A Surprising Discovery in an Old Station Wagon
An incredible find hidden inside the glove box of a vintage station wagon has amazed coin collectors nationwide. A rare Susan B. Anthony dollar, forgotten for decades among worn-out maps and old car documents, recently sold at an auction for an unbelievable $680,000.
A Forgotten Coin With a Big Story
In Pennsylvania, a man cleaning out a dusty 1980s station wagon stumbled upon what he initially thought was a handful of ordinary change. To his surprise, one of the coins—a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar—turned out to be a collector’s dream.
Upon closer inspection, the coin revealed a unique feature: a “wide rim near date” variation, a subtle but significant minting difference that makes certain coins extremely valuable. Not only was this coin a rare variety, but its condition was also remarkable. Professional graders evaluated it as MS-68, placing it among the finest known examples of its kind.
Why the Value Is So High
Released in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was notable for being the first U.S. coin to honor a real woman from American history. Although it was intended to replace paper dollars, it struggled to gain popularity. Many were kept as keepsakes, while others circulated and became worn over time.
Today, most Susan B. Anthony dollars aren’t worth much more than their face value. However, coins with rare errors, limited mintage, or near-perfect preservation can fetch staggering sums. The “wide rim” version from 1979 is especially desirable due to its short production run before design changes were made by the U.S. Mint.
This particular coin’s exceptional grade, combined with its rarity and unique discovery, drove its price into the six-figure range.
Auction Sparks Intense Interest
After being submitted to a major auction house in Chicago, the rare coin quickly drew serious attention. Initial bids in the low thousands rapidly climbed as seasoned collectors realized what was at stake. With a flurry of bids from both in-person and online participants, the final sale price soared to $680,000.
Though the winning bidder remains anonymous, insiders suggest the coin may become part of a prestigious private collection, possibly to be showcased at upcoming coin conventions or exhibits.
Everyday Coins Still Hold Hidden Value
Perhaps the most striking part of this story is where the coin was found—inside a neglected car’s glove box. It’s a powerful reminder that valuable coins can still be hiding in everyday places like junk drawers, old purses, or inherited belongings.
Coin professionals often advise the public to inspect old change carefully, especially when cleaning out storage boxes, garages, or even vehicles. Although discoveries like this are rare, they’re not impossible—and they continue to fuel interest in coin collecting.
Final Thoughts
Although it wasn’t widely embraced when first released, the Susan B. Anthony dollar has found renewed fame through rare and valuable discoveries like this one. What started as an overlooked item in an old car has now become a headline-grabbing, six-figure treasure.
As more people take interest in the hobby and as awareness of rare coin values spreads, similar stories may soon appear more frequently. And who knows—next time you open an old glove box, you could be sitting on a fortune too.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar so valuable?
A: The value comes from its rare “wide rim near date” design, near-perfect condition (MS-68), and limited availability. These factors combined make it extremely desirable to collectors.
Q2: How can I tell if my Susan B. Anthony dollar is valuable?
A: Look for unique features such as the “wide rim,” minting errors, or proof strikes. Coins in excellent condition with these traits may be worth significantly more than face value.
Q3: Where should I get a rare coin appraised?
A: Consider contacting a reputable coin dealer, attending a coin show, or sending the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for an expert evaluation.
Q4: Can rare coins really be found in everyday places?
A: Yes! While rare, there are many stories of valuable coins found in change jars, old wallets, inherited collections, or even tucked away in cars—just like this one.