In the world of numismatics, few coins capture the imagination quite like the Susan B. Anthony dollar. Often overlooked in everyday transactions, these coins hold secrets that can turn a simple pocket change into a prized possession. As a seasoned US coin collecting expert, I'm thrilled to take you on a journey through the fascinating world of Susan B. Anthony dollar values, revealing the hidden gems that could be lurking in your coin jar.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar: A Brief History
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of coin values, let's take a moment to appreciate the historical significance of the Susan B. Anthony dollar:
- Introduced in 1979 as a replacement for the larger Eisenhower dollar
- First circulating US coin to feature a non-allegorical woman
- Minted from 1979-1981, then revived for a final year in 1999
- Initially met with public resistance due to its similarity to the quarter
Despite its rocky start, the Susan B. Anthony dollar has become a captivating subject for collectors, with some varieties commanding impressive prices in the numismatic market.
Factors Influencing Susan B. Anthony Dollar Values
Several key factors contribute to the value of these coins:
- Mintage Year and Mint Mark: Coins from certain years and mints are rarer and more valuable.
- Condition: The grade of the coin significantly impacts its worth.
- Errors and Varieties: Unique minting errors or design variations can dramatically increase value.
- Historical Significance: The coin's place in US monetary history adds intrinsic value.
The Most Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars
1. 1979-S Proof Type 1 and Type 2
The 1979-S Proof coins are among the most sought-after in the series, with two distinct varieties:
- Type 1: Features a blurry 'S' mint mark
- Type 2: Has a clear, more defined 'S' mint mark
| Grade | Type 1 Value | Type 2 Value |
|---|---|---|
| PF65 | $20-$30 | $40-$50 |
| PF67 | $50-$75 | $100-$150 |
| PF69 | $150-$200 | $300-$400 |
| PF70 | $700-$800 | $1,500-$2,000 |
Notable Sale: A Type 2 deep cameo MS70 grade fetched an impressive $1,955 in a 2007 auction.
2. 1979-P Wide Rim Variety
This variety resulted from a redesign late in 1979:
- Only about 20% of 1979 dollars feature the wide rim
- Easily identifiable by the date's proximity to the rim
| Grade | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $50-$75 |
| MS65 | $150-$200 |
| MS67 | $5,000-$7,000 |
Record Sale: An MS67 grade sold for a staggering $6,995 in 2021.
3. 1981-S Proof Type 2
The 1981-S Proof coins also come in two varieties, with Type 2 being scarcer and more valuable:
| Grade | Type 1 Value | Type 2 Value |
|---|---|---|
| PF65 | $15-$20 | $75-$100 |
| PF67 | $30-$40 | $200-$250 |
| PF69 | $50-$75 | $500-$600 |
| PF70 | $200-$250 | $3,500-$4,500 |
Notable Sale: An MS68 grade Type 2 specimen sold for $4,600 in a recent auction.
4. 1999-D Struck on Sacagawea Planchet
This fascinating error coin occurred when SBA dies were mistakenly used with Sacagawea dollar planchets:
- Extremely rare, with only a handful known to exist
- Easily identifiable by its golden color
Record Sale: An MS65 grade example sold for an impressive $7,763 at auction.
5. 1979-S Regular Strike
One of the most expensive in the series when found in high mint states:
| Grade | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $20-$30 |
| MS65 | $75-$100 |
| MS67 | $1,000-$1,500 |
| MS68+ | $10,000-$15,000 |
Extraordinary Sale: A specimen graded GENUINE by NGC sold for an astonishing $15,000 on eBay.
Rare Errors and Experimental Coins
Some of the most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars are the result of errors or experiments:
1. 1979-P Overstruck on 1978 Jefferson Nickel
- Only one known example exists
- Sold for $15,275 in a 2014 Heritage Auction
2. 2000 Sacagawea Dollar on Susan B. Anthony Blank
- Less than a dozen examples known
- One sold for $16,450 in a 2012 Stack's Bowers auction
3. 1999-P Struck on Experimental Alloy
- Only two examples known to exist
- An MS65 grade sold for $10,500 in a 2013 Heritage Auction
Collecting Strategies for Susan B. Anthony Dollars
As a seasoned collector, I recommend the following strategies:
- Focus on High Grades: MS65 and above coins tend to appreciate more over time.
- Hunt for Varieties: The 1979-P Wide Rim and 1981-S Type 2 Proof are particularly desirable.
- Invest in Professional Grading: For potentially valuable coins, professional grading can significantly increase marketability.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with auction results and price guides to understand market trends.
The Future of Susan B. Anthony Dollar Collecting
As we look to the future, several factors suggest a positive outlook for Susan B. Anthony dollar collecting:
- Historical Significance: Growing interest in women's history may drive demand.
- Scarcity in Circulation: As these coins become rarer in everyday use, collector interest may increase.
- Limited Series: The short production run makes it an attractive set for completionists.
- Error Coin Potential: The ongoing discovery of new varieties and errors keeps the field exciting.
Preserving Your Susan B. Anthony Dollar Collection
To maintain the value of your coins:
- Handle with Care: Use cotton gloves and hold coins by the edges.
- Store Properly: Use archival-quality holders in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid Cleaning: Improper cleaning can significantly reduce a coin's value.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Susan B. Anthony Dollars
While many Susan B. Anthony dollars remain close to face value, the examples we've explored demonstrate the potential for significant worth within this series. From mint errors to high-grade proofs, these coins offer a fascinating glimpse into U.S. numismatic history and present an exciting opportunity for collectors.
As a collector with decades of experience, I've seen the Susan B. Anthony dollar market evolve. What was once considered a failed circulation coin has become a nuanced and rewarding collecting field. The thrill of discovering a wide rim variety or an elusive high-grade specimen never fades.
Remember, the true value of coin collecting extends beyond monetary worth. Each Susan B. Anthony dollar is a tangible piece of American history, a tribute to a pioneering women's rights activist, and a testament to the ever-changing nature of our currency.
Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or just beginning your collecting journey, the world of Susan B. Anthony dollars has much to offer. By understanding the factors that contribute to these coins' value and keeping an eye out for rare varieties, you might just discover a hidden treasure in your change or local coin shop.
Happy collecting, and may your search for that perfect Susan B. Anthony dollar be both rewarding and enlightening!
