How Much are Susan B. Anthony Dollars Worth?
If you’ve ever wondered about the coin value of that old Susan B. Anthony Dollar tucked away in your change jar, you’re not alone. Although many of these coins are still worth their face value, certain examples—especially those with rarity or in pristine condition—can be worth thousands. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector, a budding numismatics enthusiast, or an investor exploring opportunities in rare coinage, the SBA dollar offers intriguing potential both as a collectible and a piece of American history.
Well, just a couple of months ago, in September 2024, this No-Date $1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar went for a handsome $780:
Or how about this 1979-S $1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, which went for a whopping $3,600, also in September 2024:
As you can see, some of these coins can be worth some pretty serious money. But how do you identify them? And what makes them so valuable?
Let’s take a look.
TL;DR: How Much are Susan B. Anthony Dollars Worth?
While most are worth $1, rare varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim can command over $6,000, and proof coins like the 1979-S and 1981-S Type 2 can range from $1955 to potentially higher, depending on their condition and market demand.
What are Susan B. Anthony Dollars?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds more than just monetary worth—it symbolizes a pivotal moment in U.S. history. As the first circulating coin to feature a real woman, it honors Susan B. Anthony’s critical role in the fight for women’s suffrage and social reform. This historical significance, combined with certain rarities and minting errors, directly impacts each coin’s value in the collector’s market. Understanding this blend of history and scarcity is key to evaluating any SBA dollar’s coin value.
These coins were minted by the United States from 1979 to 1981, with an unexpected minting once again in 1999. While they’re not a regular sight in daily transactions today, their actual value can sometimes surpass the mere dollar they represent, especially for the keen-eyed collector.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first instance in U.S. history where a real-life woman was depicted on a circulating coin. Before this, only allegorical figures like Lady Liberty had that honor. Susan B. Anthony’s portrait, a tribute to her relentless fight for women’s rights, was crafted by Frank Gasparro, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. His intricate design can be recognized by his initials on the obverse, near the lower right side of Anthony’s portrait.
Why were Susan B. Anthony Dollars Created?
The primary reason for introducing the Susan B. Anthony dollar was practicality. The Eisenhower dollar, which preceded it, was large and cumbersome, making it less popular for everyday use. The SBA dollar was designed to offer a smaller, lighter alternative. However, the coin struggled to gain widespread acceptance due to its similarity in size and color to the quarter, leading to frequent confusion among the public.
Key Features of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
- Design Details:
- Obverse (Front): The coin’s obverse features a right-facing portrait of Susan B. Anthony, designed by Frank Gasparro, who was the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time. Surrounding her portrait are inscriptions that include “LIBERTY” and the year of minting.
- Reverse (Back): The reverse design is a depiction of an eagle landing on the moon, a design adapted from the Eisenhower dollar, symbolizing the Apollo 11 moon landing. It also includes 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies.
- Size and Composition:
- The coin has a diameter of 26.5 millimeters and weighs 8.1 grams.
- It is made of a copper-nickel alloy, which gives it a silver-like appearance despite not being made of precious metal.
- Unique Characteristics:
- The coin’s edges are reeded (grooved), similar to quarters, making it distinct from other dollar coins like the larger Eisenhower dollar.
- Its small size, close in diameter to the quarter, led to significant confusion during circulation.
Why Didn’t the Coin Gain Popularity?
So, given its significance, why didn’t this coin flourish in the U.S. market?
In short, the size and color of the coin were so similar to a quarter that it led to frequent mix-ups. As a result, its use diminished over time, with a halt in production in 1981. However, in 1999, they made a reappearance as change in postage stamp and subway token vending machines.
A final note on Susan B. Anthony Dollars
To fully appreciate the significance of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, it’s worth understanding more about Susan B. Anthony herself. She was a pioneering figure in the fight for women’s suffrage and social reform in the United States.
You can learn more about her life and impact on U.S. history through reputable sources like:
These resources provide valuable insight into why her legacy was honored with a place on U.S. currency — a historic first for a real woman on circulating coinage.
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value Determinants: Rarity and Condition
The general market has seen limited interest in the SBA dollar, primarily because of the short minting period. However, the allure for coin collectors is its rarities. While condition (wear and tear) plays a part in the coin’s value, it is the rare varieties, resulting from different dye use during the minting process, that hold the key to its worth.
There are several rare varieties, such as:
1979-P Wide Rim Variety
Identified by the closeness of the date to the rim.
1979-S Proof Type 2 (clear “S” mintmark)
This clear ‘S’ is distinct from the filled ‘S’ found in the Type 1 version.
1981-S Proof Type 2 (flat “S” mintmark)
As with the 1979-S, the distinguishing factor here is the mint mark.
Notably, the last two are proof coins – made especially for collectors and boasting a mirrored finish. That means that you’re much more likely to find the first two types of SBA dollars in circulation.
Are Susan b. Anthony Dollars Worth Anything?
So let’s say you’ve got your hands on a 1979-S Proof Type 2 (clear “S” mintmark) coin. Good news (assuming it’s in perfect condition)! You’ve just made $1955 – not bad!
And what about a 1981-S Proof Type 2 (flat “S” mintmark) coin? Even more!
Now we’re cooking with oil. But we ain’t done yet.
Your 1979-P Wide Rim Variety could get you over $6,000…
Pretty great for a coin your grandmother picked out of a vending machine!
And while the examples above are in near perfect condition, you’ll still be able to get a decent return on your investment, whatever the condition of your coin.
Unusual Finds and Auctions
Beyond the standard circulation and rare varieties, there are some anomalies in the SBA series that are worth noting:
Transition Year Errors
In the crossover year between the SBA dollar and its successor, the Sacagawea dollar, a few coins were mistakenly minted on the wrong blanks. A Sacagawea design imprinted on an SBA blank fetched a remarkable $12,075 at auction.
SBA on Sacagawea Blank
The opposite, an SBA design on a Sacagawea blank, is also a rarity to watch out for, as they too have been known to command high prices – just take a look at the one below!
How Much is a Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth Today?
Based on current information, here’s what Susan B. Anthony could be worth:
| Date & Mint | Circ. Buy | Circ. Sell | Unc. Buy | Unc. Sell |
| 1979-P | $2.00 | $1.05 | $3.00 | $2.20 |
| 1979-P Wide Rim | $10.00 | $6.00 | $30.00 | $22.00 |
| 1979-D | $2.00 | $1.05 | $2.50 | $2.00 |
| 1979-S | $2.00 | $1.10 | $2.50 | $2.00 |
| 1979-S Type 1 Proof | – | – | $8.00 | $6.30 |
| 1979-S Type 2 Proof * | – | – | $69.00 | $52.00 |
| 1980-P | $2.00 | $1.10 | $2.50 | $2.00 |
| 1980-D | $2.00 | $1.10 | $2.50 | $1.90 |
| 1980-S | $2.00 | $1.10 | $2.50 | $1.90 |
| 1980-S Proof | – | – | $5.00 | $3.00 |
| 1981-P | $2.00 | $1.10 | $4.50 | $3.50 |
| 1981-D | $2.00 | $1.10 | $4.90 | $3.70 |
| 1981-S | $2.00 | $1.10 | $5.20 | $3.70 |
| 1981-S Type 1 Proof | – | – | $7.00 | $5.00 |
| 1981-S Type 2 Proof * | – | – | $200.00 | $175.00 |
| 1999-P | $2.00 | $1.10 | $3.00 | $1.50 |
| 1999-D | $2.00 | $1.10 | $3.00 | $1.50 |
| 1999-P Proof | – | – | $20.00 | $16.50 |
| Complete Date-Mint Set Total Coins: 11 | $20.00 | $15.00 | $60.00 | $45.00 |
| Complete Date-Mint Set With Proof and Varieties Total Coins: 18 | – | – | $350.00 | $300.00 |
| Complete Date Set Total Coins: 4 | $8.00 | $4.00 | $15.00 | $10.00 |
Investment Insights for Collectors and Investors
For coin collectors, the allure of the SBA dollar lies in its unique place in U.S. numismatic history and its potential for appreciation. But for investors in rare coinage, understanding market trends is equally important. While common SBA dollars remain modest in price, rare proofs and error varieties have shown consistent value growth. As coin collecting gains popularity, especially through live auctions and platforms like Whatnot, certain Susan B. Anthony Dollars are positioned to become even more sought after.
Where to Buy Susan B. Anthony Dollars
The Silverpicker guarantee is that I always share exactly what I do myself to build my collection. For all my recommendations, check out my buying guide.
Apmex is one of the best places to buy Susan B. Anthony dollars – and any other currency or coin. Their catalog is exhaustive, and I’m a proud repeat customer.
If you have an appetite for seeking out the best deals, then Whatnot is your best friend. Whatnot lets you hold and participate in live auctions for any kind of collectible – including Barr notes. Unlike other auction sites, Whatnot auctioneers (like me, sometimes) can present the collectible on video and show every angle – so you know exactly what you’re getting into. You can get $15 of Whatnot credit with my link.
Getting Value From Susan B. Anthony Dollars
The SBA dollar serves as a testament to Susan B. Anthony’s legacy and stands as an example of the ever-evolving journey of U.S. coinage. While most SBA dollars in circulation might fetch only their face value, a few rare gems are worth significantly more. So, the next time you stumble upon an SBA dollar, take a moment to examine it – it might be worth some serious money.
FAQs
Where can I buy Susan B. Anthony Dollars and how can I tell their worth?
Susan B. Anthony Dollars can be purchased from reputable sources like Apmex or through live auctions on platforms such as Whatnot. Their worth depends on rarity, minting errors, and condition, and consulting a detailed price guide or expert appraisal can help determine their current market value.
How much can a Susan B. Anthony Dollar be worth today?
The value of Susan B. Anthony Dollars varies depending on the specific variety and condition. For example, a 1979-S Proof Type 2 (clear ‘S’) can be worth around $1955 in perfect condition, while rare varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim can fetch over $6,000. Common coins typically remain close to their face value.
Which features help identify a Susan B. Anthony Dollar, and what design details are important?
The key features include the obverse with a right-facing portrait of Susan B. Anthony designed by Frank Gasparro, and the reverse depicting an eagle landing on the moon, adapted from the Eisenhower dollar. The coin’s size is 26.5 mm in diameter, made from copper-nickel alloy, with reeded edges.
Why was the Susan B. Anthony Dollar initially created, and why didn’t it gain popularity?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was created to provide a smaller, more practical alternative to the larger Eisenhower dollar for everyday use. However, it did not gain popularity because its size and color closely resembled a quarter, leading to confusion and reduced circulation, which caused production to halt after 1981.
What makes some Susan B. Anthony Dollars more valuable than others?
Some Susan B. Anthony Dollars are more valuable due to rarity, specific varieties such as the 1979-P Wide Rim or proofs like the 1979-S and 1981-S Type 2, and their condition. Rarer minting errors and proof coins in pristine condition tend to fetch higher prices in the market.
