The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in worn condition to over $1,500 in top-tier mint state grades. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth their face value, certain high-grade specimens and mint errors can command a significant premium among serious collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F-AU) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63-MS65) | $5.00 – $25.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $150.00 – $1,500+ |
| Proof (PR69DCAM) | $15.00 – $35.00 |
History and Significance of the 1999 Philadelphia Mint Dollar
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar holds a unique place in American numismatic history because it represents a “comeback” year. The series originally ran from 1979 to 1981 but was discontinued due to public confusion with the Washington quarter. However, by the late 1990s, the supply of dollar coins for vending machines and mass transit systems was running dangerously low.
Before the introduction of the gold-colored Sacagawea dollar in 2000, the U.S. Mint decided to strike one final batch of Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1999. Since many people use a top coin identifier app to check their loose change, this specific date often pops up as a curiosity. It was the only year the coin was produced in the 1990s, making it a sought-after piece for those completing a set.
If you have found one of these coins in an old jar or at the bottom of a drawer, you should first identify its mint mark. The “P” indicates it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While millions were produced, the 1999-P is generally considered more common than the 1999-D, though condition is the ultimate factor in determining the final price.
Identifying the Condition and Grade of Your 1999-P Dollar
When determining the value of your coin, condition is everything. Professional graders use a 1-70 scale, where 70 is a perfect coin. Most 1999-P dollars you find in circulation today will be “Circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dullness, or wear on Susan B. Anthony’s cheek and hair. These are generally worth only $1.
To get a better idea of how condition affects the market, you can check the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar MS prices to see the jump between average and elite grades. Coins that look like they just came from the mint—with a bright, satin-like luster and no visible scratches—are categorized as “Mint State” (MS).
If you are unsure whether your coin is a regular strike or a Proof, the 1999-P was actually minted in both formats. While CoinKnow can help you identify the visual differences, remember that the “P” mint mark appears on both versions this year. The Proof versions have a mirror-like finish and were sold in special sets for collectors.
| Grade | Visual Characteristics | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | Slight contact marks, good luster | $5 |
| MS65 | Attractive, few distracting marks | $20 |
| MS67 | Nearly perfect to the naked eye | $250 |
| MS68 | Flawless under 5x magnification | $1,200+ |
Rare 1999 Susan B. Anthony Error Coins to Look For
Error coins are the holy grail for everyday hunters. Even if a standard coin is common, a minting mistake can turn it into a high-value treasure. Collectors often use CoinKnow to scan their coins for oddities that might indicate a rare error, such as “off-center strikes” or “broadstrikes.”
One notable error for the 1999-P is the “Double Die” strike, though these are extremely rare for this specific late date. Another more common occurrence is the “Clipped Planchet,” where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of the edge during production. These errors can easily push the price of a 1999-P dollar into the $50 to $100 range.
You should also look for “Mule” errors or coins struck on the wrong metal blanks (planchets). While no 1999-P mules are widely confirmed like the famous Sacagawea/Quarter mule, the transition year between the Anthony dollar and the Sacagawea dollar makes the 1999-dated coins a prime target for unusual minting accidents.
Comparison of 1999-P vs 1999-D Dollar Values
In 1999, both the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints produced Susan B. Anthony dollars. Generally, the Philadelphia mint produced about 29 million coins, while Denver produced about 11 million. Despite the Denver mint having a lower mintage, the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar coin value remains very similar to its Denver counterpart in most grades.
The reason the values remain close is that many collectors saved rolls of these coins experimental “last year” issues. Because so many were saved in pristine condition, the supply for MS63 to MS65 grades is quite high. It is only when you reach the “Superb Gem” MS67 or MS68 levels that the scarcity of the 1999-P becomes apparent.
If you are building a collection, it is worth owning both. To the everyday person, they look identical except for the tiny letter above the date. Using CoinKnow can quickly help you distinguish these mint marks if they have become worn over time or are obscured by dirt.
| Mint Mark | Mintage | Avg. Value (MS65) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-P (Philadelphia) | 29.5 Million | $18 – $25 |
| 1999-D (Denver) | 11.8 Million | $20 – $30 |
| 1999-P (Proof) | 750,000+ | $30+ |
The 1999-P Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar
For the 1999 reissue, the Mint also produced a Proof version for collectors. These were not meant for circulation. They feature a “Deep Cameo” finish, where the portrait of Susan B. Anthony is frosted and white, while the background (field) is a deep, reflective black mirror.
While millions of uncirculated coins were made, only about 750,000 Proof coins were struck. These often come in their original plastic lenses from the U.S. Mint. If you find a 1999-P dollar that looks exceptionally shiny and has “frosty” details, it is likely a Proof coin. These are almost always worth more than a standard 1999-P you would find at a bank.
Collectors pay a premium for Proofs that have no spots or “haze” on the surface. A 1999-P Proof in a perfect PR70 grade can sell for over $100, though most PR69 specimens sell comfortably in the $20 to $40 range. Always handle these by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints, which can permanently damage the value.
Is It Worth Keeping Your 1999-P Dollar?
Many people ask if they should hold onto their 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollars or simply spend them. If the coin is heavily worn and looks like an ordinary quarter, it is likely only worth one dollar. However, because 1999 was the final year of the series, these coins have a certain sentimental and historical value.
If you find a 1999-P in a “Mint Roll” or original packaging, definitely keep it or have it appraised. The price gap between a “circulated” coin and a “gem” coin is massive. As the years go by, the number of high-grade 1999-P dollars on the market may decrease, making the ones that remain more valuable to future generations of collectors.
For the average person, the best strategy is to look for coins that lack scratches and still have their original luster. These are the ones that might be worth the $20-$50 price tag. In the world of coin collecting, patience is often rewarded, and keeping a few high-quality 1999 dollars might turn into a nice little investment one day.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 1999-P dollar coin silver colored?
A: Susan B. Anthony dollars were made of a copper-nickel clad composition, the same as modern quarters and dimes. They were never made of silver. Their “silver” appearance is simply the nickel coating on the outside.
Q: How can I tell if my 1999-P is a Proof coin?
A: A Proof coin will have a mirror-like background and very sharp, frosted details. If you can see your reflection clearly in the flat parts of the coin, it is likely a Proof. Standard business strikes have a more “satin” or dull finish.
Q: Are there any 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollars worth thousands?
A: Yes, but only in extremely high grades like MS68 or MS69. These coins must be professionally graded by companies like PCGS or NGC. Most coins found in change will not meet this criteria.
Q: Where can I sell my 1999-P dollar?
A: You can sell these at local coin shops, through online auction sites like eBay, or at coin shows. For highly valuable graded coins, specialized numismatic auction houses are the best option.