Why the Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Can Be Valuable
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted for circulation in 1979, 1980, 1981 and again in 1999. Most are common and worth face value or modest premiums in circulated condition.
However, unique error coins, high-grade proofs, or very scarce varieties can attract collectors and sell for thousands of dollars. Some unusually rare Susan B. Anthony dollars have been reported to reach five-figure prices at auction.
How to Identify a Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
To find a valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar in spare change, focus on observable differences. Check the date, mint mark, strike quality, and any visible errors.
Use a magnifier (10x loupe) and good light to examine details. Look for doubled devices, missing elements, or unusual planchet behavior.
Dates, Mint Marks, and Typical Varieties
Common dates are 1979 (most numerous), 1980, 1981, and 1999. Mint marks include P (Philadelphia, often no mark), D (Denver), and S (San Francisco for proofs).
Proofs (S mint) were made for collectors and usually have mirror-like fields. High-grade, perfectly struck proofs are more desirable than circulated business strikes.
Common Error Types That Boost Value
- Off-center strikes — part of the design missing, especially dramatic misstrikes.
- Doubled die obverse or reverse — visible doubling of letters or features.
- Broadstrikes or misaligned collar strikes — unusual rim or flange appearance.
- Clipped planchets or lamination errors — missing sections or metal flaking.
- Repunched mint marks (RPM) — overlapping mint mark impressions.
Step-by-Step: How to Hunt in Your Spare Change
Searching through rolls and pockets is time-consuming but simple. Develop a routine and safety net for coins you suspect are special.
- Gather supplies: loupe (10x), soft gloves, small holder flips, and a tray or dish to sort coins.
- Sort quickly by eye for unusual rims, colors, or mirror-like surfaces that suggest proofs.
- Set aside any coin with obvious errors, clear doubling, or an unusual strike for closer inspection.
- Record date and mint mark, take clear photos, and consult reference guides or online databases.
Grading Basics and When to Seek Professional Help
Collectors pay premium prices for coins in Mint State (uncirculated) condition or certified proof quality. Surface wear heavily affects value.
If you find a coin that appears rare or error-struck, get a second opinion. Local coin dealers or reputable grading services can offer authentication and grading that substantially affects price.
When to Submit for Grading
- Visible major errors or extreme rarity are good reasons to grade.
- If multiple experts suggest the coin is a unique variety, grading protects and documents value.
- Remember grading costs and turnaround time; weigh expected value versus grading fees.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first widely circulated U.S. coin to depict a real woman. Its small size and similar color to the quarter led to public confusion when it first circulated.
Pricing Expectations: Realistic Ranges
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars in average circulated condition sell for face value to a few dollars. Collector demand raises prices for higher grades and certain varieties.
Minor errors may fetch tens to a few hundred dollars. Major, dramatic errors or extremely rare proof/varieties have brought thousands or, in exceptional cases, five-figure prices.
What Drives a $25,000 Sale?
A sale approaching $25,000 would almost always involve one or more of the following: a truly unique error, a certified high-grade proof with exceptional attributes, or a previously undocumented variety verified by experts.
Provenance, documentation, and professional certification are crucial for commanding these top prices.
Small Real-World Case Study
A casual collector searched rolled change at home and found a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar with unusually weak rims and a doubled date. The collector photographed the coin and posted images to a specialist forum.
Experts suggested the coin showed a clear doubled die characteristic. After submitting it to a grading service, it received certification as a notable doubled die variety. The coin later sold to a specialist collector for several thousand dollars.
Practical Tips to Increase Your Odds
- Check coin rolls from banks and credit unions; they often distribute previously circulated coins without inspecting for errors.
- Focus on older rolls and change from coin machines; these sometimes contain coins that escaped sorting.
- Network with local coin clubs — members often trade or point you toward good sources for rolls and collections.
Hunting coins is part luck and part skill. Knowing what to look for and how to document finds increases your chance of discovering a special Susan B. Anthony dollar.
Keep realistic expectations, protect any candidate coins, and consult experts before assuming a very high value. Proper identification and grading are the keys to realizing any hidden value.