Susan B Anthony Dollar Values
How Much Susan B Anthony Dollars are Worth: Susan B Anthony Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.10 | $7.10 | $9.70 | $13.80 | $24.90 |
| 1979 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.10 | $6.10 | $9.20 | $14.80 | $25.90 |
| 1979 | S | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.10 | $5.40 | $8.20 | $21.60 | $35 |
| 1980 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.10 | $5.10 | $6.70 | $10.80 | $34 |
| 1980 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.10 | $5.10 | $7.70 | $15.90 | $26.30 |
| 1980 | S | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $6 | $6.10 | $10.20 | $19.50 | $45 |
| 1981 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $7 | $5.10 | $9.80 | $21.30 | $39 |
| 1981 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.60 | $7.70 | $13.40 | $22.80 | $47 |
| 1981 | S | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.60 | $9.10 | $14.80 | $29.80 | $355 |
| 1999 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.70 | $6.20 | $8.50 | $11.80 | $19.10 |
| 1999 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.70 | $6.20 | $6.80 | $10.80 | $19.70 |
Description and History
History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, minted from 1979 to 1981 and revived briefly in 1999, marked a groundbreaking moment in U.S. coinage. It was the first circulating American coin to feature a real woman: Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering leader in the women’s suffrage movement. Designed by Frank Gasparro, this coin represented both a cultural milestone and an experiment in modern currency design.
By the late 1970s, the bulky Eisenhower Dollar had proven unpopular for daily transactions. The U.S. Mint aimed to create a smaller, lighter coin that was more practical in circulation and compatible with machines. The result was the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, a copper-nickel-clad coin slightly larger than a quarter and weighing 8.1 grams.
The obverse featured Anthony’s profile, while the reverse depicted the Apollo 11 mission insignia, an eagle landing on the Moon, symbolizing American achievement and continuity with the Eisenhower Dollar. The coin’s eleven-sided inner border, though circular overall, was intended to help distinguish it by touch from other denominations.
However, this ambitious project met an ironic downfall. Its size, color, and edge made it easily confused with the quarter, leading to frustration among the public and merchants alike. Although it was meant to improve everyday commerce, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar instead became one of the shortest-lived circulating coins in modern U.S. coinage.
Rarest Coins in the Series
Despite its brief circulation, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar offers collectors several notable rarities and varieties. Among the most famous is the 1979-P “Wide Rim” (or Near Date) variety. On this coin, the date is positioned closer to the rim than usual, giving it a thicker border appearance. The 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) is scarcer than the Narrow Rim; exact numbers are unknown, but it carries a premium over the common Narrow Rim.
Another rarity is the 1981-S Type 2 Proof, which shows a clear “S” mintmark with sharply defined edges. This proof variety was only included in official Mint Proof Sets and not intended for circulation. Its high-quality strike and limited mintage make it one of the most valuable examples in the series.
The 1999-P and 1999-D issues also carry collector appeal. Produced nearly two decades after the original run, these coins were struck to meet a temporary demand for dollar coins in vending and transit systems. The brief return of the design in 1999, right before the launch of the Sacagawea Dollar, is viewed as transitional between the Eisenhower and
Sacagawea programs.
Types of Collections
Collectors often approach the Susan B. Anthony Dollar in different ways depending on their interests and goals:
- Basic Type Sets: Include one example from each mint (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco).
- Date-and-Mint Sets: Complete runs of 1979–1981 and 1999 issues, including proofs.
- Variety Sets: Focus on distinctive varieties such as the 1979-P Wide Rim, 1979-S Type 2 Proof, and 1981-S Type 2 Proof.
- Error Sets: Highlight notable minting anomalies like off-center strikes, broadstrike (smooth-edge), and doubled-die errors.
Because of its short lifespan and clear year range, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar is one of the most approachable modern series for both novice and advanced numismatists.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For beginner collectors, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar provides an excellent starting point. Circulated examples are affordable and widely available, making it easy to complete a basic set without significant expense. The 1979-P and 1980-P coins, for instance, are common in Mint State grades and ideal for new collectors seeking well-preserved pieces.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors, on the other hand, tend to focus on rarities and varieties that carry higher premiums. Proof coins from 1981 and high-grade examples of the 1979-P Wide Rim are particularly sought after. Certified coins graded MS-67 or higher by PCGS or NGC can command higher prices relative to their modern counterparts. Collectors also prize coins with flawless surfaces, full mint luster, and crisp detail in Anthony’s portrait.
Investment Potential
While the Susan B. Anthony Dollar value remains modest for most circulated examples, certain varieties and high-grade issues have performed well in the numismatic market. The 1979-P Wide Rim and 1981-S Type 2 Proof are especially desirable due to their scarcity and historical importance.
Unlike many 20th-century series, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar’s short production span has kept collector interest steady. Although it lacks the precious-metal appeal of earlier silver dollars, its historical and cultural significance continues to bolster its long-term collectability. For investors, proof sets and certified high-grade coins may offer stronger appreciation potential.
Collectors should note that the Susan B. Anthony Dollar value often depends heavily on condition, variety, and certification. Proof coins with Cameo or Deep/Ultra Cameo contrast and select Mint State coins with Prooflike (PL) surfaces can bring substantial premiums in auctions.