How Much is a Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Worth?

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds a unique place in U.S. coinage history as both a groundbreaking tribute and a misunderstood currency. Issued between 1979 and 1981 (with a final batch minted in 1999), this small, silver-toned coin was the first U.S. coin to feature an actual woman rather than a symbolic figure. But its worth today extends beyond just face value—certain coins, depending on their variety and condition, are of great interest to collectors.

Are you curious about the value of a Susan B. Anthony Dollar in your collection? Read on to learn about this coin's historical significance, how to identify different varieties, and which coins may be worth more than a dollar.

Who Was Susan B. Anthony?

Before exploring the coin's value, it's important to understand the woman behind it. Susan Brownell Anthony (1820-1906) was an iconic suffragist and social reformer who spent her life advocating for women’s voting rights, abolition, labor rights, and education reform. Anthony’s groundbreaking efforts helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920.

The U.S. Treasury Department honored her legacy by introducing the Susan B. Anthony Dollar in 1979, making it the first U.S. coin to feature a natural, historic woman. Before this, Lady Liberty or other allegorical figures adorned American currency. The coin's design, created by sculptor Frank Gasparro, includes Susan B. Anthony’s profile on the obverse (front) and a depiction of the Apollo 11 mission’s eagle landing on the moon on the reverse.

Though revolutionary in its representation, the coin faced challenges in circulation, largely due to its similarity in size and color to the quarter. This led to confusion and limited public acceptance.

Key Factors That Impact the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value

While the face value of a Susan B. Anthony Dollar is $1, its worth to collectors can vary significantly based on several factors, including condition, mint year, and variations such as the “Wide Rim” variety. Below, we’ll examine what to consider when determining the value of this fascinating coin.

1. Year and Mint Mark

Susan B. Anthony Dollars were minted in:

1979 (first year of issue and most commonly found)
1980
1981 (produced only for collectors)
1999 (a final reissue year in limited quantities)

Each coin features a mint mark to indicate where it was struck:

"P" for Philadelphia
"D" for Denver
"S" for San Francisco

The rarity of an issue often correlates with its production numbers. For instance 1981, Susan B. Anthony Dollars were exclusively included in collector sets, giving them added value compared to coins minted for general circulation.

2. Condition (Grading)

A coin’s condition, or grade, is one of the most critical factors in determining its value. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with MS70 (Mint State 70) being perfect, showing no signs of wear or flaws. Here's a quick breakdown:

Circulated Coins: Coins used in daily transactions typically show wear and tear, making them less valuable to collectors.
Uncirculated Coins: Coins that have never been in general circulation and retain their mint luster can fetch higher prices.
Proof Coins: These coins, struck with special dies for collectors, are highly detailed and polished and command premium prices.

Coins graded as “MS65” or higher are especially desirable among collectors.

3. Varieties (Wide Rim vs. Narrow Rim)

One of the most critical elements influencing Susan B. Anthony's dollar value is the variety—precisely, the wide rim (or near-date) variety identified in particular 1979 coins. What sets this variety apart?

Wide Rim coins have a rim that appears closer to the date on the obverse side, giving the coin a distinctive look.
Narrow Rim coins, by contrast, have more space between the date and the coin's edge.

Due to its relative rarity, collectors especially seek out the 1979-P Wide Rim Variety. While a standard 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar in circulated condition might be worth $1 to $3, uncirculated Wide Rim coins can fetch between $40 and $100.

4. Errors and Unique Features

Error coins are a hidden treasure for collectors, as their uniqueness can significantly increase value. Some examples found in the Susan B. Anthony series include:

Mis-strikes (off-center designs)
Double die errors (duplicated elements, such as dates or lettering)
Planchet errors (incorrect blanks used during minting)

Depending on its rarity and the scope of the error, these errors can make a coin worth several hundred dollars or more.

Examples of Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value

Here are a few examples of what specific Susan B. Anthony Dollars might be worth:

Standard Circulated 1979-P/Narrow Rim: $1 to $3
1979-P/Wide Rim (Uncirculated): $40 to $100
1981-S Proof: $50 to $60
1999-P (Uncirculated): $5 to $10
Error Coins (Varies): $100 to $500 or more

Collectors often gravitate toward uncirculated coins, proof coins, and rare varieties like the Wide Rim 1979-P. If you’re considering selling or purchasing one of these coins, having it professionally graded can provide a precise valuation.

Uncirculated Coins Are the Most Valuable

Suppose you’re lucky enough to own an uncirculated specimen (particularly a Wide Rim variety). In that case, it’s worth holding onto—or having it professionally appraised by a coin grading service such as PCGS or NGC. These organizations specialize in numismatic certification and can authenticate your coin’s variety, condition, and value.

Professional grading guarantees your coin’s authenticity and can help secure a better price, whether you’re selling to a collector or auctioning to the highest bidder.

Why Collect Susan B. Anthony Dollars?

Beyond their monetary value, these coins hold a special place in American history:

They honor a pioneering woman whose efforts helped grant voting rights to millions.
They represent an era of innovation in U.S. coin design, even if the general public was slow to appreciate their significance.

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just starting your collection, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar offers a fascinating glimpse into history—and, in some cases, a modest financial reward.

Final Thoughts on Susan B. Anthony's Dollar Value

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar may not be a universal favorite for casual spenders, but its significance and value within coin-collecting circles must be considered. Whether it’s a rare Wide Rim variety, a pristine proof coin, or an error coin unlike any other, these small coins hold a larger-than-life place in both history and numismatics.

Are you curious about your coin? Start with some research—determine its year, condition, and variety. You may discover that it’s worth far more than a dollar.

Stay connected to resources like auction listings, grading services, and numismatic forums for more in-depth coin-collecting insights. Who knows? The next treasure in your collection may be closer than you think.