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The 1999-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $2 in circulated condition to over $115 in high-grade mint state. While most of these coins found in pocket change are common, certain specimens in near-perfect condition can command a premium from collectors looking to complete their sets.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS67) | $100.00 – $150.00+ |
The Surprising Return of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar in 1999
If you just found a small, silver-colored coin with a portrait of a stern-looking woman and a “1999” date, you might be confused. The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar series originally ended in 1981, making the 1999 issue a “comeback” year. The U.S. Mint brought the design back for one final run to fill a shortage in vending machines and transit systems before the debut of the gold-colored Sacagawea dollar in 2000.
To identify your coin quickly, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and strike type instantly. The “D” on your coin signifies that it was struck at the Denver Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) version, the Denver strikes are often found with slightly better luster, though millions were produced for general circulation.
For the average American, this coin is a fun piece of history. While it isn’t made of silver (it’s actually a copper-nickel “sandwich”), it represents a unique era in American coinage. Using CoinKnow can help you keep track of your finds and see how local demand affects the resale price.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Understanding the 1999-D SBA Dollar Rarity
Is the 1999-D SBA dollar rare? In terms of mintage, the Denver Mint produced 11,892,000 of these coins. Compared to millions of quarters or pennies, that number seems small, but in the world of modern dollar coins, it is quite high. Most of these coins were stored in bags or circulated through post office stamp machines, meaning truly rare examples are those that survived without a single scratch.
If you are checking your change, you’ll likely find “circulated” coins. These have been handled by people and machines, losing their original “bloom” or shiny surface. These are generally worth exactly one dollar, or perhaps a small premium to someone who just wants to fill a hole in a coin folder.
However, collectors look for “Mint State” (MS) grades. A 1999-D in MS66 or MS67 condition is significantly harder to find. If you think you have a perfect specimen, checking the current market value for Susan B. Anthony dollars is the best way to see what professional dealers are currently paying for high-quality strikes.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Detailed Price Guide for 1999-D Susan B. Anthony Dollars
The value of your coin is dictated almost entirely by its grade. In the coin world, we use a 70-point scale. A coin that is scored as a “1” is barely recognizable, while a “70” is perfect. For the 1999-D, the jump in price usually happens once the coin hits the MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) level.
| Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| MS63 (Typical Uncirculated) | $6.00 |
| MS64 (Choice) | $12.00 |
| MS65 (Gem) | $28.00 |
| MS66 (Premium Gem) | $55.00 |
| MS67 (Superb Gem) | $115.00+ |
When looking at these prices, remember that they reflect what a collector might pay for a coin that has been professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC. Before spending money on grading fees, you can use CoinKnow to get a ballpark estimate of your coin’s condition.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Key Features to Look for on your 1999-D Dollar
To ensure you have a Denver Mint coin, look for the small letter “D” located on the obverse (front) of the coin. It is positioned just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (your left side when looking at the coin). If there is no mint mark, or if there is a “P,” it was made in Philadelphia.
The reverse of the coin features an adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission insignia: an eagle landing on the moon with the Earth in the background. Because the 1999 coins were produced with newer equipment than the 1979 versions, they often have a sharper strike.
If you find a coin with a very “frosted” look on the portraits and a mirror-like background, you might have a proof coin. However, all 1999 Proof SBA dollars were minted in Philadelphia and bear the “P” mint mark. The 1999-D was only struck for circulation, so any “shiny” 1999-D you find is likely just a very well-preserved business strike. For more details on these variations, look up the 1999 dollar coin price fluctuations to understand how different mint marks affect the bottom line.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Errors and Varieties of the 1999-D Dollar
While there aren’t many famous “major” errors for the 1999-D, oddities do occur. Because millions were made quickly, some coins left the mint with defects. Die cracks, which look like raised jagged lines on the surface, are common but don’t usually add much value unless they are very dramatic.
One thing to watch for is a “Broadstrike.” This happens when the coin is struck without being held firmly by the retaining collar, causing the coin to look flatter and wider than a normal dollar. These can sell for $50 to $100 depending on the severity.
Another interesting find is the “Off-Center” strike. If the design is missing a portion of the rim and shifted to one side, you have a genuine mint error. The more off-center the design is, the more money it is worth. The CoinKnow app can help you identify if a weird-looking mark is a valuable mint error or just “post-mint damage” caused by a vending machine or a parking meter.
How Color and Luster Affect 1999-D Dollar Pricing
Even though the 1999-D SBA is a modern coin made of base metals, it can develop “toning.” Toning is a chemical reaction on the surface of the metal that can turn the coin shades of gold, blue, or even purple. In the coin world, “pretty” toning can double or triple the price of a coin.
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Luster is also vital. Luster is the way light “dances” around the coin when you tilt it back and forth. A 1999-D with “booming” luster will always outsell a coin with a dull, matte grey appearance. If your coin looks like it just came out of a fresh roll from the bank, handle it only by the edges! The oils from your fingers can leave permanent marks that lower the grade.
| Surface Quality | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Dull/Grey Surface | Face Value ($1.00) |
| Proof-Like (Mirror surfaces) | +$10 – $20 over base price |
| Attractive Rainbow Toning | Significant Premium (Auction-based) |
Where to Sell Your 1999-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you’ve determined your coin is a high-grade specimen or a rare error, you have a few options for selling. For coins worth under $20, eBay is often the best venue. You can reach a wide audience of casual collectors. Just be sure to take high-quality, clear photos of both sides.
For coins that you believe are in MS67 condition or higher, it is worth visiting a local coin shop. A professional dealer can give you an honest opinion on whether it’s worth sending the coin to PCGS for grading. Professional grading costs money, so you want to be sure the coin’s value justifies the expense.
Finally, keep an eye on online forums and community groups. Many collectors are looking for 1999-D dollars to fill “Dansco” albums. While you won’t get rich off a single circulated 1999-D, finding a Gem-quality example in an old jar of change is a great way to start a profitable hobby.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1999-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar made of silver?
A: No. The 1999-D SBA dollar is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a pure copper core. It contains no silver, which is why it does not have “melt value” like older silver dollars.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: What is the most expensive 1999-D SBA dollar ever sold?
A: High-grade examples in MS68 condition have sold for over $500 at major auctions. However, these are extremely rare and must be perfectly preserved without any visible marks under magnification.
Q: Why did they only make SBA dollars in 1999 after a long break?
A: In 1999, the U.S. Mint’s supply of dollar coins was depleted due to high demand from vending machines and mass transit systems. They resumed production of the SBA design for one year while they prepared the new Sacagawea “Golden” dollar for its 2000 release.
Q: Can I spend a 1999-D Susan B. Anthony dollar at a store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth exactly one dollar. However, because many people mistake them for quarters, it’s usually better to keep them or sell them to a collector if they are in great condition.