In the world of rare U.S. coins, even a minor minting mistake can lead to massive value. One such case involves the Susan B. Anthony dollar, a coin often overlooked in everyday transactions. But not all of them are ordinary—some contain a rare error that collectors are willing to pay over $640,000 for.
So how can you tell if the Susan B. Anthony dollar in your change jar is worth more than half a million dollars? Here’s what to look for.
What Makes the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Special?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced in 1979 to honor the famous women’s rights activist. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman instead of Lady Liberty. Minted between 1979 and 1981, and again in 1999, the coin never gained widespread popularity due to its similar size and color to the quarter.
Despite its short production run, certain Anthony dollars carry minting errors and variations that dramatically increase their value.
The $640,000 Mistake: The 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) Variety
One of the most valuable mistakes in Susan B. Anthony dollars is the 1979-P “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety. While not technically a minting error, this design variety is incredibly rare—and collectors prize it.
However, the most extraordinary find is an even rarer type: the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Mule Error, where the coin features a Sacagawea dollar obverse with a Susan B. Anthony reverse or mismatched designs. These mules are extremely scarce and were never meant to be released. One such coin fetched over $640,000 in a private sale.
How to Identify a Rare Anthony Dollar
Here’s what to look for when inspecting your Susan B. Anthony dollar:
1. Check the Date and Mint Mark
Start with coins from 1979-P (Philadelphia Mint). On the “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety, the date appears closer to the rim of the coin than usual. Compare it to a standard version to see the difference.
2. Inspect for Mule Errors
A mule error means the coin was struck with two mismatched dies—like a Susan B. Anthony reverse paired with a Sacagawea or Presidential dollar obverse. These are almost always die-struck mistakes that escaped the Mint’s quality checks.
3. Look for Proof-Like or Unusual Finishes
Some rare Anthony dollars were mistakenly struck on planchets meant for other coins, like dollar coins with incorrect metal content or mirror-like finishes on circulation coins.
Condition and Rarity Drive the Value
Not all error coins are worth six figures. The condition, rarity, and type of error all factor into final value.
| Error Type | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim | $100 – $1,500 |
| Wrong Planchet Errors | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Mule Error (Obverse/Reverse) | $100,000 – $640,000+ |
Coins in mint state or proof condition command higher premiums, especially when certified by grading services like NGC or PCGS.
Real-Life Discoveries Show It Can Happen
Some of the rarest finds were made not by collectors, but by everyday people sorting through old coin jars or inherited coin collections. One mule error was discovered in 2000 and authenticated shortly after—causing a wave of interest among numismatists and investors.
This proves that you don’t need to be a professional collector to strike gold. The key is knowing what to look for.
What to Do If You Find One
If you come across a Susan B. Anthony dollar that seems off:
- Set it aside immediately.
- Do not clean it, as this can reduce its value.
- Have it authenticated by a professional coin grading service.
- Get a valuation from a reputable numismatics expert.
Final Thoughts: A Tiny Coin With Massive Potential
The Susan B. Anthony dollar may seem like an ordinary coin, but hidden within a handful of them are rare treasures that could change your financial life. With a keen eye and a little knowledge, that loose dollar coin could be worth a small fortune.
So next time you’re sorting through your change or cashing in old coin rolls, don’t ignore that Anthony dollar—it might be the $640,000 mistake you’ve been waiting for.
