Most Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth Money
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The Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from its $1 face value in circulated condition to over $15,000 for rare proof varieties. While many people believe these small sized dollars are extremely rare, most are common, but a few specific years and mint errors are worth a significant premium today.
| Coin Variety | Average Value (Circulated) | High Grade/Mint State |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) | $5 – $15 | $50 – $500+ |
| 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S) | $15 – $25 | $40 – $100 |
| 1981-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S) | $30 – $50 | $200 – $600 |
| 1999-D Mint State | $2 – $5 | $20 – $150 |
Understanding the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value
The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981 and once more in 1999. It was the first time a real woman, rather than a mythical figure like Liberty, appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. However, because it was similar in size and color to a quarter, many Americans disliked it, and billions were stored in government vaults.
If you find one of these in your change today, you likely want to know if you’ve struck gold. For most casual collectors, using a top coin identifier and value app is the quickest way to distinguish between a common pocket piece and a high-value rarity. While CoinKnow can help you identify the mint mark and condition instantly, knowing what to look for with the naked eye is essential.
Most SBA dollars are only worth their face value of one dollar. However, professional collectors focus on “Condition Census” coins—those in perfect, unblemished condition—or specific “types” that occurred during production. For instance, the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar value for high-grade specimens can reach hundreds of dollars if the coin has never been touched by human hands or circulated in commerce.
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The 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) Variety
The most famous “rare” Susan B. Anthony dollar for everyday hunters is the 1979-P Wide Rim, also known as the “Near Date” variety. During the first year of production, the U.S. Mint realized the design looked a bit crowded, so they widened the rim on the obverse. This moved the date closer to the edge of the coin.
To identify this coin, look at the date “1979” and the rim. On the common “Narrow Rim” version, there is a clear gap between the numbers and the edge. On the “Wide Rim” version, the date is almost touching the raised border. This small change makes a massive difference in price.
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Because many of these were released into circulation before the change was noted, you can still find them in old jars. If you suspect you have one, CoinKnow can help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of known Wide Rim examples. Genuine Wide Rim versions in Mint State condition are highly sought after by collectors trying to complete their sets.
| Condition | 1979-P Narrow Rim Value | 1979-P Wide Rim Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (F-VF) | $1.00 | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $2.00 | $40.00 |
| Gem Quality (MS66+) | $15.00 | $500.00+ |
The Rare 1979-S and 1981-S Type 2 Proofs
If you have a proof set—the shiny, mirror-like coins sold directly by the Mint—you might be holding a “Type 2” clear mint mark. In 1979 and 1981, the San Francisco mint replaced the punch used to create the “S” mint mark mid-year because the old punch had become worn and “blobby.”
The “Type 1” mint mark looks like a messy, filled-in blob. The “Type 2” mint mark is much scarcer; it is sharp, clear, and the ends of the “S” are bulbous and distinct. The 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony proof value is significantly higher than the Type 1 because it represents the final “S” dollar of the original series run.
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Finding a Type 2 in a 1981 proof set is the “Holy Grail” for SBA collectors. While a 1981-S Type 1 might sell for $10, a perfect Type 2 can fetch upwards of $500. It is important to use a magnifying glass or a high-quality camera to check the clarity of that “S” mint mark located on the obverse, just above the shoulder of Susan B. Anthony.
High-Grade 1981 Mint State Dollars
In 1981, the government decided not to release the Susan B. Anthony dollar for general circulation. Instead, they only produced them for Uncirculated Mint Sets intended for collectors. This means that any 1981-P, 1981-D, or 1981-S dollar you find was originally broken out of a collector’s set.
Because they weren’t released to banks, they are naturally rarer than the 1979 or 1980 versions. However, because they were “born” in sets, many have survived in high grades. To get the “Big Money” for an 1981 dollar, it must be graded MS67 or higher by a service like PCGS or NGC.
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When checking your collection with CoinKnow, pay attention to the luster. A coin that looks “creamy” or “frosty” with no scratches on the face of Susan B. Anthony is a prime candidate for professional grading. Even a slight step up in grade can increase the value from $10 to $100 or more.
| Mint Mark (1981) | MS63 Grade | MS66 Grade | MS67+ Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-P (Philadelphia) | $5 | $25 | $400+ |
| 1981-D (Denver) | $5 | $25 | $350+ |
| 1981-S (Business Strike) | $5 | $30 | $500+ |
The 1999 Susan B. Anthony Resurgence
After an 18-year hiatus, the U.S. Mint brought back the SBA dollar one last time in 1999. The vending machine industry needed more dollar coins, and the new Sacagawea dollar wasn’t ready yet. Two versions were made: the standard business strike (from Philadelphia and Denver) and a special proof version from Philadelphia.
The 1999-P Proof is unique because it is the only SBA proof coin minted in Philadelphia instead of San Francisco. It features a very deep, frosted finish. While millions of 1999 dollars were struck, they were heavily used in transit systems and post offices, making high-grade “uncirculated” examples somewhat difficult to find today.
If you find a 1999 dollar that looks brand new, it is worth keeping. While it won’t buy you a new car, it is a piece of numismatic history that represents the end of the “small eagle” dollar era. Many collectors look for the 1999-D specifically, as it had a slightly lower mintage than the 1999-P.
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Rare Errors to Watch For
Beyond the standard dates and varieties, errors are where the “Most Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar” titles are truly won. Because the SBA dollar was so similar in size to a quarter, several spectacular errors occurred at the mint.
The most valuable errors involve “wrong planchet” strikes. This happens when an SBA dollar die strikes a blank intended for a different coin, such as a Washington Quarter or even a cent. An SBA dollar struck on a 1 cent planchet will be copper-colored and smaller than a normal dollar. These “off-metal” errors can sell for $5,000 to $15,000 at major auctions.
Other errors include “broadstrikes,” where the coin is struck without the retaining collar, causing it to look spread out and flat. Doubled die errors also exist, particularly on the 1979-P, where you might see doubling in the lettering of “In God We Trust.” Always check the reverse for “cuds” or cracks in the die, which can also add a small premium to the value.
FAQ
Q: Why is my Susan B. Anthony dollar gold colored?
A: If you have a gold-colored SBA dollar, it has likely been plated by a private company after it left the mint. The U.S. Mint never produced an authentic gold Susan B. Anthony dollar. These are considered “altered” coins and generally only hold a novelty value of $1 to $2. The first authentic golden-colored U.S. dollar was the 2000 Sacagawea dollar.
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Q: Where is the mint mark on a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (heads) side of the coin, just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (your left when looking at the coin). You will see a small ‘P’ for Philadelphia, ‘D’ for Denver, or ‘S’ for San Francisco.
Q: Are there any Susan B. Anthony dollars worth millions?
A: Currently, no Susan B. Anthony dollar has reached the million-dollar mark. The highest prices paid are typically for experimental planchet errors or perfect-grade Proof Type 2 coins, which can reach the high thousands or low tens of thousands.
Q: Can I spend a Susan B. Anthony dollar at the store?
A: Yes, they are legal tender and worth exactly one dollar. However, because they are often confused with quarters, some automated machines or younger cashiers might not recognize them immediately. It is always better to check for rare varieties like the Wide Rim before spending them!
