What if a coin worth just one dollar turned out to be a multimillion-dollar treasure? That’s exactly what happened when a shopper stumbled upon a 1999 P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin in a thrift store and later sold it for an astonishing $14 million. But why was this ordinary-looking coin so extraordinary? Let’s unravel the mystery.
The Coin That Changed Everything
The 1999 P Susan B. Anthony Dollar wasn’t supposed to be rare. Millions were minted, and most ended up in circulation. But this specific thrift store coin wasn’t ordinary — it carried a unique combination of minting errors and pristine condition that transformed it into a once-in-a-lifetime collector’s dream.
A Brief History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
First released in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was designed to honor the famed women’s rights activist. Unfortunately, the coin was often confused with a quarter due to its size, leading to limited popularity. After short production runs in 1979, 1980, and 1981, the coin was briefly revived in 1999 — making that year’s coins the final issue.
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Mint Years
| Year Minted | Mint Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | P, D, S | First release |
| 1980 | P, D, S | Continued production |
| 1981 | P, D, S | Mint sets only |
| 1999 | P, D | Final issue |
Why This Coin Became a $14 Million Jackpot
The thrift store find stood out because of two factors:
- Unique Minting Error — Experts discovered a rare mis-strike and unusual die alignment.
- Condition — It was preserved in near-perfect Mint State (MS 68+), making it almost flawless.
Collectors love rarity, and when rarity meets condition, values skyrocket. While most 1999 P dollars are worth only $1 to $20, this one defied expectations and made history.
Typical vs Rare Value of 1999 P Dollar
| Condition | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $1 – $5 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $20 – $50 |
| Rare Error Coin | $1,000+ |
| Thrift Store Find | $14,000,000 |
Why Collectors Care About Error Coins
Error coins like this 1999 P dollar are fascinating because they combine human mistake with mechanical precision. They’re unpredictable, making each discovery thrilling. In the collector’s market, such coins are compared to winning the lottery — not expected, but life-changing when found.
How to Spot a Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar
- Check the Mint Mark — Look for “P” (Philadelphia) on the 1999 issue.
- Inspect the Strike — Off-center, inverted, or doubled details raise value.
- Condition Is King — The closer to mint condition, the higher the price.
- Seek Professional Grading — Certification from PCGS or NGC boosts credibility and selling power.
Interesting Facts About the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
- Over 888 million coins were minted between 1979 and 1981.
- The 1999 issue was produced only because of a sudden demand for $1 coins in vending and transit systems.
- Despite its history, the coin was never widely loved — until stories like this one reignited interest.
Expert Tips for Coin Collectors
- Always check your change — rare finds can show up anywhere.
- Store coins properly to prevent scratches and tarnishing.
- Stay informed — follow auction results to know current values.
- Network with collectors — many great finds happen through trading.
FAQs
Q: Can I still find valuable 1999 P Susan B. Anthony coins?
A: Yes, though most are common. Rare errors or high-grade examples are worth significantly more.
Q: How do I know if my coin is valuable?
A: Look for minting errors and consider professional grading.
Q: Are all Susan B. Anthony dollars collectible?
A: Not all, but certain mint years, proofs, and error coins can be highly valuable.
Conclusion: A Dollar That Made History
The 1999 P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin thrift store story proves that treasure doesn’t always shine in gold. Sometimes, it looks like a simple $1 coin sitting in a donation bin — until an expert eye unlocks its true value. So next time you see a Susan B. Anthony Dollar, take a closer look. You might just be holding history worth millions.