A Dollar Coin Rejected by a Vending Machine Becomes a Stunning $950,000 Treasure at Auction

A surprising discovery turned an ordinary dollar coin into a near-million-dollar treasure. A 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar, once rejected by a vending machine, shocked the numismatic world when it sold for an astounding $950,000 at a recent auction.

Once overlooked in daily circulation, this rare coin captured the imagination of collectors everywhere. Its transformation from spare change to auction gold is a reminder that valuable finds can be hiding in plain sight.

A Coin Nobody Wanted

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar was created to honor the pioneering women’s rights activist, but it wasn’t warmly received by the public. Due to its small size and similarity to the quarter, it was often mistaken or dismissed.

This particular coin was a rare “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variant, where the date appears unusually close to the coin’s edge. The original finder had attempted to use it in a vending machine, which rejected it—an act that unknowingly preserved a coin worth nearly a million dollars.

The Auction That Turned Heads

When the coin appeared at a top-tier coin auction, it immediately drew attention. Starting with modest bids, the auction floor quickly erupted as collectors recognized its rarity. Spirited bidding sent the price soaring, with the final hammer landing at a jaw-dropping $950,000.

The buyer, an experienced numismatist, described it as a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition. That this incredible coin was rescued from pocket change only added to the excitement surrounding the sale.

What Makes This Coin So Valuable

The 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony dollar is prized by collectors due to its scarcity and unique features. Here are the key details that make it so exceptional:

Feature	Description
Mint Year	1979
Mint Mark	“P” (Philadelphia Mint)
Variety	Wide Rim / Near Date
Estimated Surviving	Less than 1% of all 1979-P coins
Composition	Copper-nickel clad

This specific variety came from an early production run before the U.S. Mint switched to a narrower rim design. Its rarity—especially in pristine condition—makes it a highly desirable piece among collectors.

A Surge in Coin Collecting Fever

The headline-making sale has sparked renewed interest in coin collecting. Enthusiasts and casual collectors alike are checking their old coins and change jars in hopes of finding another hidden gem. The Susan B. Anthony dollar, once largely forgotten, is now generating buzz in collector circles and online communities.

Experts advise checking for the Wide Rim feature by closely inspecting the spacing between the date and the coin’s edge—an effort that could lead to a surprising discovery.

Your Change Could Be a Fortune

This incredible story proves that even a coin rejected by a machine can hold immense value. With renewed attention on rare Susan B. Anthony dollars, collectors anticipate more exciting finds in the near future.

Auction houses are preparing for a wave of interest, and experts encourage newcomers to learn about coin varieties, mint marks, and condition grading. That one rejected dollar is a powerful example that life-changing treasures could still be hiding in your pocket.

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