Susan B. Anthony Coin Value
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth face value — but a handful of dates and varieties are worth serious collector premiums. Here's how to tell which one you have.
1979–1999 • All Dates • Business Strikes • Proof Varieties
Denomination: $1 | Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad | Diameter: 26.5 mm | Weight: 8.1 g
Designer: Frank Gasparro | Minted: 1979–1981, 1999 | Edge: Reeded
Obverse: Susan B. Anthony portrait | Reverse: Eagle landing on the Moon
The Susan B. Anthony coin value is $1 for the vast majority of circulated examples — these coins saw heavy production and wide distribution, and most have no collector premium above face value. However, understanding which dates, mint marks, and varieties command real money is the difference between spending a dollar and holding a coin worth $50, $100, or more.
In total, the SBA dollar series ran from 1979 through 1981, then returned for a single year in 1999 before the Sacagawea dollar replaced it. That final year makes the 1999 issues particularly interesting to collectors.
History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
First U.S. Coin to Feature a Real Woman
The Susan B. Anthony dollar arrived in 1979 as the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a real woman — a landmark in American numismatic history. Congress chose Anthony, the 19th-century suffragist and civil rights activist, as a recognition of the women's rights movement. Frank Gasparro, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, designed the portrait that appears on the obverse, while the reverse recycled the iconic Apollo 11 eagle-landing design from the Eisenhower dollar.
The coin immediately ran into a serious practical problem. At 26.5mm in diameter, the SBA dollar was only slightly larger than a quarter — and its reeded edge and similar color made the two coins easy to confuse in everyday transactions. The public disliked it intensely. Vending machine operators struggled to calibrate their equipment, and cashiers made constant errors. Despite enormous mintages in 1979 and 1980, the coins piled up in Federal Reserve vaults rather than circulating.
The Mint dramatically reduced production in 1981, then stopped entirely. The SBA dollar sat dormant for nearly two decades until transit systems and vending machine operators requested dollar coins in 1999, prompting a final production run before the Sacagawea dollar took over in 2000.
What Makes Some SBA Dollars Worth More
Six Varieties & Factors That Drive Premiums
👑 1981-S Type 2 Proof
The 1981-S proof was struck in two varieties — Type 1 (flat S mintmark) and the scarcer Type 2 (rounded S). The Type 2 is significantly rarer and commands strong premiums in cameo and deep cameo grades. This is the single most valuable regular-issue SBA variety.
🔍 1979-P Wide Rim
Early 1979 Philadelphia strikes feature a narrow rim with the date set farther from the edge. Later dies produced a wider rim with the date closer to the edge — the "Near Date" or Wide Rim variety. The Wide Rim 1979-P is noticeably scarcer and worth a meaningful premium.
⭐ 1979-S Type 2 Proof
The 1979-S proof exists in two types: Type 1 with a filled, blob-like S mintmark, and Type 2 with a clearer, more defined S. The Type 2 was struck later in the year and is considerably scarcer. In PR-69 Deep Cameo, Type 2 examples command multiples of the Type 1 price.
🔥 1999-P & 1999-D
The 1999 issues were struck purely to meet transit system demand. Both Philadelphia and Denver produced far fewer coins than earlier years. In mint state grades MS-67 and above, 1999 SBA dollars are genuinely scarce and command strong premiums.
📈 High Grade MS-67+
Even the most common SBA dates — 1979-P, 1980-P — become legitimately scarce in MS-67 and above. Original mint luster, sharp strikes, and virtually mark-free surfaces push these into collector territory regardless of mintage numbers.
✨ Proof Deep Cameo
Proof SBA dollars with strong cameo contrast — frosted design elements against mirror-like fields — are the most visually striking and valuable examples in the series. Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations add significant premiums across all proof dates.
Susan B. Anthony Coin Value Chart
Business Strikes — All Dates & Mint Marks
Values below reflect the current collector market. Circulated examples of common dates trade at or near face value. The real premiums appear in high mint state grades and key proof varieties.
| Coin | Circulated | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-67+ | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Narrow Rim | $1–$2 | $3–$6 | $8–$15 | $50–$150 | eBay → |
| 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) | $5–$10 | $15–$30 | $40–$80 | $200–$500+ | eBay → |
| 1979-D | $1–$2 | $3–$6 | $8–$15 | $50–$150 | eBay → |
| 1979-S (business strike) | $1–$2 | $3–$6 | $10–$20 | $75–$200 | eBay → |
| 1980-P | $1–$2 | $3–$5 | $6–$12 | $40–$100 | eBay → |
| 1980-D | $1–$2 | $3–$5 | $6–$12 | $40–$100 | eBay → |
| 1980-S (business strike) | $1–$2 | $3–$6 | $8–$15 | $50–$125 | eBay → |
| 1981-P | $1–$2 | $3–$6 | $8–$18 | $60–$175 | eBay → |
| 1981-D | $1–$2 | $3–$6 | $8–$18 | $60–$175 | eBay → |
| 1981-S (business strike) | $1–$2 | $4–$8 | $12–$25 | $80–$200 | eBay → |
| 1999-P | $1–$3 | $5–$10 | $15–$35 | $150–$400+ | eBay → |
| 1999-D | $1–$3 | $5–$10 | $15–$35 | $150–$400+ | eBay → |
Proof Values — All Dates & Varieties
| Proof Coin | PR-65 | PR-67 Cameo | PR-69 Deep Cameo | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) | $5–$10 | $15–$30 | $30–$60 | eBay → |
| 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) | $35–$60 | $75–$150 | $150–$300+ | eBay → |
| 1980-S Proof | $5–$10 | $12–$25 | $25–$50 | eBay → |
| 1981-S Type 1 (Flat S) | $5–$10 | $12–$25 | $25–$60 | eBay → |
| 1981-S Type 2 (Rounded S) | $75–$150 | $150–$300 | $300–$600+ | eBay → |
| 1999-S Proof | $15–$25 | $30–$60 | $60–$125 | eBay → |
Values are estimates based on current market data and vary with grade, certification, and demand. Always verify against recent auction results before buying or selling.
Shop Susan B. Anthony Dollars on eBay
Browse raw and certified examples — business strikes, proofs, key varieties, and high-grade MS-67 coins from trusted sellers.
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How to Identify the Key Varieties
Wide Rim, Type 1 vs. Type 2 — What to Look For
1979-P Wide Rim vs. Narrow Rim
To identify the Wide Rim variety, examine the obverse rim near the date. On the Narrow Rim (common) variety, there is a clear gap between the "1" in 1979 and the coin's rim. On the Wide Rim (Near Date) variety, the date sits noticeably closer to the rim with little space between them. The rim itself also appears broader and more prominent. This variety requires no magnification to identify — the difference is visible to the naked eye once you know what to look for.
1979-S and 1981-S Proof Type 1 vs. Type 2
Both the 1979-S and 1981-S proofs exist in two mintmark varieties. On Type 1 coins, the S mintmark appears filled or blobby — the interior loops of the S are partially closed due to die fill. On Type 2 coins, the S is cleaner and more defined, with open loops clearly visible. A loupe or magnifier at 5x or higher makes identification straightforward. The 1981-S Type 2 is the rarest variety in the entire SBA series and the one most worth authenticating through PCGS or NGC.
Grading Susan B. Anthony Dollars
High Points, Luster & Cameo Contrast
SBA dollars grade similarly to other clad dollar coins. The high points to check on the obverse are Anthony's cheekbone, the hair above her ear, and the top of her head. On the reverse, the eagle's breast feathers and the top of the landing gear show wear first.
For business strikes, original cartwheel luster is the key indicator of mint state grades. Many SBA dollars were carelessly handled in mint bags, producing contact marks that distinguish MS-60 through MS-63 coins from the cleaner MS-64 and MS-65 examples worth meaningful premiums. The jump in value from MS-65 to MS-67 is significant for most dates — genuinely mark-free, well-struck examples in MS-67 are scarce across the entire series.
For proofs, cameo contrast — the frosted white devices against mirror fields — is the primary premium driver. Coins without strong cameo contrast grade as straight proofs and carry modest values. Deep Cameo designation from PCGS or NGC adds the strongest premiums, particularly for the key 1979-S Type 2 and 1981-S Type 2 varieties. If you're researching Susan B. Anthony coin value for a proof example, cameo designation makes a larger difference than the numerical grade alone.
For related coin values and precious metals pricing, see our current coin prices guide and our U.S. Silver Dollars page. Collectors who enjoy the SBA series often also collect Morgan Silver Dollars and precious metals.
Where to Buy & Sell Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Best Venues by Value Range
Common circulated SBA dollars trade at face value — your local bank will exchange them at $1 each, and there is no collector market for worn examples without variety attribution. For high-grade and variety coins, the market is active and liquid.
eBay provides the widest buyer pool for SBA dollars in the $10–$100 range. For the 1981-S Type 2 proof in PR-69 DCAM or MS-67 business strikes worth $200 or more, Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers achieve consistently stronger results than fixed-price listings. PCGS or NGC certification is strongly recommended for any example you believe is worth $50 or more.
Where to Buy SBA Dollars
Key Varieties, High-Grade Strikes & Proof Sets — All on eBay
eBay is the most liquid marketplace for Susan B. Anthony dollars. The categories below link directly to filtered searches for specific varieties and grade ranges.
FindRareCoins.com participates in the eBay Partner Network and Amazon Associates program. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Susan B. Anthony coin value?
The Susan B. Anthony coin value is $1 for most circulated examples — face value. However, key varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim, 1979-S Type 2 proof, and 1981-S Type 2 proof are worth significantly more. High-grade business strikes in MS-67 and above command premiums across all dates, and the 1981-S Type 2 in PR-69 Deep Cameo can fetch $300–$600 or more.
What is the rarest Susan B. Anthony dollar?
The rarest regular-issue Susan B. Anthony dollar is the 1981-S Type 2 proof. It features a distinctly rounded, cleaner S mintmark compared to the common Type 1 flat S, and far fewer examples exist. In PR-69 Deep Cameo, it is the most valuable coin in the series. The 1979-S Type 2 proof (Clear S) is the second-rarest key variety.
Are any Susan B. Anthony dollars worth keeping?
Yes — specifically the 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date), the 1979-S Type 2 proof, the 1981-S Type 2 proof, any MS-67 or higher business strike, and the 1999-P and 1999-D in mint state. Common circulated examples from 1979–1981 are worth face value only. If you find an uncirculated example with no contact marks or a proof with strong cameo contrast, check the specific date and variety before spending it.
How do I identify the 1979-P Wide Rim variety?
Look at the space between the "1" in the date and the coin's rim on the obverse. On the common Narrow Rim, there is a clear gap. On the Wide Rim (Near Date) variety, the date sits much closer to the rim with very little space. The rim itself is also broader. No magnification is needed — the difference is visible to the naked eye once you know what to look for.
How do I tell Type 1 from Type 2 on SBA proof coins?
Examine the S mintmark on the reverse under a 5x or higher loupe. Type 1 coins have a filled, blobby S with partially closed interior loops — the result of die fill during production. Type 2 coins have a cleaner, more open S with clearly defined loops. This applies to both the 1979-S and 1981-S proofs, with the 1981-S Type 2 being significantly rarer and more valuable than the 1979-S Type 2.
Should I get my Susan B. Anthony dollar professionally graded?
Professional grading by PCGS or NGC makes sense for the 1981-S Type 2 proof, the 1979-S Type 2 proof, any business strike you believe grades MS-67 or higher, and 1999-P or 1999-D examples in pristine uncirculated condition. Grading costs $20–$40 per coin, so it only pencils out when the certified value meaningfully exceeds the raw value — generally for coins worth $75 or more in their current state.
Why did the Susan B. Anthony dollar fail in circulation?
The SBA dollar failed primarily because of its size and appearance. At 26.5mm, it was only slightly larger than a quarter, and its silver-colored clad composition made the two coins easy to confuse. Vending machines struggled to differentiate them, cashiers made constant errors, and the public rejected the coin almost immediately. Despite mintages exceeding 750 million in 1979 alone, most coins went directly into Federal Reserve storage rather than circulation.
Why did the Mint make Susan B. Anthony dollars again in 1999?
Transit systems and mass transit vending operators — particularly the New York City subway — requested dollar coins in the late 1990s for their fare machines. The Sacagawea dollar was still in development, so the Mint produced a final run of SBA dollars in 1999 to meet that demand. Production ended as soon as the Sacagawea dollar launched in 2000. The relatively low 1999 mintages make those coins the scarcest business strike issues in the series.
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