The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,500 in top-tier mint state grades. While most of these “small size” dollars found in change are only worth face value, high-quality specimens and specific mint errors can command a significant premium among collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Use) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State 63) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS 65) | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS 67+) | $500.00+ |
Understanding the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar History
If you just found a “silver” colored dollar featuring a woman on the front and an eagle landing on the moon on the back, you have a Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar. After a long hiatus starting in 1981, the U.S. Mint brought this series back one last time in 1999 to meet the demand for dollar coins in vending machines and mass transit systems. If you aren’t sure which version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the Philly mint mark and other variations instantly.
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar value is particularly interesting because it represents the “final bow” of the series before the golden Sacagawea dollar took over in 2000. Unlike the earlier years of the series (1979-1981), the 1999 issue was struck in relatively high numbers at the Philadelphia (P) mint. However, finding one in “Perfect” condition is a challenge. Many of these coins were tossed into bags and jingled against each other, causing “bag marks” or scratches that lower their grade.
For most casual hunters, the 1999-P dollar is a fun find but not a retirement fund. Modern collectors using the CoinKnow app often look for coins that still have their original mint luster. If the coin looks dull or scratched, it is likely just worth its $1 face value. However, if it shines like a mirror and has no visible marks, you might be looking at a coin worth $50 or more.
1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Grading and Condition
The value of any coin is dictated by its grade. For the 1999 issue, the difference between a coin used to buy a soda and one stored in a velvet box is hundreds of dollars. Professional graders use a 1-70 scale, where MS 60 is the start of “Mint State” (uncirculated) and MS 70 is perfection. For the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar price, the jump from MS 66 to MS 67 is where things get exciting.
Most coins found in pocket change are considered “Circulated.” These have been handled, dropped, and passed around. They are almost never worth more than $1. “Uncirculated” coins, on the other hand, never made it into public hands. They were kept in mint rolls or sets. A coin that grades at MS 65 or higher is typically what collectors are willing to pay a premium for.
If you are trying to grade your coin at home, look at Susan B. Anthony’s cheek and the lines in the eagle’s feathers. If these areas are flat and smooth, the coin is circulated. If the details are sharp and the “bloom” of the metal is still present, you should consider getting it appraised. The CoinKnow app can provide high-resolution comparisons to help you judge your coin against museum-quality specimens.
| Grade Scale | Visual Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| AU 58 (Almost Uncirculated) | Slight wear on high points, most luster remains. | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| MS 63 (Uncirculated) | No wear, but many small scratches or marks. | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| MS 65 (Gem Uncirculated) | Strong luster, very few marks. Great eye appeal. | $30.00 |
| MS 67+ (Superb Gem) | Virtually flawless to the naked eye. Rare grade. | $1,000+ |
Valuable 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Errors to Look For
Mistakes at the mint can turn a common dollar into a jackpot. Collectors pay huge sums for coins that were struck incorrectly. Because the 1999-P was produced in large quantities using older equipment, several errors have been discovered. The most common are “off-center” strikes, where the coin design doesn’t line up with the edge, or “broadstrikes,” where the coin is flatter and wider than usual because the collar (the part that makes the edge) was missing.
Another rare but valuable error is the “mule” coin. While none have been confirmed for the 1999-P SBA featuring a different series’ design, collectors are always on the hunt for “clipped planchets,” where a bite-sized piece of the coin is missing from the edge. These errors can make the 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth significantly more than its standard book value.
If you suspect you have an error coin, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value instantly. Instead, use the CoinKnow mobile app to search for “known 1999 errors” and compare your coin’s physical characteristics to verified error sales. Most errors sell for $50 to $500 depending on how dramatic the mistake is.
Market Rarety: Why the 1999-P is Unique
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar is unique because it shouldn’t have existed. By 1981, the American public had largely rejected the coin because it was too similar in size and color to the quarter. For 18 years, the mint didn’t make any. Then, suddenly, stocks ran low because of the rise of automated ticket booths. This “emergency” 1999 production run was the swan song for Susan B. Anthony on U.S. currency.
Because it was a one-year return, many people hoarded them, thinking they would be incredibly rare. Ironically, because so many people saved them, uncirculated copies are quite easy to find in the MS 60-63 range. The real rarity lies in the condition. Collectors want “Proof-like” surfaces or coins with “Full Talons” on the eagle on the reverse.
When checking the value, remember that the “P” mint mark stands for Philadelphia. There are also 1999-D (Denver) coins, which are slightly less common in some grades, and 1999-S Proofs (San Francisco). The S-proofs were made specifically for collectors and have a mirror-like finish. While the 1999-P is the most common, its value holds steady due to the high demand for “complete series” sets.
| Mint Mark | Mintage (Approx) | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-P (Philadelphia) | 29,592,000 | Common |
| 1999-D (Denver) | 11,776,000 | Uncommon |
| 1999-S (Proof) | 750,000 | Scarce |
How to Sell Your 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Once you’ve determined that your 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is one of the high-grade specimens or contains an error, the next step is selling it. For average uncirculated coins worth $5 to $10, locally owned coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. If you have a coin that you believe is an MS 67 or higher, you should consider professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC.
A professionally graded coin always sells for more than a “raw” coin because the buyer has a guarantee of authenticity and quality. Auctions are the best venue for high-end coins. Recent auction records show that top-grade 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollars can spark bidding wars among registry set collectors who need that specific date in perfect condition to complete their collections.
For everyday Americans, the main takeaway is to keep an eye out for luster. If your coin looks like it just came off the press—shiny, golden-tinged (from the toning), and sharp—don’t spend it! Put it in a protective flip or a small plastic baggie until you can get it looked at. Most of these coins are just worth a dollar, but the “diamonds in the rough” are definitely out there.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar made of silver?
A: No. Despite its silver appearance, the coin is made of a cupro-nickel “sandwich”—a core of pure copper bonded to outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It contains zero actual silver.
Q: How can I tell if my 1999-P dollar is a “Proof”?
A: While 1999-P coins are standard business strikes, the 1999-S (San Francisco) is the official proof version. Proofs have a mirror-like background and “frosted” details on Susan B. Anthony’s portrait. However, some early 1999-P strikes can look very shiny; these are called “Proof-Like” but are not official proofs.
Q: Why is my 1999 dollar coin gold-colored?
A: If it is gold-colored, it is likely not a Susan B. Anthony dollar, but a Sacagawea dollar (which began in 2000) or a Presidential Dollar. If a 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollar looks gold, it might have been “plated” by a private company as a novelty, which actually reduces its value to collectors.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
A: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (your left), right next to her neckline.