11 Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars to Look For

11 Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars to Look For – When the U.S. Mint introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979, it was met with mixed reactions. The coin, featuring a portrait of the legendary women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony, was intended to replace the bulky Eisenhower dollar and provide a convenient alternative for vending machines and public transit systems.

However, despite its practical design, the “SBA” dollar never gained widespread popularity among the public. Many found it too similar in size and color to the quarter, leading to confusion and limited circulation.

Today, however, these coins are gaining attention from collectors due to their historical significance and unique varieties. Some Susan B. Anthony dollars are far more valuable than their face value, fetching hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars at auction. In this article, we’ll explore 11 valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars that every collector should keep an eye out for.

1. 1979-P Wide Rim

The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar is one of the most common issues, but not all examples are created equal. A key variety known as the “Wide Rim” exists, characterized by a thicker rim around the edge of the coin compared to the standard version. This subtle difference makes the Wide Rim variety significantly rarer and more desirable.

In mint state (MS-65 or higher), a 1979-P Wide Rim dollar can be worth $200 or more. Always inspect your 1979-P coins carefully, as the distinction between Wide Rim and Narrow Rim isn’t immediately obvious without magnification.

2. 1979-S Proof Type 1

Proof coins are specially struck for collectors and feature sharp details and mirror-like surfaces. Among the 1979-S proof Susan B. Anthony dollars, there are two distinct types: Type 1 and Type 2. The Type 1 variety has clearer and bolder lettering on the reverse (“United States of America”) compared to the softer, thinner letters of Type 2.

Type 1 proofs are scarcer and more sought after, with high-grade examples selling for $150 or more. If you have a 1979-S proof dollar, check the reverse lettering under magnification to determine which type you have.

Also read – 9 Ultra-Rare Nickel Errors You Might Have in Your Pocket

3. 1981-S Proof Type 2

Similar to the 1979-S proof varieties, the 1981-S proof Susan B. Anthony dollars also come in two types. Type 2 features heavier, more pronounced lettering on the reverse compared to Type 1. This variety is much rarer, making it a prized find for collectors.

A gem-quality 1981-S Proof Type 2 dollar can fetch upwards of $250. As with the 1979-S proofs, careful examination of the reverse lettering is essential to identify this variety.

4. 1981-P Doubled Die Reverse

One of the most exciting errors in the Susan B. Anthony series is the 1981-P doubled die reverse. This minting error causes noticeable doubling of the inscriptions on the reverse, particularly the words “United States of America.”

Only a handful of these coins are known to exist, making them extremely rare and valuable. High-grade examples have sold for over $10,000 at auction. If you spot a 1981-P dollar with oddly misaligned text, it could be worth a fortune.

5. 1999 Uncirculated Dollar

After a long hiatus, the U.S. Mint resumed production of the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1999 to meet demand for vending machine use. These coins were primarily distributed through uncirculated mint sets rather than general circulation, making them relatively scarce.

While most 1999 dollars aren’t worth much, those graded MS-67 or higher can command prices exceeding $100. Look for pristine examples with flawless surfaces and strong luster.

Also read – 9 Rare Pennies That Are Shockingly Valuable

6. 1999-P Double Rim Error

Another intriguing variety from the 1999 issue is the double rim error. This occurs when the coin’s outer rim is struck twice, creating a second, fainter rim just inside the primary one.

Double rim errors are exceedingly rare and highly coveted by collectors. A well-preserved example could easily fetch several hundred dollars. Inspect your 1999 dollars closely for any unusual rim patterns.

7. 1979-P Near Date

The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar comes in yet another variety: the “Near Date.” This variation refers to the placement of the date relative to the rim. On Near Date coins, the digits of the year are closer to the rim than on standard versions.

While not as rare as some other varieties, Near Date coins are still collectible, especially in high grades. Expect to pay $50 or more for a gem-quality Near Date dollar.

8. 1981-P Struck Through Oil Error

Struck-through errors occur when foreign material, such as oil or grease, gets trapped between the die and the planchet during striking. This results in weak or missing details on part of the coin’s surface.

A notable example is the 1981-P Susan B. Anthony dollar struck through oil, which shows significant distortion on the obverse. Depending on the severity of the error, these coins can sell for hundreds of dollars. Keep an eye out for incomplete or smudged designs.

Also read – 7 Most Valuable Capped Bust Half Dollars: A Collector’s Guide

9. 1981-P Broadstruck Error

Broadstruck errors happen when a coin is struck outside of its retaining collar, causing it to expand beyond its intended diameter. Broadstruck Susan B. Anthony dollars often appear slightly flattened and wider than normal.

These errors are visually striking and highly collectible. Prices vary based on the degree of deformation, but exceptional examples can reach $500 or more. Check your dollars for irregular shapes and sizes.

10. 1979-S Clipped Planchet Error

Clipped planchet errors occur when a portion of the metal blank is missing before the coin is struck. This results in a curved indentation along the edge of the coin.

For Susan B. Anthony dollars, clipped planchet errors are quite rare, especially in proof strikes like the 1979-S. A high-grade example with a prominent clip can fetch $500 or more. Always examine the edges of your coins for signs of clipping.

11. 1981-P Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet isn’t properly aligned with the dies, resulting in part of the design being cut off. The amount of offset determines the rarity and value of the coin.

A 1981-P Susan B. Anthony dollar with a 50% off-center strike is particularly valuable, as it retains enough of the design to remain recognizable while showcasing the dramatic error. Such coins can sell for $1,000 or more. Look for incomplete designs and uneven rims.

How to Spot Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars

Finding valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you identify these hidden gems:

• Inspect Dates and Mintmarks: Pay close attention to the year and mintmark (P, D, or S). Certain combinations and varieties are inherently rarer.
• Look for Errors: Doubling, broadstrikes, clipped planchets, and other minting mistakes can significantly increase a coin’s value.
• Check Condition: Coins in excellent condition are almost always worth more. Avoid cleaning them, as this can damage the surface and reduce value.
• Use Tools: A magnifying glass and a good reference guide can help you spot subtle differences and errors.
• Consult Experts: If you suspect you’ve found something special, take it to a professional appraiser or grading service.