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The Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in worn condition to over $25,000 for rare high-grade varieties. Most of these small “silver” dollars you find in your change are only worth their face value, but a few specific dates and mint errors can be worth a small fortune.
| Key Date/Variety | Estimated Value (MS65+) | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) | $50 – $500 | Scarce design variety |
| 1981-S Proof Type 2 | $200 – $600 | Clearer “S” mint mark |
| 1979-S Proof Type 2 | $40 – $150 | Distinct flat-end “S” |
| Major Mint Errors | $500 – $15,000+ | Off-center/Double strikes |
Understanding the Susan B. Anthony Dollar History
The Susan B. Anthony dollar, minted between 1979 and 1981 and again in 1999, was intended to replace the paper dollar. However, because it was similar in size and color to a quarter, many Americans disliked it. If you have recently found one in an old jar or received one as change, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common spender and a rare collectible.
Most of these coins were produced in massive quantities. To truly find the most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar worth money, you must look beyond the standard circulated strikes. Collectors focus on “Uncirculated” (MS) or “Proof” (PR) versions that were preserved in mint sets. Because these coins were universally disliked and sat in vaults for decades, high-grade examples are actually quite common, meaning it takes a perfect specimen or a rare variety to reach high price points.
If you are unsure of your coin’s condition, the CoinKnow app offers high-resolution scanning to help detect its grade. Knowing the difference between “About Uncirculated” and “Mint State” is the primary factor in determining if your dollar is worth just its face value or something more significant for your collection.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1979-P Wide Rim Variety (Near Date)
The most famous variety among collectors is the 1979-P “Wide Rim” or “Near Date.” Early in 1979, the U.S. Mint realized the rim was too narrow, making it look even more like a quarter. They widened the rim for later 1979 strikes, pushing the date closer to the edge. The “Near Date” variety is significantly scarcer than the “Far Date” version.
To identify this, look at the position of the date. In the rare version, the number “1979” is almost touching the raised rim. In the common version, there is a clear gap between the numbers and the edge. Depending on condition, these coins can command a premium price from collectors looking to complete their sets.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Condition | 1979-P Far Date Value | 1979-P Near Date Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $1.00 | $5 – $15 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $2.00 | $40 – $60 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $8.00 | $120 – $200+ |
The 1981 Mint Sets and High-Grade Rarity
By 1981, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was no longer being released into circulation for daily use. Instead, the government only produced them for “Mint Sets” intended for collectors. This means that a 1981-P, D, or S dollar is much harder to find in your pocket change than a 1979.
Because these were never circulated, many exist in high grades today. However, finding a “Perfect” grade (MS67 or higher) is still a challenge for enthusiasts. Check the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar price guide to see how quickly value jumps as the grade increases from MS65 to MS67.
Using the CoinKnow app can provide you with auction record comparisons. While a standard 1981 dollar might only be worth a couple of bucks, a specimen that earns a high grade from a professional service like PCGS can sell for hundreds. Always handle these coins with gloves or by the edges to prevent skin oils from damaging the luster.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The “Clear S” and “Filled S” Proof Varieties
If you have a Proof Susan B. Anthony dollar—identifiable by its mirror-like finish and “S” mint mark—you need to look closely at that “S.” In both 1979 and 1981, the mint updated the punch tool used for the mint mark halfway through the year.
The “Type 1” (Filled S) shows a blob-like S that is hard to decipher. The “Type 2” (Clear S) shows a sharp, crisp S with distinct bulbous ends. The Type 2 is significantly more valuable because fewer of them were produced before the mint moved on to the next year’s designs.
| Year / Variety | Type 1 (Filled S) Value | Type 2 (Clear S) Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-S Proof | $8.00 | $45.00 |
| 1981-S Proof | $12.00 | $250.00+ |
Rare Mint Errors Worth Thousands
The biggest potential for finding a most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar worth money lies in the world of mint errors. Errors occur when the machinery malfunctions during the striking process. These are the “lottery tickets” of the coin world. One of the most sought-after errors is a Susan B. Anthony dollar struck on a Kennedy Half Dollar planchet or even struck on a penny.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Other common lucrative errors include off-center strikes (where the design is partially missing) or broadstrikes (where the coin didn’t fit properly in the collar and became flattened). You can find more detailed help on identifying rare Susan B. Anthony dollar errors to ensure you aren’t looking at a damaged coin versus a genuine mint mistake.
If you suspect you have an error, CoinKnow is a great tool for initial verification. Since some scammers try to simulate “errors” by hammering or grinding down coins, professional tools and apps are essential for first-time hunters. A genuine major error can sell at auction for anywhere from $500 to $15,000 depending on the severity and rarity of the mistake.
The 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Return
After an eighteen-year hiatus, the Susan B. Anthony dollar returned for one final year in 1999. This was done to meet the high demand for dollar coins in vending machines and transit systems before the new gold-colored Sacagawea dollar was ready. Because the production run was smaller than the 1979 issues, they tend to carry a slight value premium.
Most 1999 dollars found in circulation are worth exactly $1.00. However, if you have a 1999-P Proof version in its original purple U.S. Mint box, it can be worth $20 to $40. Collectors also look for “Proof Sets” from this year, as the 1999-S version was only available in those sets and remains relatively popular due to its late-run status.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How to Value Your Coins at Home
Before you run to a coin shop, perform a basic evaluation yourself. First, check the date and look for a mint mark (“P”, “D”, or “S”). Second, check the luster; if the coin is dull and scratched, it has been circulated. If it is shiny and looks like it just came from the bank, it could be a Mint State coin.
Third, look for the specific varieties mentioned above, like the 1979-P Wide Rim. Using a magnifying glass or a jewelry loupe is recommended. Finally, use the CoinKnow app to cross-reference your findings with current market values and auction results. Once you have a better idea of what you have, you can decide whether it is worth paying for a professional grading service like NGC or PCGS to certify the coin’s value.
FAQ
Q: Are Susan B. Anthony dollars made of silver?
A: No, they do not contain any silver. They are made of a copper-nickel clad composition (the same as modern quarters). Even though they have a “silvery” look, their value is based entirely on rarity and condition, not precious metal content.
Q: Why is my 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar so common?
A: In 1979, the U.S. Mint produced over 750 million of these coins, hoping the public would embrace them. Because they were widely disliked, many remained in bank vaults for years, meaning billions are still available in high-grade condition today.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Can I spend a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: Yes, they are legal tender in the United States and are worth exactly $1.00 at any store or bank. However, double-check yours for the Wide Rim variety or mint errors before spending them, as those can be worth much more!
Q: Where is the mint mark on a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, specifically just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (your left side). If there is no mint mark, it was minted in Philadelphia, though most “P” dollars from this era were marked.
Q: How much is a 1979 SBA dollar worth if it’s worn?
A: If it is worn from use and is a common “Far Date” variety, it is worth exactly $1.00. Most coin shops will not pay more than face value for circulated 1979 dollars unless they have a major error.