A routine donation drop at a small antique bookstore recently turned into a numismatic mystery when a volunteer sorting through old books discovered a Susan B. Anthony dollar tucked inside a hollowed-out hardcover. What initially looked like a common $1 coin soon caught expert attention—raising questions about rarity, errors, and unexpected coin discoveries.
This story highlights why the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar remains misunderstood—and how rare versions can still surprise collectors today.
The Discovery That Sparked Collector Buzz
Where the Coin Was Found
- Inside a donated antique book
- Hidden between altered pages
- No note or explanation included
The bookstore owner nearly spent the coin as change—until a sharp-eyed volunteer noticed unusual surface details and a distinct rim, prompting further inspection.
Why Susan B. Anthony Dollars Are Often Overlooked
Minted from 1979 to 1981 (and again in 1999), SBA dollars are frequently mistaken for quarters due to their size and color.
Most are common—but a few rare varieties and errors are extremely valuable.
What Made This Susan B. Anthony Dollar Suspicious?
Experts noted several key traits:
- Strong, well-defined rim
- Crisp date with unusual spacing
- Heavier feel than typical circulation strikes
- Possible 1979 Wide Rim / Near Date variety
These clues suggested it might be more than an ordinary dollar.
Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Varieties to Know
1. 1979 Wide Rim (Near Date)
This is the most famous and valuable SBA variety.
How to identify it:
- Date appears closer to the rim
- Thicker rim than standard strikes
Value (2026):
👉 $400 – $5,000+ (depending on condition)
2. 1981-S Proof (Type 2)
- Clear “S” mint mark
- Sharper lettering than Type 1
Value:
👉 $50 – $500+
3. Off-Center & Striking Errors
Rare error SBA dollars command serious collector premiums.
Value:
👉 $250 – $10,000+
4. 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Struck briefly due to dollar coin shortages.
Value:
👉 $5 – $200+ (uncirculated)
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value Chart (2026)
| Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Common Circulated | $1 – $3 |
| 1979 Wide Rim | $400 – $5,000+ |
| 1981-S Proof Type 2 | $50 – $500+ |
| Error Coins | $250 – $10,000+ |
| 1999 Issue | $5 – $200+ |
Why Coins Are Sometimes Hidden in Books
Historically, books have been used as:
- Emergency cash hiding places
- Savings storage during inflation
- Personal safes during wartime
Many such stashes remain undiscovered until donations or estate cleanouts occur—fueling viral discovery stories like this one.
Was This Coin Truly Rare?
At the time of writing:
- The coin is undergoing professional grading
- Submitted to PCGS/NGC for authentication
- Early indicators suggest a high-grade 1979 Wide Rim
If confirmed, its value could reach four figures, making the accidental discovery especially remarkable.
How to Check Your Own Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Quick Collector Checklist
- Check the date and mint mark
- Look closely at the rim thickness
- Compare the date position
- Weigh the coin accurately
- Never clean it
- Get professional grading for anything unusual
Why SBA Dollars Are Gaining Attention in 2026
- Rising interest in misunderstood U.S. coins
- Increased error-coin collecting
- Nostalgia-driven demand
- Registry set competition
Coins once dismissed as “boring” are being reevaluated by serious collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Susan B. Anthony dollars rare?
Most are common—but specific varieties and errors are genuinely scarce.
What is the most valuable SBA dollar?
The 1979 Wide Rim and major mint errors.
Can SBA dollars be worth thousands?
Yes—certified rare varieties and errors can reach four or even five figures.
Why do people hide coins in books?
For privacy, security, and long-term storage.
Should I spend Susan B. Anthony dollars?
Check them first—some are far more valuable than $1.
Final Thoughts
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar found in an antique bookstore donation box is a reminder that rare coins don’t always announce themselves. While most SBA dollars are common, a handful represent hidden treasures—especially when condition, variety, and history align.
Before dismissing a small dollar coin as ordinary, look closer. Sometimes, the most overlooked coins carry the greatest surprises.