If you’ve ever come across a Susan B. Anthony dollar in your change, you might have wondered, “Is this thing even worth anything?” Well, honestly, that’s a pretty good question—because while most of these coins are only worth a dollar, a few rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars from collectors. Yes, really. So, before you toss that dull, silvery coin back into your wallet or the nearest vending machine, you might want to take a closer look.
Let’s dig into what makes some Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollars so valuable—and how you can tell if you’ve got a rare one sitting in your coin jar right now.
A Quick History Lesson: The Birth of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first minted in 1979, making it the first U.S. coin to feature a real (and historically important) woman—suffragist and women’s rights leader Susan B. Anthony. The U.S. Mint introduced it to replace the larger Eisenhower dollar, hoping a smaller coin would encourage more people to use dollar coins in everyday transactions.
But here’s the thing—it didn’t really catch on. People confused it with quarters because of its size and color. The mint kept making them through 1981, then brought them back briefly in 1999 before the Sacagawea dollar took over in 2000.
So, in total, there were just four production years: 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1999. That short run, combined with a few minting quirks, is what makes certain coins stand out.
Spotting the Valuable Ones: What to Look For
Not all Susan B. Anthony dollars are rare—but a few specific ones can be worth quite a bit. Here’s what you want to check:
| Year | Mint Mark | Key Variety or Error | Estimated Value (Uncirculated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P | Wide Rim (Near Date) | Design variety | $50 – $600 |
| 1979-S | Type 2 Clear “S” | Proof coin with clear mint mark | $100 – $400 |
| 1980-S | Proof coin | Fewer minted | $10 – $25 |
| 1981-S | Type 2 Clear “S” | Low mintage, proof only | $100 – $250 |
| 1999-P | Regular issue | Last year of series | $5 – $20 |
1. The 1979-P “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” Dollar
This one’s the superstar of the bunch. The 1979-P Wide Rim (also called the “Near Date”) is one of the most sought-after Susan B. Anthony dollars. On this variety, the rim is noticeably thicker and closer to the date compared to the “Narrow Rim” version.
You can spot the difference by simply comparing the space between the “1” in “1979” and the rim. If it looks unusually close, congratulations—you might be holding a Wide Rim coin that collectors love to pay for.
Uncirculated examples often fetch $50 to $100, and pristine, graded versions can go even higher—sometimes touching $600.
2. The 1979-S Proof “Type 2” Clear S Mintmark
Proof coins are those specially made for collectors, with mirror-like finishes and sharp details. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint produced two types of proof coins—the Type 1 with a “blobby” S mintmark, and the Type 2 with a crisp, clear “S.”
That clear mintmark makes all the difference. Collectors will pay $100 to $400 for a Type 2 proof in excellent condition.
3. The 1981-S “Type 2” Proof Dollar
By 1981, the Susan B. Anthony series was winding down, and these coins were only made for collector sets—not for general circulation. The “Type 2” proof again features that sharp, clear “S” mintmark, and it’s quite a desirable find.
If you find one of these in a collection or inherited coin set, it’s worth $100 to $250 or more depending on grade.
4. The 1999 Dollars – The Unexpected Comeback
In 1999, the Mint dusted off the Susan B. Anthony design for one final year before switching to the golden Sacagawea dollar. These coins aren’t necessarily rare, but they’re interesting because of that 18-year gap.
Minted in both Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D), they often sell for $5 to $20 in uncirculated condition.
5. Error Coins: The True Hidden Treasures
Now here’s where things get really exciting. Some SBA dollars have minting errors—off-center strikes, double dies, or planchet mistakes—that make them extremely valuable.
For example, an SBA dollar struck on a nickel planchet (the blank used for a five-cent coin) once sold for over $15,000. Others with strong double strikes or off-metal errors can range anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
So, if your coin looks oddly shaped, discolored, or features double lettering—don’t dismiss it. It could be a small fortune hiding in plain sight.
How to Check Your Coin’s Value
If you suspect your Susan B. Anthony dollar might be valuable, here’s a simple checklist:
- Look at the date and mint mark – It’s on the lower right of Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.
- Examine the rim and spacing – Especially for 1979-P coins.
- Inspect the mintmark style – San Francisco mint proofs often show the most valuable variations.
- Check the coin’s condition – Uncirculated or proof-like coins always sell for more.
- Get it graded – Send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for a certified value.
To be fair, most Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth just a buck. But on the flip side, those rare varieties and minting errors make the hunt worthwhile. Even casual collectors love the series because it marks a pivotal moment in U.S. coin history—the first time a real American woman graced a circulating coin.
So next time you spot one in your change, take a minute to check. Who knows? That plain silver coin might be worth far more than a trip to the vending machine.
FAQs
1. Why were Susan B. Anthony dollars discontinued?
People often confused them with quarters due to their similar size and color, leading to poor circulation.
2. How can I tell if my 1979 dollar is a Wide Rim variety?
Look closely—the date should appear much closer to the rim compared to the regular version.
3. Are 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollars rare?
Not extremely, but they are the last year of issue and can be worth more than face value if uncirculated.
4. What’s the most valuable Susan B. Anthony coin?
The 1979-P Wide Rim and certain mint error coins—some fetching over $1,000 or even $10,000 for rare errors.
5. Should I clean my coin before selling it?
Absolutely not! Cleaning can reduce the value significantly. Always leave coins in their original state.