The Susan B. Anthony dollar has always been a bit of an oddball in U.S. coinage history. Introduced in 1979, it was meant to replace the paper dollar and make transactions more efficient. But, honestly, people didn’t love it. It was small, silver-colored, and easy to confuse with a quarter. Still, for collectors, that “flop” story adds a certain charm. And here’s the kicker — some of these coins are now worth way more than face value. If you’ve got a handful lying around, it might be time to take a closer look.
To be fair, most Susan B. Anthony dollars you’ll come across are only worth about a dollar. They were mass-produced and circulated heavily. But the exceptions — those rare minting errors, special proofs, or low-mintage varieties — are where things get interesting. Let’s walk through five Susan B. Anthony dollars that are actually worth keeping an eye out for.
1. 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date)
This is probably the most famous variety of the series. The “wide rim” version, sometimes called the “near date,” has the date closer to the rim than the standard one. Collectors love this subtle difference, and it makes the coin worth much more. If yours says “1979-P” and the date looks snug up against the edge, you might be looking at something special.
Value range: Around $50 to $100 for a circulated coin, and even more if it’s in pristine condition.
2. 1979-S Type 2 Proof (Clear “S”)
In 1979, the San Francisco Mint made proof coins — shiny, mirror-like coins intended for collectors. But they accidentally used two different “S” mintmarks. The first version (Type 1) is a blob-like “S,” while the second (Type 2) is much sharper and more defined. That crisp “S” makes the Type 2 proof highly desirable.
Value range: $100 to $300 depending on condition.
3. 1981-S Type 2 Proof
Just like the 1979 version, the 1981-S Type 2 Proof has a clearer, more defined “S” mintmark. And since 1981 was the last official year Susan B. Anthony dollars were struck for circulation (until their brief comeback in 1999), these coins are even scarcer.
Value range: $150 to $400, depending on the quality of the proof.
4. 1980-S Proof Dollar
While not an error coin, the 1980-S Proof has gained collector attention for its consistently high-quality strike and brilliant finish. Proof sets from this year are popular, and a perfect 1980-S graded “PR70” (which means absolutely flawless) can be surprisingly valuable.
Value range: $25 to $75, but pristine examples can fetch more.
5. 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Here’s a fun twist — the 1999 issue wasn’t supposed to happen. The U.S. Mint revived the Susan B. Anthony dollar that year because the new Sacagawea dollar wasn’t quite ready yet. This “last hurrah” year makes 1999 coins collectible, especially the proof versions from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints.
Value range: $10 to $50 for regular strikes, up to $80 or more for proof versions.
Now, if you’re thinking, “Okay, but how do I know what I’ve got?” — that’s the right question. You’ll want to check the mintmark (a small letter like “P,” “D,” or “S” near the date) and look for small differences in rim width, lettering, or mintmark clarity. A good magnifying glass helps. And if you suspect you’ve found a special one, consider getting it professionally graded.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to make it easier:
| Year & Type | Mintmark | Key Feature | Approx. Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim | P | Date close to rim | $50–$100+ |
| 1979-S Type 2 Proof | S | Clear, sharp “S” | $100–$300 |
| 1981-S Type 2 Proof | S | Clear “S”, final proof run | $150–$400 |
| 1980-S Proof | S | Brilliant strike, high grade | $25–$75+ |
| 1999-P Regular or Proof | P/S | Final year issue | $10–$80+ |
Honestly, even if your Susan B. Anthony dollar turns out to be worth just a buck, it’s still a neat piece of American coinage history. It represents a bold attempt to modernize money — and to honor a woman who helped change the course of American rights. On the flip side, if you do stumble upon one of these rare varieties, well, that’s a nice little bonus, isn’t it?
Either way, it’s worth checking your coin jars, old wallets, and family collections. You never know when a simple dollar coin could turn into a collector’s treasure.
FAQs
Q1: Are all Susan B. Anthony dollars valuable?
No, most are worth just face value. Only specific varieties or proof versions have collector premiums.
Q2: Where is the mintmark located?
You’ll find it on the front (obverse) side of the coin, just above Anthony’s shoulder.
Q3: What’s the best way to sell a valuable coin?
Reputable coin dealers or online auction platforms like Heritage or eBay are good starting points — but get it graded first.
Q4: Should I clean my coins before selling them?
Definitely not! Cleaning can lower the value drastically. Keep them as-is.
Q5: Will Susan B. Anthony dollars increase in value over time?
Some might, especially the rarer proofs and varieties. But as always, coin values depend on demand and condition.
So next time you come across a Susan B. Anthony dollar, take a second look. It might just be more than spare change — it could be a small piece of American history sitting right in your hand.
