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In an astonishing turn of events, a rare 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar coin has been discovered in a small thrift store and sold for an eye-watering $14 million. This extraordinary sale has sent shockwaves throughout the numismatic community, attracting the attention of collectors, investors, and historians alike.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, originally minted to honor the pioneering women’s rights activist, has long been recognized for its historic significance, but this particular coin has achieved unprecedented fame due to its rarity.
This article delves into the details of this remarkable coin, exploring its history, minting errors, the discovery story, and why it commands such a high price today.
The History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first introduced by the United States Mint in 1979, replacing the Eisenhower Dollar for smaller transactions. It was designed to honor Susan B. Anthony, a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement.
The coin features:
- Obverse: A portrait of Susan B. Anthony, designed by Frank Gasparro.
- Reverse: An adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission’s eagle landing on the moon, with a laurel wreath encircling the eagle.
- Composition: 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a diameter of 26.5 mm.
Despite the significance, the coin faced criticism for being difficult to distinguish from a quarter, which limited its widespread circulation.
Why the 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is Special
Unlike the regular Susan B. Anthony Dollars minted in 1979, 1980, and 1999, the 1999 coin is particularly rare due to a minting anomaly. Experts identify this coin as a double-struck error coin, which occurs when the coin is struck twice on the planchet, producing a unique doubling effect visible on the inscriptions and design.
Collectors have been actively seeking error coins for decades, as their rarity and uniqueness often make them extremely valuable. The 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar with the double-strike error is considered one of the most valuable coins in modern U.S. numismatics.
Discovery Story
The coin was discovered by a thrift store employee in a small town in the Midwest. According to reports, the employee noticed a coin with unusual markings among a batch of loose coins donated by a local resident. Realizing its potential value, the coin was carefully examined by a numismatic expert who confirmed its double-strike error and unmatched rarity.
The coin was subsequently authenticated by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and graded MS-70, which is the highest possible condition rating for a coin. This pristine condition combined with the minting error contributed significantly to its $14 million valuation.
Features of the $14 Million 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the coin’s key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Minting | 1999 |
| Designer (Obverse) | Frank Gasparro |
| Reverse Design | Apollo 11 Eagle Landing |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Minting Error | Double-struck |
| Grading | MS-70 (Pristine condition) |
| Sale Price | $14,000,000 |
| Significance | Extremely rare, first discovery in over 20 years |
Why Collectors Pay Millions for Error Coins
The $14 million price tag may seem extraordinary, but several factors justify the valuation:
- Rarity: The coin is one of a handful of known double-struck 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollars.
- Pristine Condition: Graded MS-70, the coin is in perfect condition, making it highly desirable.
- Historical Significance: Honoring a women’s suffrage leader, it carries cultural and historical value.
- Market Demand: Rare coins often attract investors looking for long-term asset appreciation.
Error coins like this are often considered “numismatic gold”, with collectors willing to pay enormous premiums for unique features.
Previous High-Value Susan B. Anthony Dollar Sales
While this $14 million sale is unprecedented, there have been notable sales of rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars in the past:
| Year | Coin Type | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Double-Strike 1979 | $120,000 |
| 1995 | Overstruck 1980 | $75,000 |
| 2010 | Rare Proof Coin | $50,000 |
| 2025 | Double-Strike 1999 | $14,000,000 |
The 2025 sale clearly sets a new benchmark, making it the most valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar ever sold.
Authentication and Grading
Before any high-value sale, coins must undergo a thorough authentication process to verify their legitimacy. In this case:
- Visual Inspection: Experts examine for minting errors, scratches, and other defects.
- Certification: Graded by PCGS, which confirmed its MS-70 rating.
- Provenance Verification: The coin’s discovery story and chain of custody were documented to ensure authenticity.
These steps are critical in the numismatic world, as the value of coins depends heavily on verified authenticity.
Impact on the Collecting Community
The discovery and sale of this coin have already had significant effects on the coin collecting community:
- Surge in Interest: Collectors are now actively searching thrift stores and circulation coins for potential errors.
- Investment Appeal: Rare error coins are being considered a new alternative investment.
- Awareness: The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, often overlooked, has gained newfound attention.
Experts suggest that the coin’s sale could inspire a new generation of collectors, eager to hunt for unique coins in everyday places.
Tips for Collectors Interested in Susan B. Anthony Dollars
For collectors hoping to find valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars, consider these tips:
- Check Circulation Coins: Many rare coins are still in circulation. Examine each coin carefully for anomalies.
- Look for Errors: Double-strikes, off-center strikes, and die cracks can drastically increase value.
- Invest in Grading: Having coins graded by reputable services like PCGS or NGC ensures authenticity and maximizes value.
- Preserve Condition: Coins in pristine condition command the highest prices. Avoid cleaning or polishing.
- Stay Updated: Follow news on recent sales and discoveries to understand market trends.
Why the 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Could Be a Record-Breaker
The combination of rarity, error type, and MS-70 grading makes this coin a record-breaking numismatic treasure. Unlike regular circulation coins, double-struck coins are highly sought after, often fetching prices millions higher than standard coins.
Numismatic experts predict that this discovery may redefine the market value of Susan B. Anthony Dollars, encouraging further exploration for hidden gems in thrift stores, garages, and attics.
Notable Susan B. Anthony Dollar Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse Design | Susan B. Anthony portrait by Frank Gasparro |
| Reverse Design | Apollo 11 Eagle Landing |
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Minting Error | Double-struck |
| Grading | MS-70 |
| Historical Significance | Honors women’s suffrage movement |
| Sale Price | $14,000,000 |
The discovery of the 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar in a thrift store and its subsequent $14 million sale is a testament to the enduring appeal of rare coins. This coin combines historical significance, rarity, and perfect condition, making it a true gem in the numismatic world.
For collectors and investors alike, this sale highlights the potential of everyday coins to become extraordinary treasures.
FAQs
Why is the 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar so valuable?
The coin is extremely rare due to a double-strike error and is graded MS-70, making it highly desirable to collectors.
How was this coin discovered?
It was found in a Midwest thrift store among loose change by an employee who noticed unusual markings, later authenticated as a rare coin.
Can other Susan B. Anthony Dollars be valuable?
Yes, coins with errors, proof editions, or in pristine condition can be highly valuable, especially among collectors seeking unique features.