Coin collecting has always been an exciting hobby, but sometimes it can turn into a big surprise. Recently, a seller in Pennsylvania discovered that an ordinary-looking dollar coin was actually worth a fortune.
The coin was a rare 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Wide Rim, and it sold for an incredible $25,000 at auction. This story has inspired many people to start looking at their coins more carefully.
The Story Behind the $25,000 Coin
The seller had inherited a box of old change from a relative. Inside that box was a Susan B. Anthony Dollar that seemed normal at first. But after showing it to a local coin dealer, they were told it might be special and should be graded.
Once the coin was certified, it went to auction and collectors quickly noticed its rarity. Bidding skyrocketed, and the final sale price reached $25,000.
Why the Wide Rim Is So Valuable
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first made in 1979 and was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman. It honored Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement.
During the first run at the Philadelphia Mint, some coins were made with a slightly thicker rim and the date printed closer to the edge. This mistake was corrected, which meant only a small number of these “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” coins were left in circulation.
Because they are rare, especially in excellent condition, these coins can sell for thousands of dollars.
How to Identify a Wide Rim Dollar
If you think you might have one of these valuable coins, here are the signs to check:
- Date placement: On the Wide Rim coin, the date is closer to the edge.
- Rim thickness: The rim looks bolder and thicker.
- Mint mark: Look for the “P” mintmark for Philadelphia.
- Condition: The better the condition, the more valuable it is.
Important tip: Do not clean your coin. Cleaning reduces its value. If you think you have a Wide Rim dollar, send it for grading to companies like PCGS or NGC.
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Varieties and Values
| Coin Type | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim | Up to $25,000 |
| 1979 “Blob” Mint Mark | Up to $10,000 |
| 1981 Double Die | $80,000+ |
The Buzz Around Coin Collecting
News of this coin’s sale has spread widely and more people are now checking their own coins. Social media is filled with stories of individuals digging through old jars, drawers, and even vending machine change.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar often goes unnoticed because it looks similar to a quarter. But as this sale proves, what seems ordinary could actually be extraordinary.
The $25,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Wide Rim coin shows us that treasures can be hiding in plain sight. A forgotten coin in a box or drawer might be worth life-changing money.
Before you spend that old dollar coin, take a closer look—you might be holding a valuable piece of history.
FAQs
It can be worth a few hundred dollars if circulated and up to $25,000 if uncirculated.
You can visit a coin dealer or send it to professional grading companies like PCGS or NGC.
No, cleaning lowers its value. Collectors prefer coins in their original state.