In a twist that sounds straight out of a movie, a Michigan resident recently found a coin in their pocket change that ended up being worth more than a brand-new Tesla Model 3. Yep, you read that right — one ordinary-looking Susan B. Anthony dollar turned out to be a jaw-dropping treasure, fetching a whopping $48,000 at auction.
A Coin Most People Overlook
Let’s be honest: most folks don’t give the Susan B. Anthony dollar a second glance. Introduced in 1979, the coin was meant to honor one of America’s great suffragist icons — but instead of being embraced, it often got mistaken for a quarter due to its similar size and color. Many people found it confusing and inconvenient, which led to the coin quietly fading into the background of U.S. currency.
But that perception is starting to shift, thanks to stories like this one.
A Surprising Find in Pocket Change
While going through some loose change, a Michigan local noticed something odd about one of the coins. It looked like a typical dollar, but the edges were crisper, the shine was brighter, and it just felt different. Out of curiosity, they submitted it to a professional coin grading service.
Turns out, that “ordinary” coin was anything but.
The coin was identified as a 1979-P “Wide Rim” Susan B. Anthony dollar — one of the most sought-after varieties in the series. But that wasn’t the only thing that made it special. It had been preserved so well that it earned a near-perfect MS68 grade from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), placing it among the highest-graded examples ever recorded.
Why This Coin Is Worth a Fortune
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars were heavily circulated, meaning they show lots of wear and tear. Finding one in pristine, untouched condition is incredibly rare. Combine that with the fact that it’s a rare variety to begin with, and you’ve got the perfect storm for a collector’s dream — and a very high auction price.
That’s how this little piece of metal ended up selling for $48,000 — more than the MSRP of a Tesla Model 3.
A Fresh Look at an Underdog Coin
The Susan B. Anthony dollar may have been overlooked for decades, but its story is being rewritten by discoveries like this. It’s a reminder that history doesn’t always sit in museums or locked in safes. Sometimes, it jingles in your pocket or hides at the bottom of an old coin jar.
And beyond its monetary value, the coin is a piece of American heritage. Susan B. Anthony was the first real woman — not an allegorical figure like Lady Liberty — to appear on U.S. currency. Her legacy lives on through this humble coin, which is finally getting the attention it deserves.
Check Your Change — Seriously
Not every Susan B. Anthony dollar is going to fund your next big purchase, but it’s definitely worth taking a closer look. Some varieties, like the 1979 Wide Rim or the 1981-S proof versions, can be surprisingly valuable, especially if they’re in excellent condition. Errors, misstrikes, and coins with low mintages are particularly coveted.
A Million-Dollar Reminder
This story is more than just a lucky find — it’s a wake-up call for collectors and everyday Americans alike. Valuable treasures are still out there, often hiding in plain sight. So next time you get change back from a vending machine or a drive-thru, don’t be too quick to spend it.
Who knows? That shiny little coin could be worth more than your car.