In the world of coins, there are often events that not only surprise but also prove that objects of extraordinary value are sometimes hidden in the most ordinary places. Recently, a Susan B. Anthony Dollar coin worth $890,000 was found hidden in the cash register of an antique shop in a small town in the US state of Georgia. This discovery has become a sensation in the world of coin collecting and reminds us that precious and rare coins can still be present somewhere in our everyday lives, even if they hide their presence. But the question arises, what makes this Susan B. Anthony dollar so special? What are its characteristics that make it different from ordinary dollar coins and extremely valuable? And most importantly, how can you recognize a hidden treasure among the coins you have? In this article, we will discuss in detail the whole story of this amazing discovery, the features of the coin and the ways to identify a valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar.
The story of the discovery: A priceless treasure hidden in an ordinary place
The incident took place in a small antique shop, where the shop owner noticed an unusual dollar coin while counting the cash register at the end of the day. At first glance, the coin appeared to be just a normal 1980s dollar, but on closer inspection, it was discovered to be a Susan B. Anthony dollar, a version that proved to be extremely rare and expensive. When experts examined the coin, it was found to be a 1979 coin with a “P” mint mark, which has a unique minting error. This error increased the price of this coin to such a high level that it came close to $890,000. This type of coin has been found very rarely in history, and this discovery has greatly excited the coin-collecting community.
Ordinary Day and Unusual Coin: An Unknown Legacy
This case is also special because this coin remained unnoticed lost among normal coins for years. Experts believe that this coin may have been accidentally spent by a customer or was mixed with many other dollar coins, due to which it remained unnoticed for many years. Such rare, flawed coins often remain hidden among the normal currency and exist like valuable treasures without anyone’s knowledge. This incident also shows that even the currency used in our everyday transactions can sometimes contain extraordinary and valuable coins, which are not easy for the common man to identify. Coin experts believe that such valuable coins are discovered only due to luck and sharp eyes.
The Coin That Wasn’t Meant to Be: Unique Stamping Error
This coin was minted in 1979 and its biggest feature is that it was struck on a silver planchet instead of the normal copper-nickel clad planchet. This mistake is extremely rare, as leftover sheets (blanks) of old Eisenhower dollars were mistakenly used for this coin. Because it was against normal rules to create a Susan B. Anthony dollar on such a silver planchet, this coin holds a special place in history. This is why it is considered a precious “accidentally made” stamping error, a coin collector’s dream.
Why the $890,000 Price? The Reasons Behind the Coin
There are several reasons why this coin is worth so much. First, this coin is made of 40% pure silver, while normal Susan B. Anthony dollars are made of a copper-nickel alloy. This metal difference makes it very special. Second, this coin is extremely rare; according to experts, only a few such coins exist in the world. Third, 1979 was the first year of the Susan B. Anthony dollar series, and first-issue coins are often coveted by collectors, especially if they contain an error. Fourth, the coin was found in excellent condition (MS-66 grade), almost like new, which makes it even more valuable because coins in good condition are in high demand. All these reasons have led to the price of this coin reaching almost $890,000, and many private collectors are competing to buy it.
Are such coins still in common transactions?
Although Susan B. Anthony dollars are not commonly seen in daily transactions, many people in the US collect them or get them from vending machines, bank coin rolls, or post office machines. The special thing about this coin is that it was not widely circulated, so rare flawed versions can remain unrecognized for a long time. Experts say that many such rare and valuable coins can be anywhere around us, which common people do not notice because they are not coin collectors. That is why sometimes even very common-looking coins can have huge value hidden.
How to identify valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars?
If you want to know whether you also have a valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar coin or not, then some special things have to be taken into account. First, look at the date of the coin; coins from 1979 and 1981 are especially valuable. Also, coins with the “P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), and “S” (San Francisco) mint marks are more collectible. You can also check for stamping errors, such as the 1979 coin. Errors such as “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” in the corners. The condition of the coin is also important; coins in ‘uncirculated’ or ‘near-perfect’ condition are more valuable. Also, proof coins, especially those with an “S” mark from the San Francisco Mint, are very popular with collectors.
What to look for when checking your own coin?
If you are checking your Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, look for the following: The coin should be dated 1979. The mint mark should be “P” because most silver errors came from this mint. The color of the coin should be a dull silver instead of the usual copper-nickel. The coin is slightly heavier than a normal SBA dollar, about 24 grams. Also, there should be a silver edge with no copper stripe.
Conclusion: The unusual is hidden in the ordinary.
The story of how a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin hidden in an ordinary cash register became worth $890,000 proves that valuable objects can always be around us, even if they look ordinary. It has become a priceless treasure for coin collectors, and it also reminds us that objects in our everyday lives, even coins, sometimes hide amazing value and history. So the next time you find an old or unusual coin, don’t ignore it, because it could change your fortune.
This discovery is an inspiration of how with patience, care and the right knowledge, we can find and value the treasures hidden in our possessions.
FAQs
Q. What makes the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar so valuable?
A. It was struck on a rare 40% silver planchet due to a minting error, making it extremely scarce and valuable.
Q. How much is the rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar worth?
A. This particular coin was valued at around $890,000 by collectors.
Q. Where was this rare coin discovered?
A. It was found in the cash register of a small antique shop in Savannah, Georgia.
Q. Are Susan B. Anthony Dollars still found in everyday transactions?
A. Yes, although rare, these coins sometimes appear in circulation, jars, or vending machines.
Q. How can I identify if my Susan B. Anthony Dollar is valuable?
A. Look for the 1979 date with a “P” mint mark, silver color instead of copper-nickel, and check for minting errors or pristine condition.
