The Strange Story of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar (& Values)
The Strange Story of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar (& Values)
Discover the fascinating history of America's most misunderstood coin and current collector values
Introduction
The Susan B. Anthony dollar stands as one of America's most intriguing numismatic failures—a coin that lasted just four years (1979-1981) before being retired, only to make a surprising comeback in 1999. Despite its short production run and initial public rejection, this small-size dollar coin has developed a dedicated collector following, with certain varieties and dates commanding significant premiums above face value.
While most circulated Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth only their $1 face value, savvy collectors know that specific varieties, mint errors, and uncirculated examples can be worth considerably more. Understanding which dates and varieties to look for—and how to properly evaluate condition—is essential for anyone interested in collecting these modern coins or evaluating coins they may already own.
Table of Contents
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Values and Price Chart
The values listed below represent average retail prices for coins showing ordinary surface quality and strike for their respective grades. Prices can vary significantly based on exact condition, dealer markup, and current market conditions.
| Date & Mint | Variety | Circulated (AU-50) | Uncirculated (MS-63) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P | Narrow Rim | $1.10 | $4 |
| 1979-P | Wide Rim | $6 | $35 |
| 1979-D | Standard | $1.10 | $4 |
| 1979-S | Standard | $1.25 | $4 |
| 1979-S | Type I, Proof | $1.50 | $4 |
| 1979-S | Type II, Proof | $2 | $45 |
| 1980-P | Standard | $1.25 | $4 |
| 1980-D | Standard | $1.25 | $4 |
| 1980-S | Standard | $1.25 | $4 |
| 1980-S | Proof | $1.50 | $4 |
| 1981-P | Standard | $1.25 | $5 |
| 1981-D | Standard | $1.25 | $5 |
| 1981-S | Standard | $1.25 | $5 |
| 1981-S | Type I, Proof | $1.50 | $5 |
| 1981-S | Type II, Proof | $2 | $100 |
| 1999-P | Standard | $1.10 | $3 |
| 1999-D | Standard | $1.10 | $3 |
| 1999-P | Proof | $1.50 | $18 |
Value Insight
For collectors also interested in precious metals investing, understanding coin values helps inform decisions about silver coin purchases and tracking silver spot prices for modern commemorative issues that combine numismatic and precious metal value.
Key Varieties and Rarities to Watch For
While most Susan B. Anthony dollars trade for minimal premiums, several key varieties command significant collector interest and higher values. These varieties represent the crown jewels of the series and are essential for serious collectors.
1979-P Wide Rim
The most famous variety in the series, identifiable by the obverse rim nearly touching the bottom of the date. This dramatic difference from the standard "narrow rim" makes it easily recognizable and highly sought after.
Value: $6 circulated, $35+ uncirculated
1979-S Type II Proof
Distinguished by a clearly defined "S" mintmark versus the typical blobby appearance. This scarcer proof variety represents an important die change during production.
Value: $2 circulated, $45+ uncirculated
1981-S Type II Proof
Features the clearer "S" mintmark with more bulbous serifs, different from the standard 1979-style mintmark used on most 1981-S proofs. This is the most valuable variety in the series.
Value: $2 circulated, $100+ uncirculated
Additional Varieties and Errors
Beyond the major varieties, collectors have identified numerous minor varieties including doubled dies, repunched mintmarks, and various strike errors. These specialty items appeal to advanced collectors and variety enthusiasts, though they represent a smaller segment of the market.
- Doubled die obverse and reverse varieties
- Repunched mintmark variations
- Off-center strikes and other mint errors
- Die clashes and cuds
- Broad strikes and collar errors
Series History: From Failure to Comeback
The Susan B. Anthony dollar's story is one of good intentions, poor execution, and ultimate redemption in the numismatic world. Understanding this history helps explain current collector interest and market dynamics.
Congressional Approval
President Jimmy Carter signed legislation authorizing the Susan B. Anthony dollar on October 10, 1978. The coin was designed to replace the large Eisenhower dollar with a smaller, more practical alternative that would encourage public use over dollar bills.
Public Release and Immediate Problems
Over 500 million coins were struck for the July 2, 1979 release. However, problems emerged immediately—the coin's size, color, and weight were too similar to quarters, leading to widespread confusion and the derisive nickname "Carter Quarter."
Failed Marketing and Retirement
Despite a marketing campaign in 1980, public acceptance never materialized. By spring 1980, the coins had virtually disappeared from circulation. Production continued only for collectors in 1981 before the series was officially retired.
Surprise Comeback
Growing demand from vending machines and transit systems created a dollar coin shortage. Rather than wait for the new Sacagawea dollars, the U.S. Mint produced one final run of Susan B. Anthony dollars to meet immediate demand.
Historical Context
The Susan B. Anthony dollar represents a unique period in American coinage when the government actively tried to promote coin usage over paper currency for economic reasons. This historical significance, combined with the coin's brief production span, contributes to its growing collector appeal—similar to how precious metals gained renewed interest during economic uncertainty. For investors exploring both numismatics and precious metals, tracking gold spot prices alongside coin values provides valuable market perspective.
Smart Purchasing and Collecting Tips
Successfully collecting Susan B. Anthony dollars requires understanding both the market and the coins themselves. As these coins gain more collector recognition, following strategic approaches becomes increasingly important.
Condition Is Critical
Look for coins with clean, original surfaces free from cleaning, heavy contact marks, or damage. Most Susan B. Anthony dollars show significant wear from their brief circulation period, making high-grade examples particularly desirable.
Focus on Key Dates First
Start with the major varieties (1979-P Wide Rim, 1979-S Type II Proof, 1981-S Type II Proof) before pursuing minor varieties. These coins anchor any serious collection and tend to hold value best.
Buy Certified Examples
For valuable varieties, consider professionally graded coins from PCGS or NGC. Certification ensures authenticity and grade accuracy, particularly important for the subtle differences between Type I and Type II proofs.
Where to Find Susan B. Anthony Dollars
- Local coin dealers: Often have common dates and can source specific varieties through wholesale networks
- Coin shows: Provide opportunities to examine coins in person and compare prices from multiple dealers
- Online auctions: Useful for finding scarce varieties, though require careful attention to seller reputation and return policies
- Estate sales and bank rolls: Occasionally produce circulated examples at face value
For collectors building comprehensive collections, consider storage solutions like specialized albums or display cases designed specifically for Susan B. Anthony dollars.
Market Outlook and Investment Potential
The Susan B. Anthony dollar market has evolved considerably since the coin's retirement. What was once considered merely an appendage to Eisenhower dollar collections has developed into a respected series in its own right.
Growing Recognition
As numismatic scholars and collectors increasingly study these coins, awareness of varieties and errors continues to expand. This growing attention has led to gradual price appreciation for key varieties and high-grade examples, suggesting potential for continued growth as the series matures.
Supply Factors
Most examples were heavily circulated during their brief time in commerce, making gem uncirculated pieces relatively scarce. The 1981 issues, struck only for collectors, tend to be better preserved.
Demand Trends
Modern coin collectors show increasing interest in short-lived series and varieties. The Susan B. Anthony dollar's unique history and limited production span appeal to this collecting segment.
Investment Considerations
While not precious metals, these coins offer numismatic value based on rarity and condition. For diversified collectors, they complement portfolios that might also include gold investments and silver holdings.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar series offers an accessible entry point into modern coin collecting while providing opportunities for specialized variety collecting. As more collectors recognize the series' unique place in American numismatic history, values for key dates and high-grade examples may continue their gradual appreciation.