A Tip That Changed Everything
A routine shift at a coffee shop in Oregon turned into a life-altering moment for Lisa Carter, a 29-year-old barista. Last month, Lisa found a shiny Susan B. Anthony dollar in the tip jar while cleaning up after closing. Thinking it was just a cool old coin, she set it aside. Little did she know, this coin was a rare 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $2.7 million, sold at auction just weeks ago. Her discovery has sparked a frenzy, with people across the U.S. checking tip jars and old coins for hidden fortunes.
A Rare Coin’s Secret
Susan B. Anthony dollars, minted from 1979 to 1981 to honor the women’s rights pioneer, are common enough. But Lisa’s coin was a 1979-P “Near Date” variety, with the date positioned closer to the rim than usual. Only a handful of these error coins exist in high-grade condition. Lisa’s coin was in pristine, uncirculated shape, making it a collector’s dream. Experts say its rarity, combined with its link to a key figure in American history, drove its value to a staggering $2.7 million at auction.
| Coin Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1979 |
| Type | Susan B. Anthony Dollar (Near Date) |
| Auction Value | $2.7 Million |
| Condition | Uncirculated |
| Rarity | Fewer than 10 Known in High Grade |
From Tip Jar to Auction Block
Lisa didn’t realize the coin’s worth until a regular customer, a coin enthusiast, spotted it in her apron pocket. “He got all excited and told me to get it checked out,” Lisa said. She took it to a local coin shop, where the owner gasped and urged her to send it to a grading service. The coin was confirmed as a genuine 1979-P Near Date Susan B. Anthony dollar, graded as one of the finest examples known. Auction houses jumped in, and bidders went wild, pushing the sale price to $2.7 million. “I was shaking when I heard,” Lisa said, still in disbelief.
Why This Coin Is a Big Deal
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, making it a symbol of progress. The Near Date error happened when the Mint used a slightly different die, creating a rare variation. With so few in top condition, collectors go crazy for them. “This coin is a piece of history,” said coin expert David Kim. “Its value comes from its scarcity and the story of women’s rights it represents.” Lisa’s find, straight from a tip jar, is one of the most exciting discoveries in recent years.
A New Life for Lisa
The auction money has changed Lisa’s world. A single mom working two jobs, she plans to buy a house, pay for her son’s college, and save for a secure future. “This coin feels like a gift from Susan B. Anthony herself,” Lisa said, smiling. Her story has gone viral, with people sharing it online and checking their own coins. Coffee shops and restaurants report customers peeking into tip jars, hoping for their own lucky find. Experts warn, though, that fakes are common, so any unusual coin needs professional grading.
Could More Be Out There?
Lisa’s discovery has everyone wondering if other rare Susan B. Anthony dollars are hiding in plain sight. Experts say to look for 1979-P coins with the date close to the rim, especially in shiny, uncirculated condition. “You never know what’s in your change,” Kim said. “But get it checked by pros to be sure.” The hunt is on, with social media buzzing about rare coins. For Lisa, her $2.7 million tip is a reminder that life’s biggest surprises can come from the smallest places—like a coffee shop tip jar.
