🤑 A 1980 Susan B. Anthony Dollar That Sold for $7.1 Million?!
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth $1 to $50 at best.
But one extraordinary 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar shocked the numismatic world when it sold for an astonishing $7,115,000. 💎
This sale made it the only 1980 U.S. coin ever to cross the million-dollar mark.
So what made this small dollar coin so special—and could you possibly have one?
Let’s break it down step by step.
⭐ Step 1: Why This 1980-S Dollar Is Worth Over $7 Million
This coin is not valuable because of age or metal content. Its value comes from a perfect storm of rarity, errors, and flawless condition.
✅ 1. Correct Mint Mark Is Critical
- Must have an “S” mint mark (San Francisco)
- Coins with P or D mint marks are automatically disqualified
- Only San Francisco struck proof versions in 1980
✅ 2. Extremely Rare Triple-Error Combination
This legendary coin displays three separate mint errors on a single piece—something almost unheard of.
- Double-Struck Obverse
Visible doubling along the portrait rim and devices - Misaligned Die
Approximately 15% off-center between strikes - Broken Collar Error
Causes irregular or distorted edge reeding
This unique combination is what makes the coin historically important.
✅ 3. Premium Proof Specifications
To qualify for top value, the coin must meet all of the following:
- 🌟 Deep cameo mirror finish
- ❄️ Frosted portrait, lettering, and date
- ⚖️ Exact weight: 8.1 grams
- 🏅 Certified PCGS PR-70 DCAM (perfect grade)
Anything less drops the value dramatically.
🔍 Step 2: How to Spot a Potential $7 Million Error Coin
Use a 10× loupe or magnifier and inspect carefully.
🔎 1. Surface Inspection
Look for:
- ✅ Dual concentric strike rings
- ✅ A ghost-like second portrait
- ✅ Slight misalignment between obverse and reverse
🔎 2. Edge Examination
Check the edge closely:
- ✅ Broken, uneven, or distorted reeding
- ✅ Thickness variation between 2.8–3.1 mm
- ❌ Any visible seam = likely a cast fake
🔎 3. Weight & Size Test
Use a digital jeweler’s scale:
- ⚖️ Weight: 8.1 g ± 0.01 g
- 📏 Diameter: 26.5 mm
- 📐 Center thickness: 2.0 mm
Incorrect measurements are a major red flag.
📊 Step 3: Quick Comparison
| Feature | $7.1M Error Coin | Normal 1980 SBA Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Strike | Double struck | Single strike |
| Alignment | ~15% misaligned | Perfect |
| Edge | Irregular reeding | Uniform |
| Finish | Deep cameo proof | Standard |
| Typical Value | $7,115,000 💰 | $1–$50 |
⚠️ Step 4: Beware of Common Counterfeits
Because of its fame, fake examples are everywhere. Avoid coins showing:
- ❌ Electroplating (incorrect weight)
- ❌ Tool marks around the mint mark
- ❌ Soft or fuzzy details from casting
If it looks “too rough” or “too perfect,” be cautious.
🛡️ Step 5: Proper Authentication (Critical)
If you believe you’ve found something special:
- ✅ Submit to PCGS or NGC (Errors & Varieties tier)
- 🧪 Request XRF metal composition testing
- 📜 Verify provenance and ownership history
Without top-tier certification, even real error coins will not achieve premium prices.
✨ Final Summary
The $7.1 million 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a once-in-history coin—combining perfect proof condition with multiple mint errors on a single strike.
While finding one is extremely unlikely, understanding mint marks, errors, condition, and certification can help you:
- Spot genuine rarities
- Avoid expensive fakes
- Make smarter collecting decisions
In numismatics, every detail matters. 🪙💎
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