Susan B Anthony Dollar Values
How Much Susan B Anthony Dollars are Worth: Susan B Anthony Dollar
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 | $29.90 |
| 1979 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.10 | $6.10 | $9.20 | $15.30 | $28.90 |
| 1979 | S | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.10 | $5.40 | $8.20 | $20.60 | $35 |
| 1980 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.10 | $5.10 | $6.70 | $10.80 | $27.30 |
| 1980 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $5.10 | $7.70 | $14.90 | $24.80 |
| 1980 | S | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $6 | $6.10 | $10.20 | $20.50 | $45 |
| 1981 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $7 | $5.10 | $9.80 | $20.30 | $51 |
| 1981 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $7.70 | $13.40 | $22.80 | $47 |
| 1981 | S | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9.10 | $14.80 | $29.80 | $330 |
| 1999 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.70 | $6.20 | $8.50 | $11.80 | $21.10 |
| 1999 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.70 | $6.20 | $6.80 | $10.80 | $20.20 |
Description and History
Susan B. Anthony Dollar: A Bold Step in Modern Coinage
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, minted from 1979 to 1981, with a one-time revival in 1999, was the first U.S. coin to feature a real, non-mythological woman. Designed to honor Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering advocate for women’s suffrage, this coin was a landmark in numismatic history. However, despite its noble intent, the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Dollar struggled in circulation due to its similarity in size and appearance to the quarter, leading to its early discontinuation.
A Radical Redesign with Unintended Consequences
The U.S. Mint sought to introduce a small-sized dollar coin to replace the bulky Eisenhower Dollar, making everyday transactions more convenient. The result was a copper-nickel-clad, eleven-sided coin featuring Susan B. Anthony’s portrait by Frank Gasparro on the obverse and an adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission insignia on the reverse—a design previously used on the Eisenhower Dollar.
Although the smaller dollar coin was intended to increase public use, its size and color closely resembled the quarter, leading to widespread confusion. This mistake ultimately doomed the SBA Dollar to limited circulation, making it one of the shortest-lived U.S. coin series.
Why the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Still Stands Out
Despite its circulation challenges, the SBA Dollar remains highly collectible due to its historical significance, unique design, and limited production run. The coin paved the way for later small-dollar programs, including the Sacagawea and Presidential Dollar series.
What Collectors Should Know
- Where to Find Them: While some still appear in circulation, uncirculated and proof versions are best found in Mint sets, auctions, and coin dealers.
- Notable Features: Find proof strikes, full-luster examples, and rare varieties for premium value.
- Preservation Tips: Since these coins were often stored in bank vaults, many uncirculated examples remain in excellent condition when found in original Mint rolls or sets.
The Most Coveted SBA Dollar
Among the rarest of the series is the 1979-P “Wide Rim” Susan B. Anthony Dollar, identifiable by its closer date placement to the rim. This variety, struck in smaller numbers, carries a significantly higher value compared to standard issues.
Investment Potential of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
While most SBA Dollars remain affordable, certain varieties—especially the 1979-P Wide Rim and 1981 Proof strikes—command strong collector interest. The 1999 revival also sparked renewed attention, with high-grade examples becoming more desirable. The SBA dollar has little investment potential but is more popular among collectors.
Key Dates and Collector Favorites
- 1979-P Wide Rim – A scarcer variety with the date positioned closer to the edge.
- 1981-S Type 2 Proof – Features a sharper, clearer mintmark, making it a prized find.
- 1999-P & 1999-D SBA Dollars—This was the final-year issue, struck to meet vending machine demand before the transition to the Sacagawea Dollar.
- Notable Errors: Look for off-center strikes, missing clad layers, and double die obverses, which can increase desirability.
Gasparro’s Tribute to a Trailblazer
Frank Gasparro’s portrait of Susan B. Anthony was a powerful tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history. Although the coin’s circulation struggled, its numismatic legacy endures, symbolizing the nation’s progress toward gender equality in both currency and society.
A Coin Ahead of Its Time
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar may not have found success in everyday commerce, but its impact on modern U.S. coinage is undeniable. Whether collected for its historical importance, design quirks, or investment potential, this dollar remains a fascinating piece of American numismatic history that paved the way for the small-dollar coins of today.
