The most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars are the 1979-P Wide Rim variety, the 1981-S Proof, and any coin in pristine Mint State or Proof condition, with the 1979-P Wide Rim regularly selling for $15 to $50 in circulated grades and hundreds in high grade. However, most Susan B. Anthony dollars from circulation are worth only face value, so the key to finding a valuable one is knowing the specific varieties and condition.
Background: The Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement. The coin was designed by Frank Gasparro, who also designed the Lincoln Memorial cent and the Eisenhower dollar. The obverse shows Anthony’s portrait, and the reverse features an eagle landing on the Moon, a design adapted from the Apollo 11 mission patch. The coin was intended to replace the large Eisenhower dollar, but its similar size and color to the quarter caused public confusion, and it was never widely accepted in circulation. The mint struck the coins for general circulation in 1979 and 1980, and then only for collectors in 1981, with a final mintage in 1999 to meet demand from vending machine operators.
How the Value Is Determined
Coin value is determined by three primary factors: rarity, condition, and demand. For Susan B. Anthony dollars, rarity is mostly about specific varieties and mintages. The 1979-P Wide Rim is the most significant variety, estimated to have a mintage of only a few million out of the 360 million 1979-P dollars struck. Condition is graded on the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70, with Mint State (MS) coins being uncirculated and Proof (PR) coins being specially struck for collectors. Demand is driven by collectors who want to complete a set of Anthony dollars, which include the 1979-P, 1979-D, 1979-S, 1980-P, 1980-D, 1980-S, 1981-P, 1981-D, 1981-S, and 1999-P. The 1981-P and 1981-D were minted only for mint sets, so they are scarce in circulation but not extremely rare.
Key Varieties and Their Values
The most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar is the 1979-P Wide Rim, also known as the “Near Date” variety. On this coin, the date appears closer to the rim than on the standard issue, and the rim itself is wider. This variety was created when the mint used a die intended for the Philadelphia mint, but the coin was struck at the West Point mint, which was not yet a mint mark. The 1979-P Wide Rim can be worth $15 to $50 in circulated grades, and $100 or more in MS-65 or higher. Another valuable variety is the 1981-S Proof, which has a low mintage of about 4 million, but because it is a proof coin, it is typically found in high grade. A 1981-S Proof in PR-70 Deep Cameo can sell for over $100. The 1999-P dollar, minted for circulation, has a mintage of over 29 million, so it is not rare, but uncirculated examples can sell for a few dollars.
How to Identify a 1979-P Wide Rim
To identify a 1979-P Wide Rim, look at the date on the obverse. On the standard 1979-P, the date is positioned with a noticeable gap between the bottom of the “9” and the rim. On the Wide Rim variety, the “9” nearly touches the rim, and the rim itself is thicker. A magnifying glass or a coin loupe is helpful. Another method is to compare the coin to a known standard example. If you have a 1979-P dollar and the date appears closer to the edge than on other 1979-P coins, you may have a Wide Rim. The Wide Rim variety is only known from the Philadelphia mint in 1979, so a 1979-D or 1979-S cannot be a Wide Rim.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that all Susan B. Anthony dollars are rare or valuable. In fact, over 800 million were minted, and most are worth only face value. Another misconception is that the 1979-S Proof is rare, but it has a mintage of over 3 million, so it is common in the proof market. A common problem for collectors is that many Anthony dollars have been stored in bank rolls or in mint sets, and they may have contact marks or toning that reduce their grade. Also, because the coin is similar in size to a quarter, many people spent them as quarters, so circulated examples are often worn. Another issue is that the 1981-P and 1981-D were not released for circulation, so they are only available in mint sets, which makes them harder to find but not necessarily more valuable.
How to Choose a Coin to Collect
When choosing a Susan B. Anthony dollar to collect, decide whether you want a complete set, a single key date, or a high-grade example. For a complete set, you can buy a pre-made album and fill it with coins from circulation or from a dealer. For a key date, focus on the 1979-P Wide Rim, which is the most challenging to find. For a high-grade example, look for coins graded by a third-party service like PCGS or NGC, which provide a guarantee of authenticity and grade. If you are buying online, check the seller’s return policy and look for clear photos. For a beginner, a good starting point is to buy a 1979-P Wide Rim in a certified holder, as it is the most valuable and will hold its value.
Comparing to Other Modern Dollars
The Susan B. Anthony dollar is often compared to the Sacagawea dollar, which replaced it in 2000. The Sacagawea dollar has a golden color and a smooth edge, while the Anthony dollar is silver-colored and has a reeded edge. The Sacagawea dollar has a few valuable varieties, such as the 2000-P Cheerios dollar, but most are also worth face value. The Anthony dollar is also compared to the Eisenhower dollar, which is larger and heavier. The Eisenhower dollar has more valuable key dates, such as the 1972 Type 2, but it is also not widely collected. For modern coin collectors, the Anthony dollar is a niche area, but the 1979-P Wide Rim is a recognized key date that attracts attention.
Costs and Where to Buy
The cost of a Susan B. Anthony dollar varies widely. A circulated common date can be bought for a dollar or two, while a 1979-P Wide Rim in circulated condition might cost $15 to $50. A certified MS-65 1979-P Wide Rim can cost $100 to $200. A 1981-S Proof in PR-70 Deep Cameo can sell for over $100, but a typical PR-65 is about $10. You can buy these coins from coin dealers, online auction sites like eBay, or at coin shows. When buying online, be cautious of sellers who do not provide clear photos or who claim a coin is a variety without certification. It is often worth paying a small premium for a certified coin, as it protects you from fakes.
Safety and Authenticity
When buying Susan B. Anthony dollars, especially the 1979-P Wide Rim, be aware of counterfeits. The Wide Rim variety is valuable enough that counterfeiters have made fake examples. To avoid fakes, buy from reputable dealers or buy coins that are certified by PCGS or NGC. You can also check the weight and dimensions: the Anthony dollar weighs 8.1 grams and has a diameter of 26.5 mm. A fake may be slightly off. Also, be wary of coins that have been altered, such as a 1979-P that has been filed down to mimic a Wide Rim. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Susan B. Anthony dollars worth more than face value? No, most are worth exactly one dollar. Only the 1979-P Wide Rim and high-grade proofs are worth a premium.
How can I tell if my 1979 dollar is a Wide Rim? Look at the date. If the bottom of the “9” nearly touches the rim, and the rim is thicker than on other 1979-P dollars, it is likely a Wide Rim. Use a magnifier to compare.
What is the most valuable Susan B. Anthony coin? The 1979-P Wide Rim is the most valuable, with prices from $15 to $50 in circulated condition and over $100 in uncirculated grades.
Are Susan B. Anthony dollars from 1999 worth anything? The 1999-P dollar has a mintage of over 29 million, so it is not rare. Uncirculated examples may sell for a few dollars, but circulated ones are face value.
Should I clean my Susan B. Anthony dollar? No, cleaning a coin can reduce its value. Collectors prefer coins with original surfaces, and cleaning can cause scratches and remove the mint luster.
Where can I sell a valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar? You can sell to a coin dealer, at a coin show, or on online auction sites. Get a second opinion from a reputable dealer or use a certified coin to ensure a fair price.
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