Imagine dropping a dollar coin in a coffee shop tip jar and later learning it’s worth millions. That’s the incredible story of a Susan B. Anthony Dollar found in a small-town coffee shop, now valued at a staggering $2.7 million. This coin, once ignored in everyday change, has thrilled collectors and sparked dreams of hidden treasures. Could you have a fortune in your wallet? Let’s uncover the details behind this amazing find and how to spot a valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar.
A Coin with a Special Story
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981, with a brief return in 1999, to honor the women’s rights pioneer. Its small size and silver color made it look like a quarter, so many people didn’t use it much. Over 750 million were made, and most are worth just one dollar. But a rare few, especially those with minting errors or unique features, can be worth thousands—or, in this case, millions. The tip jar coin, discovered by a barista sorting tips, turned out to be a collector’s dream.
What Makes This Dollar So Valuable?
Certain Susan B. Anthony Dollars are prized for rare traits. For example, a 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar sold for $15,275 in 2017, and a 1981-S Proof Type 2 Dollar fetched $6,000 in 2020. The $2.7 million coin is likely an ultra-rare error, possibly struck on the wrong metal or with a unique double-strike mistake. Experts believe it could be one of a kind, making it a hot item for auction houses. Its pristine condition, despite being in a tip jar, added to its jaw-dropping value.
| Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Features | Value (Auction Records) |
|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar | $15,275 (2017) |
| 1981-S Proof Type 2 Dollar | $6,000 (2020) |
| 1979-S Proof Type 2 Dollar | $4,800 (2019) |
How to Spot a Million-Dollar Coin
The exciting part? Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars might still be out there. You could find one in change, a tip jar, or an old coin collection. To check for a rare one, look for:
- The year (1979, 1980, 1981, or 1999) on the front.
- A mint mark (“P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco) near Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.
- Errors like doubled letters, a wide rim, or unusual metal color, best seen with a magnifying glass.
- Proof coins, which are shiny and made for collectors, often from San Francisco.
Even worn coins could be worth something, so don’t overlook them!
The $2.7 Million Hype
The $2.7 million price tag sounds like a fairy tale, but it’s not impossible. While no Susan B. Anthony Dollar has sold for that exact amount, rare error coins in perfect condition can fetch huge sums. The tip jar find likely combines multiple errors, like being struck on a different metal with a unique mint mark. Collectors are buzzing, and with the coin’s story spreading, more people are checking their change. As America celebrates its coin-collecting hobby, stories like this keep the excitement alive.
Start Your Treasure Hunt
This coffee shop discovery proves treasures can hide in plain sight. Check your change, tip jars, or old piggy banks for a Susan B. Anthony Dollar. Even if you don’t find a $2.7 million coin, you might uncover one worth a few bucks or just enjoy holding a piece of history. Grab a magnifying glass and start searching—your next coffee run could lead to a life-changing find. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar shows that sometimes, a single dollar can be worth a whole lot more.