Rare Susan B Anthony Dollar: Hey folks, if you’ve ever dug through your change jar and spotted a small silver dollar with a woman’s portrait on it, you might have a Susan B. Anthony coin staring back at you. These dollars were minted by the U.S. Mint from 1979 to 1981, with a one-year comeback in 1999, to honor the famous suffragist Susan B. Anthony.
They were the first U.S. coins to feature a real woman who wasn’t a mythical figure, which was a big deal back then. But here’s the thing – while most of these coins are just worth their face value of one buck, some rare varieties and errors can fetch thousands at auction. We’re talking up to $21,600 for top-grade specimens, based on recent sales from places like Heritage Auctions. This guide will walk you through how to spot the valuable ones, what makes them special, and their current market values. Whether you’re a newbie collector or just curious about that odd coin in your pocket, stick around – you might be sitting on a small fortune.
History and Background of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Back in the late 1970s, the U.S. government wanted a new dollar coin to replace the bulky Eisenhower dollars, hoping it’d catch on for everyday use like vending machines and public transit. They chose Susan B. Anthony because of her role in women’s rights, and the coin was designed by Frank Gasparro. It features Anthony on the front with stars around her, and an eagle landing on the moon on the back – a nod to the Apollo 11 mission. The problem? It was too similar in size and color to the quarter, leading to confusion and low popularity. By 1981, production stopped for circulation, except for that 1999 run to meet demand before the Sacagawea dollar took over. Millions were minted, so common ones aren’t rare, but specific mint marks, varieties, and mistakes during production have turned some into collector’s gems. Today, with interest in women’s history and numismatics on the rise, these coins are gaining traction among hobbyists across the USA.
Identifying Rare Varieties of Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Spotting a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar comes down to a few key details you can check with a magnifying glass or even your phone’s camera. First off, look at the date on the obverse side. For 1979-P coins (that’s Philadelphia mint, no mark or a tiny “P” above Anthony’s shoulder), there’s the Wide Rim (also called Near Date) variety where the date is closer to the rim, making the border look thicker. The Narrow Rim (Far Date) is more common. Another hot one is the 1979-S and 1981-S Proof coins with Type 2 mint marks – the “S” is clearer and more bulbous compared to the blurry Type 1. For 1999 coins, high-grade uncirculated ones from Philadelphia can be valuable too. Don’t forget to check for mint marks: P for Philly, D for Denver, S for San Francisco. If it’s a proof, it’ll have a mirror-like finish. These subtle differences can mean the difference between a dollar and thousands.
| Variety | Year | Mint Mark | Key Identification Feature | Approximate Mintage (if known) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wide Rim (Near Date) | 1979 | P | Date close to rim, thick border | Unknown, but scarcer than Narrow |
| Narrow Rim (Far Date) | 1979 | P | Date farther from rim | Most of the 360 million 1979-P |
| Type 1 Proof | 1979/1981 | S | Blurry “S” mint mark | Higher mintage |
| Type 2 Proof | 1979/1981 | S | Clear, defined “S” with bulbs | Lower, more valuable |
| Regular Strike | 1999 | P/D | No special variety, but high grades rare | 35 million P, 29 million D |
Value Guide for Key Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Now, let’s talk money – literally. The value of these coins depends on condition, graded by services like PCGS or NGC on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect. A common circulated Susan B. Anthony is worth $1 to $2, but rarities shine in mint state (MS) or proof (PR). For example, a 1979-P Wide Rim in MS67 can go for $500 to $7,000, while a standard Narrow Rim might only fetch $5 to $10 in similar grade. The 1979-S Type 2 Proof in PR70 has sold for over $5,000. Jumping to 1981-S Type 2 Proof in PR69 Deep Cameo? That’s where you see records like $21,600 at auction. 1999-P in MS68 has hit $16,000-plus. Always check recent sales on sites like eBay or Heritage for up-to-date prices, as the market fluctuates with collector demand.
Rare Error Coins and Their Potential Worth
Errors are where things get exciting – these are minting mistakes that make a coin unique. Off-center strikes, where the design is shifted, can add big value; a 1980-P with a 50% off-center error sold for around $4,000 recently. Die breaks, like cracks showing as raised lines, or doubled dies (faint double images) are sought after too. A 1979-D with a major die crack might bring $50 to $200, but top errors in high grade can push into thousands. Then there are wrong planchet errors, like struck on a quarter blank, which are super rare and could fetch $10,000 or more. If you think you’ve got an error, get it authenticated – fakes are out there, but genuine ones can turn pocket change into a payday.
Tips for Collecting and Selling Susan B. Anthony Dollars
If you’re ready to hunt for these, start by checking coin rolls from banks, estate sales, or online marketplaces. Join forums like CoinTalk or attend shows for tips from pros. For grading, send to PCGS or NGC to boost value – ungraded rarities often sell for less. Store them in holders to prevent damage. When selling, use reputable auction houses or dealers; avoid quick cash places that lowball. Remember, the market loves condition and provenance, so patience pays off. With women’s history in the spotlight, these coins aren’t just metal – they’re pieces of American story worth preserving. Who knows, that dusty dollar might fund your next vacation.