A simple U.S. dollar coin from 1979 has just made history by selling for an unbelievable $2.1 million (about ₹17.5 crore) at a private auction. What looked like an ordinary Susan B. Anthony dollar turned out to be a rare and valuable collector’s dream. This surprising sale has shocked coin collectors everywhere and raised a big question: Could more coins like this still be lying around in someone’s home?
A Coin That Didn’t Start Off Popular
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was launched in 1979 to honour the famous women’s rights leader. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman instead of a symbolic figure. But the coin didn’t do well with the public. Many people thought it looked too much like a quarter (25-cent coin), so it wasn’t used much. The U.S. Mint stopped making it for daily use in 1981 and briefly brought it back in 1999.
Though it wasn’t popular at first, this coin has slowly become a favourite among collectors — especially versions with minting mistakes or rare features.
What Made This Coin Worth ₹17.5 Crore?
The coin that sold for ₹17.5 crore was no ordinary dollar. According to experts, it was a rare proof strike from the Philadelphia Mint. A “proof” coin means it was made with special tools to create a very detailed and shiny finish — something usually made for collectors.
What made this coin even more valuable was a rare minting error: it had an off-center strike and a double-die obverse. This means the front side (obverse) of the coin had design elements that were accidentally printed twice — something collectors go crazy for.
On top of that, the coin was in perfect condition — graded PR70, the highest possible score, meaning it had no flaws at all, even under a microscope. This combination of rarity, history, error, and condition made it one-of-a-kind — and someone paid over ₹17 crore to own it.
Could More Rare Coins Be Out There?
Yes — experts say similar valuable coins might still be around. Since many Susan B. Anthony dollars were made, and not all were checked for errors, it’s possible that rare versions are still lying forgotten in drawers, wallets, or coin jars.
Here are a few collectible types of Susan B. Anthony dollars you should know about:
1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) – The numbers in the year “1979” are closer to the edge than usual. These coins are rare and valuable.
Proof Coins from San Francisco (“S” Mintmark) – Especially in perfect or near-perfect condition.
Mint Errors – Coins with double strikes, off-center designs, or wrong metal types are worth much more than regular ones.
Even if your coin isn’t worth crores, some can still fetch ₹10,000 or even ₹1 lakh depending on the condition and type.
What to Look For in Your Coins
Think you might have a rare coin? Here are simple checks you can do:
Check the rim near the year – If it’s thicker or the date is closer to the edge, it may be a Wide Rim variety.
Look under the date for a mintmark – P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco).
Search for doubling in the letters or design – This is a sign of minting error.
Check the coin’s overall condition – Coins that look clean, shiny, and unused are worth more.
If you suspect your coin is rare, you can send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its value.
This ₹17.5 crore coin sale is more than just an exciting story — it’s a reminder that valuable history can hide in plain sight. Most Susan B. Anthony coins might not be worth much, but rare ones with special features or minting mistakes can be worth lakhs or even crores.
So, next time you find an old coin in your purse or drawer, take a closer look. You never know — that little piece of metal could be your own million-dollar discovery.
FAQs
Why did the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar sell for ₹17.5 crore?
It had a unique combination of a proof strike, rare minting errors like a double-die obverse and off-center strike, and was in perfect PR70 condition.
How can I tell if my Susan B. Anthony coin is valuable?
Look for signs like a wide rim, unusual shine, mint errors, and mintmarks (S, P, D). Also, coins with no wear or scratches are more valuable.
Where do I get my coin evaluated or graded?
You can contact professional services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) for expert evaluation.
Are more valuable Susan B. Anthony coins still in circulation?
Yes. Many coins were not properly checked, so rare ones may still be found in old collections or even as change in daily use.
Is coin collecting profitable in India?
Yes. Coin collecting is growing in India, and many Indian and foreign coins are worth thousands or even lakhs based on rarity and condition.