Susan B. Anthony Dollar – In an age where lost coins are often considered worthless, a surprising story emerged from the most unexpected place: a laundry room. A woman accidentally washed what she believed to be a regular Susan B. Anthony dollar coin with a load of clothes. After retrieving it from the bottom of the washing machine and noticing it was still intact, she tossed it into a coin jar. Weeks later, out of curiosity, she decided to get it appraised — only to discover it was worth a staggering $39,500. Here’s how a seemingly damaged coin turned out to be a collector’s dream and why rare Susan B. Anthony dollars are gaining attention in the numismatic world.
What Makes the Susan B. Anthony Dollar So Special?
Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman — a pioneer of women’s rights. However, the coin’s design and size made it unpopular in circulation.
A Forgotten 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Could Be Worth $880,000 — Is It Still in Your Change Jar?
Key Features of the SBA Dollar:
- First issued: 1979
- Minted until: 1981 and then again briefly in 1999
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Diameter: 26.5 mm (same as a quarter)
- Weight: 8.1 grams
- Edges: Reeded (grooved)
- Obverse: Portrait of Susan B. Anthony
- Reverse: Apollo 11 lunar module (borrowed from the Eisenhower dollar)
How a Laundry Accident Turned Into a Fortune
At first glance, the woman thought the coin had no chance of surviving a hot wash cycle and spin dry. But to her surprise:
- The coin showed minimal surface wear
- No corrosion or discoloration despite water exposure
- The coin’s unique traits were preserved
She eventually took it to a local coin dealer, where they identified the coin as a 1981-S Proof Type 2 dollar — one of the rarest of its kind.
Why the Coin Was Worth $39,500:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1981 |
| Mint Mark | “S” (San Francisco) |
| Type | Proof Type 2 (clear S mint mark) |
| Condition | Near-perfect, despite laundry cycle |
| Rarity | Less than 1 million minted |
| Auction Sale Price | $39,500 |
Understanding the 1981-S Proof Type 2 Coin
The 1981-S Type 2 is rare because of its limited mintage and special proof finish intended only for collectors. Unlike the Type 1, which has a blurry “S” mint mark, Type 2 features a clear and distinct S — highly sought after by serious collectors.
Main Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2:
| Feature | Type 1 (Common) | Type 2 (Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark “S” | Blurry or filled | Clear and sharp |
| Availability | Widely available | Extremely limited |
| Market Value | $10–$30 | $1,000–$40,000+ |
Other Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars to Watch For
Collectors are now hunting for these high-value SBA coins in their pocket change, junk drawers, or even laundry baskets!
List of Valuable SBA Coins:
- 1979-P Wide Rim/Near Date – Worth up to $2,000 in mint condition
- 1979-S Type 2 Proof – Can fetch $500–$3,000+
- 1981-S Type 2 Proof – Up to $39,500+ as seen in the viral story
- 1999-P and 1999-D – High-grade coins can sell for $100–$300
Tips to Identify a Rare SBA Dollar in Your Home
Not sure if your Susan B. Anthony dollar is worth anything? Here’s what to check:
Look For:
- Date and Mint Mark (especially 1979, 1981, or 1999)
- Rim spacing – Wide Rim/Near Date is more valuable
- Clear Mint Mark – Type 2 is clearer than Type 1
- Proof Finish – Highly polished surfaces and frosted design
- Uncirculated Condition – Little to no wear, even if it’s old
How to Sell a Rare SBA Coin Like This
Found a coin that looks promising? Here’s what you should do before cashing in.
Selling Tips:
- Get it appraised by a reputable coin dealer
- Avoid cleaning the coin — it may lower its value
- Consider grading the coin via PCGS or NGC for certification
- List on trusted auction platforms like Heritage Auctions or eBay with proper descriptions
It’s easy to overlook small coins, especially if they’ve been through the wash or look ordinary. But as this story proves, even a coin left in your jeans can turn into a fortune. Keep an eye out for Susan B. Anthony dollars — especially 1981-S Type 2s — because you never know what might be hiding in your laundry or change jar.
FAQs of Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Q1: How do I identify a Type 2 SBA dollar?
Look for a clear “S” mint mark on proof coins from 1979 or 1981.
Q2: Is it safe to wash a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
While coins can survive laundry, washing can reduce their value unless the coin is exceptionally rare.
Q3: What’s the most valuable SBA dollar ever sold?
The 1981-S Type 2 proof dollar has fetched up to $39,500 at auction.
Q4: Can I find rare SBA coins in circulation today?
Yes, though rare, some valuable SBA dollars are still in circulation or hiding in old drawers.
Q5: Should I clean a coin before selling it?
No. Cleaning can lower a coin’s grade and reduce its collector value.
