Rare 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Could Be Worth $5.0 Million — And It Might Still Be in Circulation

Been Valued at an Incredible $5.0 Million—And More Remarkably, This Coin Is Thought to Still Be in Circulation Among Common Currency in the United States

A Susan B. Anthony dollar coin has been estimated to be worth a staggering $5 million. What makes this story even more surprising is that experts believe this extremely rare coin could still be circulating among everyday change in the United States.

While most people rarely give dollar coins a second glance, this particular piece has gained massive interest due to its rarity and mysterious past.

The Birth of a Historic Coin

Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar became the first American coin to feature a real woman—Susan B. Anthony, the famed leader in the fight for women’s voting rights. It replaced the larger Eisenhower Dollar with a more compact and practical design. However, its close resemblance in size and color to the quarter led to confusion, which hindered its popularity in daily use.

Despite its limited public acceptance, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds historical significance, and certain editions have become highly sought after by collectors.

What Makes This Coin Worth $5.0 Million?

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar making headlines isn’t an ordinary coin—it’s believed to be a pattern coin, meaning it was a prototype created before the full production run. These test coins often contain unique features such as a rare mint mark, missing design element, or special composition.

According to numismatists and auction rumors, the valuable version might be a proof coin featuring the “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” design produced in limited quantities at the Philadelphia Mint. Only a handful of these are known, and many are believed to be tucked away in private collections.

This ultra-rare coin could still be out there, hiding in plain sight—in change from vending machines, forgotten piggy banks, or old coin jars.

Why It Matters Today

What captures people’s imagination is not just the monetary value, but the idea that an overlooked piece of change could be worth millions. At a time when every dollar counts, the thought of discovering a fortune in your spare change is motivating Americans to look more closely at their coins.

Numismatic groups have turned to social media to educate the public, sharing images and guides to help identify valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars. Online forums are flooded with hopeful users posting pictures of their 1979 coins, wondering if they’ve struck gold—figuratively speaking.

How to Identify the Million-Dollar Coin?

While not all 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollars are rare, collectors suggest looking for these specific features:

• Wide Rim/Near Date with “P” Mint Mark: On rare coins, the date is positioned very close to the rim, especially those minted in Philadelphia.
• Proof-Like Finish: These coins often have a shiny, mirror-like surface and frosted details, indicating a special production.
• Mint State Condition: Coins that show no signs of wear and have never circulated tend to be worth significantly more.
• Unique Errors or Variations: Mistakes like double strikes, off-center images, or spelling errors can make a coin extremely valuable.

If you believe your coin meets these criteria, experts recommend getting it graded by a professional service such as PCGS or NGC to confirm its authenticity and value before selling or auctioning it.

Bottom Line

While rare coins being worth a fortune isn’t new, the idea that a $1 coin might carry a $5 million price tag is truly astonishing. With the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar gaining renewed attention, now’s the perfect time to check your change drawer.

That dollar coin sitting in your kitchen junk drawer? It could turn out to be a life-changing discovery.

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