The Susan B Anthony Coin, officially the Susan B Anthony Dollar Coin, holds a unique place in American numismatic history as the first circulating US coin to feature a real woman, suffragist Susan B. Anthony. Minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999, these coins were meant to replace the larger Eisenhower dollar but faced public resistance due to their similarity to quarters. If you’re wondering how much is a Susan B Anthony coin worth or what is the value of a Susan B Anthony coin, this guide explores the Susan B Anthony Coin Value, including key dates like Susan B Anthony Coin 1979 and Susan B Anthony Coin 1980, mint marks, errors, and tips for collectors. While most are worth face value ($1), rare varieties and errors can fetch thousands, making them a fascinating collectible.
History of the Susan B Anthony Coin
Authorized by Congress in 1978 (Public Law 95-447), the Susan B Anthony Dollar Coin was designed by Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro to honor Susan B. Anthony, a pioneer for women’s rights. Released on July 2, 1979, it was the first US coin to depict a non-mythical woman, replacing allegorical figures like Lady Liberty. Key features include:
- Obverse: Susan B. Anthony’s portrait facing right, with “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date (e.g., 1979 Susan B Anthony Coin or 1980 Susan B Anthony Coin).
- Reverse: An eagle landing on the moon, adapted from the Eisenhower dollar, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
- Specifications: 26.5 mm diameter, 8.1 grams, copper-nickel clad (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel), 11-sided inner border.
The US Mint produced 888.8 million coins across four years (1979–1981, 1999) at Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) mints. How many Susan B Anthony coins were made? Mintage totals include 757.8 million in 1979, 89.7 million in 1980, 9.7 million in 1981, and 31.6 million in 1999. How many Susan B Anthony coins in a roll? Standard rolls contain 25 coins. Despite high hopes, the coin’s similarity to quarters (24.3 mm, similar color) led to confusion, low circulation, and production halting in 1981, with a brief revival in 1999 for vending machine demand. Are Susan B Anthony coins still in circulation? Yes, they remain legal tender, but do banks have Susan B Anthony coins? They’re rarely seen, as many were hoarded or stored in Treasury vaults. Do they still make Susan B Anthony coins? No, production ceased in 1999.
Are Susan B Anthony Coins Silver or Gold?
A common question is, are Susan B Anthony coins silver or are Susan B Anthony coins made of silver? The answer is no—Susan B Anthony silver coin or 1979 Susan B Anthony silver dollar coin value searches often stem from confusion due to their silvery appearance, but all circulation and most proof coins are copper-nickel clad. Some 1979–1981 San Francisco proofs were struck in 40% silver for collector sets, but these are rare and clearly marked. Are Susan B Anthony coins gold? No, they are not gold; the 1999 coins were sometimes mistaken for the later Sacagawea gold-colored dollars. The Susan B Anthony coin worth depends on condition, rarity, and errors, not precious metal content.
Susan B Anthony Coin Value: What Are They Worth?
How much is a Susan B Anthony coin worth today? Most Susan B Anthony coins in circulated condition are worth their face value ($1) due to high mintages and low public use. However, uncirculated coins, proofs, and error varieties can significantly increase the value of Susan B Anthony coin. Here’s a breakdown by year and mint mark:
- 1979 Susan B Anthony Coin Value:
- 1979 P Susan B Anthony Coin: Philadelphia minted 360 million coins, including the rare Wide Rim (Near Date) variety. Circulated: $1; Narrow Rim MS65: $30; Wide Rim MS67: $4,000–$6,995; Wide Rim MS67+ sold for $6,463 in 2016.
- 1979 D Susan B Anthony Dollar Coin: Denver’s 288 million coins are common. Circulated: $1; MS68: $1,528 (auctioned in 2018).
- 1979 S: San Francisco struck 3.7 million proofs (Type 1 filled “S,” Type 2 clear “S”). Type 1 PR65: $47; Type 2 PR65: $100–$175.
- 1980 Susan B Anthony Coin Value: Total mintage dropped to 89.7 million. Circulated: $1; MS67: $150–$425; 1980-D MS68: $1,528; 1980-S Proof Type 2: $100–$500.
- 1981 Susan B Anthony Coin: Only 9.7 million struck for collector sets, making them scarcer. Circulated: $1–$3; 1981-S Type 2 Proof MS68: $113; MS66: $600.
- 1999 Susan B Anthony Coin: 31.6 million minted to meet vending demand. Circulated: $1–$3; MS67: $150–$425; 1999-P Proof: $1,955.
Are any Susan B Anthony coins valuable? Yes, high-grade uncirculated coins (MS67+), proofs, and errors command premiums. Claims of coins worth $880,000 or $5.6 million (e.g., X posts) are unverified and likely exaggerated; the highest recorded sale is $21,600 for a 1979-P MS67+ in 2022.
Susan B Anthony Coin Errors: What Makes Them Valuable?
What makes Susan B Anthony coin valuable? Errors significantly boost the Susan B Anthony Dollar Coin Value. Notable Susan B Anthony coin errors include:
- 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date): Date closer to the rim; MS67 worth $4,000–$6,995.
- Off-Center Strike: 1979-S 75% off-center sold for $1,000 (MS64).
- Struck on Wrong Planchet: 1979-P on a quarter planchet ($6,900 in 2021) or 1980-S on a nickel planchet (distinct silver color).
- Double Die Obverse: Doubling on “LIBERTY” or Anthony’s profile; values range from $100–$1,500.
- 1980-S Repunched Mintmark: Blotchy “S” remnants; $100–$500.
- Missing Clad Layer: Rare 100% copper coins (cherry red hue) listed up to $4,650 on eBay.
Which Susan B Anthony coins are valuable? The 1979-P Wide Rim, 1981-S Type 2 Proof, and error coins are most sought after. How to tell if Susan B Anthony coin is valuable? Check for mint marks, rim width, condition (use a magnifying glass), and errors; professional grading by PCGS or NGC confirms value.
Are Susan B Anthony Coins Rare?
Are Susan B Anthony coins rare? Most are not, due to high mintages (e.g., 757.8 million in 1979). However, specific varieties are scarce:
- 1979-P Wide Rim: Lower mintage, valued at $4,000+ in MS67.
- 1981 Coins: Only 9.7 million, struck for collectors, worth $40–$600 in MS64–MS66.
- 1999 P/D: 31.6 million, less common, with proofs at $1,955.
- Proof Type 2 (1979-S, 1981-S): Clear “S” mintmarks are rarer, valued at $100–$1,955.
Are Susan B Anthony coins valuable? Only specific varieties, high-grade coins, or errors are; most circulated coins are worth $1.
Collecting and Selling Susan B Anthony Coins
Where can I get Susan B Anthony coins? You can find them in:
- Circulation: Rarely, at banks or as change (e.g., vending machines).
- Coin Shops/Dealers: Check Littleton Coin or local shops for singles or sets.
- Online: eBay, APMEX, or Heritage Auctions for graded coins or rolls.
Where to sell Susan B Anthony coins? Options include:
- Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions for high-value coins (e.g., errors, MS67+).
- Online Marketplaces: eBay for quick sales, though beware of inflated listings (e.g., $29,000 claims on Etsy are unrealistic).
- Coin Dealers: Reputable dealers like Blanchard and Company offer appraisals.
Can you still use Susan B Anthony coins? Yes, they’re legal tender, but are Susan B Anthony coins still in circulation? Rarely, as most were hoarded or stored (520 million in Treasury reserves by 1981).
Tips to Maximize Your Susan B Anthony Coin Value
To enhance the value of Susan B Anthony coin:
- Check Mint Marks: Look above Anthony’s shoulder for “P,” “D,” or “S” using a magnifying glass.
- Identify Varieties: Spot 1979-P Wide Rim or 1979-S/1981-S Type 2 proofs (clear “S”).
- Preserve Condition: Store in protective holders to avoid wear; uncirculated coins fetch more.
- Seek Errors: Look for off-center strikes, wrong planchets, or double dies.
- Get Graded: Use PCGS or NGC for high-value coins to confirm authenticity and grade.
- Monitor Market: Sell during high demand via auctions or dealers for better prices.
FAQs
Susan B. Anthony is on the Susan B Anthony Dollar Coin, minted in 1979–1981 and 1999, the first US coin to feature a real woman.
What is a 1979 Susan B Anthony coin worth? Circulated: $1; Narrow Rim MS65: $30; Wide Rim MS67: $4,000–$6,995; Proof Type 2: $100–$175.
How much are Susan B Anthony coins worth? Most circulated Susan B Anthony coins are $1–$3; uncirculated (MS67+), errors, or 1981/1999 coins can reach $425–$21,600.
Are any Susan B Anthony coins valuable? Yes, 1979-P Wide Rim, 1981-S Type 2 Proof, 1999 coins, and errors (e.g., off-center strikes) are valuable, especially in high grades.
No, production stopped in 1999. Where to get Susan B Anthony coins? Try banks, coin shops, or online platforms like eBay.
The 1979-P Wide Rim, 1981-S Type 2 Proof, 1999-P/D, and error coins (e.g., struck on quarter planchet) are most valuable due to rarity or condition.