A Simple Serial Number Could Turn Your $20 Bill into a Fortune: It was an ordinary day when a man walking across a parking lot stumbled upon what looked like an old coin lying near a car tire. At first, he thought it was just another discarded token or a piece of loose change. But little did he know, he was holding a coin worth nearly six hundred thousand dollars. This coin turned out to be a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar with a striking error that made it extremely valuable.
What Makes the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Special?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first minted in 1979 as part of a series honoring the famous women’s rights activist. While it was in circulation for only a few years, collectors have always had a soft spot for it because of its unique design and historical significance. But most regular coins aren’t worth more than their face value. So why is this one different?
The Rare Error That Changed Everything
This particular coin has a misaligned strike, which means it was not struck properly during minting. The image and inscriptions on one side shifted off-center, creating a rare error that collectors crave. Such minting mistakes are incredibly rare, and when they are combined with a coin from a series like the Susan B. Anthony dollars, the value can skyrocket.
Expert Verification and Record-Breaking Valuation
When the finder realized it might be something unusual, he took the coin to a professional coin grading service. Experts examined it carefully and confirmed that it was a genuine misaligned strike. After authentication, the coin was valued at a jaw-dropping $580,000. This isn’t just rare—it’s one of the highest prices ever recorded for an error coin of this type.
Why Coin Errors Are So Valuable
For collectors, mint errors are like hidden treasures. They tell a story about the minting process and how rare imperfections slip through quality checks. The rarer the error and the more unique its appearance, the higher the demand among collectors. In this case, the Susan B. Anthony dollar’s misaligned strike makes it one-of-a-kind.
A Coin That Turned Trash Into Treasure
Imagine walking past what looks like a piece of trash on the ground and realizing later it’s worth nearly half a million dollars. That’s exactly what happened here. It’s a reminder that rare collectibles can show up in the most unexpected places—even in a parking lot.
What To Do If You Find a Strange Coin
If you ever find a coin that looks odd—whether it’s off-center, double-stamped, or has unusual markings—don’t ignore it. The best thing to do is have it checked by a coin expert. Many rare coins are discovered accidentally by people who aren’t even collectors.
Quick Facts About the Susan B. Anthony Dollar With Error
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Susan B. Anthony Dollar |
| Mint Error | Misaligned Strike |
| Year of Minting | Likely 1979–1981 |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Valuation | $580,000 |
| Place Found | Parking Lot |
FAQs
Q: Why is a misaligned strike so rare?
A: Misaligned strikes happen when the coin blank is not positioned correctly in the press. These errors are caught most of the time, but a few escape and become rare collectibles.
Q: Are all Susan B. Anthony dollars valuable?
A: No. Most are worth only face value unless they have rare errors or are in pristine condition.
Q: How can I check if my coin is valuable?
A: Take it to a professional coin grading service or an experienced collector for evaluation.