Oregon Woman Discovers $11.9 Million Rare Coin in Wallet
An Oregon woman got the surprise of a lifetime when she nearly spent what turned out to be a multi-million dollar coin. What she initially assumed was loose change for her morning coffee turned out to be a rare 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar — one unlike any other — valued at an astounding $11.9 million.
A Coin That Didn’t Look Ordinary
The woman first noticed the coin at a gas station while digging through her change. Something about its shine and detailed design made her pause. Curious, she showed it to her son, a history teacher, who immediately suspected it was no ordinary dollar.
A Collector’s Dream: One-of-a-Kind Mint Error
The coin was sent to experts for evaluation, and what they found stunned the numismatic world. Verified by top grading agencies, the coin turned out to be a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar mistakenly struck on a 90% silver planchet — a minting error that had never been seen before.
“This coin was never meant to exist,” explained Laura Mitchell, senior specialist at the American Coin Collectors Society. “The U.S. Mint never authorized a Susan B. Anthony dollar in 90% silver. It’s a historic fluke — and a priceless one.”
What Makes This Coin Worth Millions?
Several factors contributed to the coin’s jaw-dropping value:
- Wrong Metal Composition: It was supposed to be copper-nickel but was accidentally struck on leftover silver blanks from Eisenhower dollars.
- First-Year Issue: 1979 marks the inaugural year of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, adding extra collectibility.
- High Grade Condition: It received a grading of MS-68, indicating a nearly flawless specimen.
- Sole Known Example: No other Susan B. Anthony dollar struck on 90% silver has ever surfaced.
The coin sparked a bidding war among collectors, eventually selling at a private auction for $11.9 million.
Could More Hidden Treasures Be Out There?
Experts believe that other rare variants of the Susan B. Anthony dollar could still be in circulation. Because dollar coins often go unnoticed, it’s possible that more treasures are hiding in plain sight — in wallets, coin jars, or even vending machines.
“Most people don’t give these coins a second thought,” said Mitchell. “That’s why there could be more rare finds just waiting to be discovered.”
How to Spot a Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Want to know if your coin could be worth something big? Look for these signs:
- Check the Year: 1979 is the most promising, though 1980, 1981, and 1999 are also collectible.
- Look for the Mint Mark: A small letter (P, D, or S) under the date shows where it was minted.
- Inspect the Shine: A silvery-gray luster might hint at a rare composition.
- Weigh It: Silver coins are heavier — a digital scale can help verify weight.
- Watch for Printing Errors: Misalignments, strange textures, or unusual designs can signal a rare minting mistake.
Final Thoughts: Million-Dollar Surprises Can Be Closer Than You Think
This unexpected find in Oregon serves as a powerful reminder that rare treasures don’t always come from treasure chests — sometimes, they’re hiding in plain sight. So next time you receive change, take a closer look. Your next coffee run might just turn into a million-dollar story.
FAQs
Why was this Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $11.9 million?
It was struck on a 90% silver planchet — a one-of-a-kind minting mistake.
What makes the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar so rare?
It was the first year of production, and this specific coin was mistakenly made using silver from earlier dollar coin blanks.
When were Susan B. Anthony dollars produced?
They were minted in 1979, 1980, 1981, and briefly again in 1999.