A Dusty Purse, a Hidden Treasure
Sarah Miller, a 32-year-old teacher from Ohio, was cleaning out her late grandmother’s house last summer when she found an old leather purse tucked away in a closet. Inside, among some coins and faded receipts, was a shiny silver dollar that caught her eye. “It looked special, but I didn’t think much of it at first,” Sarah said. She set it aside, planning to check it later. Little did she know, that coin—a 1921 Peace Dollar in near-perfect condition—would change her life.
A Coin with a Story
The Peace Dollar, first minted in 1921, was created to celebrate the end of World War I. Its design, showing Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle perched on a rock with the word “Peace” below, made it a symbol of hope. Only about 1 million of the 1921 coins were made, and many were either circulated or lost over time. Sarah’s coin, however, was in pristine condition, likely untouched for decades. “My grandma was a saver,” Sarah laughed. “She probably didn’t even know what she had.”
The Shocking Appraisal
Curious about the coin, Sarah took it to a local coin shop a few weeks later. The owner’s eyes widened when he saw it. He urged her to get it professionally graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). After sending it off, Sarah got the news: her coin was graded MS-66, one of the highest ratings for condition, and valued at $125,000. “I was shaking when they told me,” she said. “I thought maybe it was worth a few hundred bucks, not this!”
| Coin Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Type | 1921 Peace Dollar |
| Condition | MS-66 (Mint State 66) |
| Estimated Value | $125,000 |
| Mintage | Approximately 1 million |
What Makes It So Valuable?
- Rarity: The 1921 Peace Dollar had a limited mintage compared to later years.
- Condition: Sarah’s coin was nearly flawless, with no scratches or wear.
- Historical Value: As a symbol of peace, it’s prized by collectors.
- Market Demand: High-grade Peace Dollars are sought after at auctions.
Experts say coins like this rarely turn up in such good shape. “Finding an MS-66 1921 Peace Dollar in a purse is like finding a Picasso in your attic,” said James Carter, a coin expert at Heritage Auctions. The coin’s value comes from its scarcity and the growing interest in vintage U.S. coins.
A Life-Changing Decision
Sarah now faces a big choice: keep the coin or sell it. She’s leaning toward selling it to pay off her student loans and start a college fund for her two kids. “It feels like my grandma’s still looking out for me,” she said, her voice catching. She plans to auction the coin through a major auction house later this year, where it could fetch even more if collectors compete for it. For now, the coin is safely stored in a bank vault.
A Reminder to Check Your Change
Sarah’s story has inspired others to dig through their own family keepsakes. Coin collecting, or numismatics, is gaining popularity, with people hunting for rare finds in old jars, piggy banks, or, like Sarah, forgotten purses. “You never know what’s out there,” said Carter. “Check your coins before you spend them!” For Sarah, what started as a routine cleanup turned into a $125,000 surprise—and a heartwarming connection to her grandmother’s memory.
