A Dollar Coin That Could Change Your Life
Could a dollar coin in your wallet be worth nearly a million bucks? In September 2025, a rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar sold for $880,000 at a coin auction in Denver, shocking collectors across the USA. This small, silver-colored coin, featuring women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony, had a unique minting error that made it a treasure. Now, people are checking their change, coin jars, and old wallets for this rare dollar. Could you be holding one of these valuable coins?
What Makes This Coin So Special?
Most Susan B. Anthony Dollars, minted from 1979 to 1981 and in 1999, are worth just one dollar. But the 1981 coin that sold for $880,000 had a rare “double die obverse” error, where Susan B. Anthony’s face and words like “LIBERTY” and “1981” appear doubled. This error happened at the Philadelphia Mint, marked by a “P” on the coin. Another rare variety is the 1981 coin struck on a Sacagawea Dollar planchet, making it slightly heavier. These errors can make the coin worth $10,000 to $880,000, depending on condition.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Double Die Error | Doubled image of Susan B. Anthony or text |
| Wrong Planchet | Struck on Sacagawea Dollar planchet |
The Auction That Sparked a Craze
The $880,000 coin was found by a retiree in Ohio who got it in change at a grocery store years ago. Thinking it was just a regular dollar, he kept it in a drawer until a friend suggested getting it checked. A coin dealer spotted the double die error and confirmed its rarity with PCGS, a top grading service. At the auction, collectors bid eagerly, pushing the price to a record for a Susan B. Anthony Dollar. Experts say a few more of these error coins could still be out there, driving folks to hunt for them.
How to Spot a Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Want to check your coins? Look for 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollars with a “P” mint mark. Use a magnifying glass to check for doubling in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” or Susan’s face. If the coin feels heavier, it might be struck on a Sacagawea planchet, weighing about 8.1 grams instead of the usual 7.5 grams. Don’t clean the coin, as this can lower its value. Take any suspicious coin to a coin shop or grading service like NGC or PCGS for a professional appraisal.
| Check For | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Double Die | Doubled text or Susan’s face |
| Weight | About 8.1 grams for wrong planchet |
Why Coin Hunting Is Hot Right Now
The $880,000 sale has made Susan B. Anthony Dollars a hot topic. People are searching their change, old coin rolls, and even vending machine returns for 1981 coins. Coin shops are seeing more customers, and online groups are buzzing with tips on spotting errors. Even non-error 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollars can be worth $5 to $50 in good condition. The thrill of finding a rare coin, tied to a historic figure like Susan B. Anthony, has turned everyday folks into eager coin hunters.
Start Your Coin Hunt Today
The $880,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar shows that treasures can hide in your pocket change. Check any 1981 dollar coins you have, especially for doubling or unusual weight. Visit a coin shop or check online guides for help spotting errors. The excitement of finding a valuable coin is spreading fast, and you could be the next to uncover a fortune. Grab a magnifying glass and start looking, your dollar coin might just make you rich!