Inside were baby mementos like a hospital bracelet, a lock of hair, an old birth certificate copy, and tucked away in a corner, a gleaming silver dollar.
Believing it was just a sentimental keepsake with little financial value, the family took the coin to a local appraiser out of curiosity. What happened next surprised everyone. The coin was no ordinary Susan B. Anthony dollar—it was a rare 1979-P Wide Rim Near Date variety in outstanding mint condition. Adding to its uniqueness was a misalignment error that increased its rarity.
The Auction That Made History
After professional numismatic experts authenticated and graded the coin, it was put up for auction with a starting price of $20,000—a high amount for a coin originally worth just one dollar. What followed was an intense bidding war that astonished even experienced collectors.
Within minutes, bids surged rapidly, ending at $732,500. This sale established a new record for the highest price ever paid for a Susan B. Anthony dollar. Experts attribute the coin’s condition, rare variety, and sentimental background as key factors behind the extraordinary price.
Why This Coin Is So Special
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999, but only a few versions are truly sought after by collectors. The 1979-P “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety is particularly rare and often mistaken for the more common narrow rim type. The coin found in the baby box featured this rare variety, along with a distinctive off-center design error that added to its rarity.
Its nearly perfect condition suggested it had never been circulated. Stored safely in a soft baby keepsake box, shielded from wear and handling, it remained untouched for over 40 years.
Emotional Value Meets Market Value
The family revealed the coin had originally been a gift from a grandfather who collected coins as a hobby. It was placed in the baby box as a “lucky dollar” to commemorate the child’s birth year. Little did they expect that decades later, this simple keepsake would enter numismatic history.
“The sentimental value was always high, but this has truly amazed us,” the family said. “We never imagined something so small could become so significant.”
Collectors on High Alert
The auction has sparked excitement among coin collectors everywhere. Enthusiasts are now searching through old belongings, baby boxes, and piggy banks, hoping to uncover their own hidden treasures. With rising interest in rare Susan B. Anthony dollar varieties, experts predict a wave of coin appraisals and auctions in the near future.
Final Thoughts
This surprising story of a baby’s keepsake transforming into a record-breaking auction item proves that history and value can be found in the most unexpected places. Although often overlooked due to its brief circulation and unusual size, this record sale has shown that some of the rarest treasures are hiding right in our attics.
FAQs
Q: What makes the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar “Wide Rim” variety rare?
A: It features a wider rim and a “near date” design that is often confused with the more common narrow rim version, making it much less common and more valuable.
Q: How did the coin’s misalignment error affect its value?
A: The slight off-center strike is a minting error that increases the coin’s rarity and appeal to collectors, boosting its worth significantly.
Q: Why was the coin in such good condition?
A: It was preserved untouched in a baby’s keepsake box for over four decades, avoiding circulation, wear, and damage.
Q: Is the Susan B. Anthony dollar commonly valuable?
A: Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are not highly valuable, but certain rare varieties, especially in mint condition or with errors, can be worth thousands or more.
Robby is a passionate numismatist and coin enthusiast with a deep appreciation for rare and historical coins. With years of experience in coin collecting and research, he shares valuable insights, tips, and fascinating stories from the world of numismatics. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, Robby's expertise helps bring the rich history of rare coins to life.