A Coin That Beat the Odds
In a small town in Pennsylvania, a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin went through a washing machine and came out not just clean but incredibly valuable. The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar, known for its portrait of the women’s rights pioneer, is common in most collections, with millions minted. But this one was different. Found crumpled in a load of laundry, it turned out to be a rare error coin that sold for $39,500 at a recent auction. The story of this coin’s survival and its surprising worth has collectors buzzing and checking their own coins.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar’s Story
The U.S. Mint introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979 to honor the famous suffragist. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, but its size and weight, similar to a quarter, confused people, and it never caught on widely. Most of these coins are worth just a dollar, but rare versions with minting errors or unique features can fetch big money. The coin that survived the laundry cycle had a rare off-center strike, meaning the design was misaligned, making it a one-of-a-kind find for collectors.
A Lucky Find in the Laundry
The coin’s journey to fame began when a woman in Erie, Pennsylvania, found it in her washing machine after a load of clothes. Tucked in a jeans pocket, the coin was bent and scratched but caught her eye because of its odd appearance. She took it to a local coin shop, where experts identified it as a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar with a dramatic off-center strike error. The misalignment left part of the coin blank and shifted Susan B. Anthony’s portrait, a rare mistake that drives up value. After grading by PCGS, it was auctioned in July 2025, fetching $39,500 from an eager collector.
What Makes This Coin So Special
The value of this Susan B. Anthony dollar comes from its unique error and survival story. Off-center strikes happen when the coin blank isn’t properly aligned during minting, creating a distorted design. This coin was struck 50% off-center, a rare error that collectors prize. Its condition, despite the laundry mishap, was still good enough to earn a high grade. For comparison, here’s how it stacks up against other Susan B. Anthony dollars:
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1979-P Off-Center Error | $5,000–$40,000 |
| 1979-P Near Date | $10–$50 |
| Regular 1979-P Susan B. Anthony | $1–$2 |
How to Spot a Valuable Coin
You might have a valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar in your collection or change. Check for these features:
- Look for a “P” mint mark near Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder, showing it was made in Philadelphia.
- Examine the design for off-center errors, where the image is shifted or part of the coin is blank.
- Check the date’s position; “near date” coins have the 1979 date closer to the rim and are worth more.
- Look for a clear, sharp design, as uncirculated or lightly worn coins are more valuable.
Use a magnifying glass to spot errors and store any finds in a soft cloth to avoid damage.
A Lesson in Hidden Treasures
This laundry-surviving coin has sparked a wave of excitement among collectors, with posts on X urging people to check their dollar coins. It’s a reminder that treasures can hide in everyday places, from pockets to piggy banks. If you find a Susan B. Anthony dollar, don’t toss it in the wash. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to check its value. This $39,500 sale shows that even a beat-up coin can be a jackpot, proving that history and luck can turn a dollar into a fortune.
