Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Values in 2023 (One MS67 Sold For $19,200!)
Susan B. Anthony was a prominent American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the women‘s suffrage movement to win women the right to vote. Anthony traveled the country giving speeches and lobbying Congress to pass a women‘s suffrage amendment. In 1872, she was arrested for voting in the presidential election, leading to national headlines. Although she didn‘t live to see it, Anthony‘s tireless dedication to the cause helped lead to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 giving women the right to vote.
To honor her legacy, in 1979 the U.S. Mint released the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, the first circulating coin to feature an actual woman instead of an allegorical female figure. While the series had a short run due to the coin‘s unpopularity, the Susan B. Anthony dollar remains an important and valuable piece of numismatic history.
History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
In an effort to replace the large Eisenhower dollar coin with a smaller dollar, the U.S. Mint began production of the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979. The new dollar was minted in a copper-nickel composition and, at 26.5 mm in diameter, was the first small-size U.S. dollar coin minted since the silver dollars of the early 1900s.
The obverse design features a profile portrait of Susan B. Anthony, while the reverse depicts an eagle landing on the moon – symbolic of the Apollo 11 mission. Frank Gasparro, the U.S. Mint‘s Chief Engraver, designed both sides of the coin.
However, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was not without controversy. Its similar size and color to the quarter led to confusion, with many people mistaking it for a quarter in vending machines and change received. A prominent rim helped differentiate it from the quarter, but many still found the coin frustrating and avoided using it.
As a result, the Susan B. Anthony dollar had a very limited production. Coins were struck for circulation at the Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) mints from 1979 through 1981. In total, around 700 million Susan B. Anthony dollars were made during those years. A final year of production occurred in 1999, but by this time, the series was already on the way out.
Minted both for circulation and in special collector proof versions, many Susan B. Anthony dollars were saved by collectors from the start. However, a large portion of the original mintage was held in reserve by the Federal Reserve and later melted. This makes the coins somewhat scarcer than the high mintage numbers may imply.
Evaluating Susan B. Anthony Dollars
When determining the value of a particular Susan B. Anthony dollar, the most important factors are the date, mintmark, and condition of the coin. Coins are graded on a scale from Poor (barely identifiable) up to Uncirculated or Mint State (showing no wear from circulation).
A coin‘s grade is described using a mix of letters and numbers. Circulated coins grading from Poor to About Uncirculated are listed as:
- Poor (P)
- Fair (F)
- About Good (AG)
- Good (G)
- Very Good (VG)
- Fine (F)
- Very Fine (VF)
- Extremely Fine (EF)
- About Uncirculated (AU)
Uncirculated coins that show no wear are given a Mint State (MS) grade from 60 through 70, with higher numbers representing coins in better condition:
- MS60 – MS62: Uncirculated with many marks or hairlines, weak strike
- MS63: Select Uncirculated, fewer marks than MS60-62
- MS64: Near-Choice Uncirculated, minor marks, slightly weak strike
- MS65 – MS66: Gem Uncirculated, minimal marks, good strike and luster
- MS67 – MS69: Superb Uncirculated, virtually flawless
- MS70: Perfect Uncirculated, flawless
To properly grade uncirculated coins, you‘ll need a 5x or higher magnifying glass to identify small imperfections that separate the numerical grades. The quality of the strike, luster, and any marks are the key factors in determining Mint State grade. Some coins also have special designations like Deep Cameo or Full Luster that make them more desirable.
In general, collector proof versions are worth more than circulated examples, and coins in higher uncirculated grades will fetch significantly more than circulated pieces. The most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars are exceptional specimens in MS67 and higher grades and rare varieties.
Buying Susan B. Anthony Dollars
For collectors looking to add Susan B. Anthony dollars to their collection, there are a few different options available. Checking with your local coin dealer or coin shows is a great way to find nice examples in-person. Most coin shops have dollar coins like these available at reasonable prices.
Online coin dealers and auction sites like eBay are another good source for Susan B. Anthony dollars, offering a wide selection to choose from. However, it‘s very important to buy from reputable sellers with a proper return policy in case you‘re unhappy with your purchase. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the coin grading scale so you know what you‘re buying in terms of condition.
For rare key dates or high grade examples, major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack‘s Bowers Galleries typically offer the best coins. Purchasing through one of these auction houses guarantees authenticity, but expect to pay a premium, as the most desirable coins are highly sought-after by top collectors.
2023 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Values
With an understanding of the coin‘s history and grading system, let‘s take a look at the value of Susan B. Anthony dollars today. The following table shows representative retail values for coins in various conditions and dates:
| Date/Mint | Circ. (P-AU) | MS60-MS63 | MS64-MS66 | MS67+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P, D | $1-$15 | $10-$25 | $30-$100 | $200-$500+ |
| 1979-S | $1-$20 | $25-$50 | $75-$175 | $300-$1,000+ |
| 1980-P, D | $1-$15 | $10-$25 | $30-$80 | $250-$500+ |
| 1980-S | $1-$20 | $20-$40 | $60-$150 | $300-$600+ |
| 1981-P, D | $1-$15 | $10-$25 | $30-$75 | $200-$500+ |
| 1981-S | $1-$25 | $25-$75 | $100-$300 | $400-$1,200+ |
| 1999-P, D | $1-$10 | $10-$20 | $25-$75 | $250-$500 |
As you can see, the most valuable coins are the 1979-S and 1981-S, especially in higher uncirculated grades. These two dates saw lower mintages than the other issues and are considered the key dates of the series. Exceptional specimens have sold for $5,000-$10,000 or more!
The record auction price for a Susan B. Anthony dollar is $19,200 for a 1981-S graded MS67 by PCGS that sold in 2016. Other high-grade 1979-S and 1981-S dollars routinely bring prices over $10,000. However, these are very rare exceptions. Most Susan B. Anthony dollars, even in uncirculated condition, still trade for under $100.
Special proof versions of the coin struck at the San Francisco mint are also available for a small premium over regular uncirculated pieces. These specially-prepared coins were sold directly to collectors and have mirror-like fields and frosted devices. Many collectors enjoy these pristine pieces.
Susan B. Anthony dollar prices can vary based on overall eye appeal, strike sharpness, and other factors beyond just the technical grade. Attractive toning, a sharp strike, or uncommon varieties like the 1979-S Filled S or the 1979-P and D Wide Rim can boost values. Error coins, like off-center strikes or double-die reverses, are also in demand.
FAQs About Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Q: How much silver is in a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: None. Susan B. Anthony dollars are made from a copper-nickel clad composition and contain no precious metals.
Q: Is the Susan B. Anthony dollar still in circulation?
A: While still legal tender, Anthony dollars are no longer minted and are seldom found in circulation. Most are in collectors‘ hands today.
Q: What is special about a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar?
A: 1979 was the first year of issue for Susan B. Anthony dollars. The 1979-S is considered a key date due to its lower mintage of just 7 million coins.
Q: How do I find the mint mark on a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: The mintmark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin near the bottom right, below Anthony‘s shoulder.
In Review
Susan B. Anthony dollars are an important modern coin with an unfortunately short lifespan in circulation. But what they lack in everyday usage they more than make up for in collector value. Coins are very affordable for the grade, making them an excellent choice for type collectors or anyone wanting a nice example of the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature an actual woman.
While most common date Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth only a small premium over face value, exceptional high-grade examples can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to specialists. The series has a little something for everyone, from affordable circulated pieces to exciting condition rarities in superb gem uncirculated grades.
Whether you‘re an experienced collector or just starting out, Susan B. Anthony dollars are a fascinating and historically significant series to collect. Prices are reasonable for most dates and the short series is completable, especially in circulated grades. Take the time to learn the subtle differences between grades, shop around for problem-free coins, and before you know it you‘ll have a top-notch set of these important pieces of numismatic history.
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