Susan B. Anthony Dollar value depends on much more than the one-dollar denomination shown on the coin. Date, mint mark, grade, Proof status, rim variety, mint-mark style, surface preservation and certification can all influence what an individual Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth. Most circulated examples are readily available, but several recognized varieties and exceptional high-grade coins command substantially greater collector interest.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was produced from 1979 through 1981 and then returned unexpectedly in 1999. Although its original circulation life was brief, the series contains enough varieties, Proof types and condition rarities to support an active specialist collector market.
This guide explains Susan B. Anthony Dollar value across the complete series, including the 1979-P Wide Rim or Near Date variety, 1979-S and 1981-S Proof mint-mark types, the 1999 return, grading considerations, certification and the difference between an ordinary dollar coin and a genuinely scarce collector issue.
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value Quick Facts
| Years Issued | 1979–1981 and 1999 |
| Designer | Frank Gasparro |
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mints | Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco |
| Obverse | Susan B. Anthony portrait |
| Reverse | Eagle landing on the Moon, adapted from the Apollo 11 insignia |
| Major Collector Varieties | 1979-P Wide Rim; 1979-S Type 2 Proof; 1981-S Type 2 Proof |
These basic specifications identify the series, but they do not establish Susan B. Anthony Dollar value by themselves. Coins sharing the same date can trade at very different levels when one is a recognized variety, a scarce Proof type or an unusually high-grade circulation strike.
Why the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Was Created
The United States had already experimented with a large copper-nickel dollar through the Eisenhower Dollar series, but its substantial size made it inconvenient for everyday transactions. Congress authorized a smaller dollar in 1978, creating a coin intended to make the dollar denomination easier to carry and use.
Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro designed the new coin. Its obverse honors Susan B. Anthony, the nineteenth-century reformer and women’s suffrage leader. The issue marked the first appearance of a real, non-mythical woman as the principal subject on a circulating United States coin. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The reverse retained Gasparro’s Apollo 11 imagery from the Eisenhower Dollar, showing an eagle descending onto the lunar surface with Earth visible above. That connection makes the Susan B. Anthony Dollar both a new portrait denomination and a direct design descendant of the Eisenhower series.
Why the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Struggled in Circulation
The new dollar was considerably smaller than the Eisenhower Dollar, but its diameter, metallic color and overall appearance were close enough to the Washington quarter to create confusion in everyday transactions. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was larger and heavier than a quarter, yet many users found the visual distinction insufficient for rapid handling.
Public acceptance never reached the level originally hoped for. Production was enormous in 1979 and remained substantial in 1980, but by 1981 the Mint produced Susan B. Anthony Dollars primarily for numismatic sets rather than general circulation. No new coins were struck from 1982 through 1998.
The short original run is part of what makes Susan B. Anthony Dollar value interesting today. The denomination was commercially unsuccessful, yet the series became compact and accessible enough that collectors can pursue complete date-and-mint sets, major-variety sets, Proof sets or high-grade registry collections.
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Design and Identification
The obverse depicts Susan B. Anthony facing right. LIBERTY appears above, IN GOD WE TRUST appears to the right of the portrait, and the date is positioned below. Thirteen stars surround the portrait, while an additional star appears inside the lower border near the date.
The reverse depicts an eagle landing on the Moon while carrying an olive branch. Earth appears above the eagle, and thirteen stars surround the lunar scene. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE DOLLAR complete the reverse inscriptions.
Mint marks appear on the obverse to the left of Anthony’s portrait. P identifies Philadelphia, D identifies Denver and S identifies San Francisco. Unlike many earlier United States coin series, Philadelphia Susan B. Anthony Dollars explicitly carry a P mint mark.
1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The 1979-P Wide Rim is one of the best-known circulation-strike varieties in the series. It is also commonly called the Near Date because the wider rim brings the lower border noticeably closer to the numerals of the date.
On the more common 1979-P Narrow Rim or Far Date coin, additional space separates the date from the rim. Collectors should compare the complete rim-and-date relationship rather than assuming every Philadelphia 1979 dollar is the scarcer variety.
PCGS recognizes the 1979-P Wide Rim separately in both its population reporting and major-variety registry architecture. Susan B. Anthony Dollar value for this variety can exceed that of an ordinary 1979-P, particularly as certified grade increases. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
1979-S Type 1 and Type 2 Proof Dollars
The 1979-S Proof exists with two recognized mint-mark styles. Type 1 uses the earlier filled or less distinct S mint mark, while Type 2 displays a clearer S created from a revised punch.
The Type 2 is substantially scarcer. PCGS identifies the 1979-S Type 2 as one of the principal keys to a major-variety Susan B. Anthony Dollar collection. Exact production totals by mint-mark type were not recorded, so estimates rather than official individual mintages are used when discussing the relative populations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Proof preservation also matters. Hairlines, spotting, haze, fingerprints and loss of contrast can affect desirability. Susan B. Anthony Dollar value for a Type 2 Proof therefore depends not only on identifying the correct mint-mark style but also on the quality and certification of the individual coin.
1981-S Type 1 and Type 2 Proof Dollars
The 1981-S Proof again exists with two recognized mint-mark types. The Type 1 uses the earlier S punch, while the Type 2 features a noticeably clearer mint mark with distinct bulbous serifs.
The 1981-S Type 2 is generally considered the strongest Proof key of the series. PCGS estimates that only a minority of 1981-S Proof production received the Type 2 mint mark and gives the issue greater weight than the ordinary Proofs in its major-variety registry set. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Collectors should be cautious when attributing these Proof types from poor photographs. The difference involves the shape and clarity of the S mint mark, and confident identification is much easier with magnification or a sharp close-up image.
Why Susan B. Anthony Dollars Returned in 1999
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar unexpectedly returned nearly two decades after the original series ended. By the late 1990s, government inventories of the older dollars were approaching exhaustion while commercial demand for dollar coins, particularly in vending and transit applications, had increased.
The U.S. Mint reported that approximately 847.5 million Susan B. Anthony Dollars had been produced for circulation during 1979 and 1980, with another 9.7 million produced for numismatic sets in 1981. As those reserves dwindled, Congress authorized additional production before the new Sacagawea Dollar entered circulation. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Philadelphia and Denver produced circulation strikes dated 1999, while Philadelphia also produced Proofs. The one-year revival creates an unusual bookend to the series and gives collectors another distinct period to consider when researching Susan B. Anthony Dollar value.
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Mintages by Date and Mint
Original mintage provides useful context when researching Susan B. Anthony Dollar value, but production totals should not be confused with surviving population or condition rarity. Hundreds of millions of these dollars were struck, yet the number surviving in exceptional Mint State condition can be far smaller than the original mintage suggests.
| Year | Philadelphia | Denver | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 360,222,000 | 288,015,744 | 109,576,000 circulation strikes |
| 1980 | 27,610,000 | 41,628,708 | 20,422,000 circulation strikes |
| 1981 | 3,000,000 | 3,250,000 | 3,492,000 circulation strikes |
| 1999 | 29,592,000 | 11,776,000 | No circulation strike |
The enormous 1979 production explains why ordinary circulated examples remain readily available. The much smaller 1981 mintages look dramatically different on paper, but those coins were produced primarily for numismatic sets and were saved in large numbers. Susan B. Anthony Dollar value therefore requires more context than simply selecting the lowest mintage in the table.
Key Susan B. Anthony Dollars and Varieties
A basic date-and-mint collection is relatively compact, but major varieties create another level of difficulty. Collectors researching Susan B. Anthony Dollar value should pay particular attention to the 1979-P Wide Rim and the scarcer Proof mint-mark types.
| Issue | Why Collectors Watch It |
|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim / Near Date | Recognized circulation-strike rim variety |
| 1979-S Type 2 Proof | Scarcer clear-S Proof mint-mark type |
| 1981-S Type 2 Proof | Major Proof key with distinctive S mint mark |
| High-Grade 1981 Issues | Low original mintages and strong condition sensitivity |
| 1999-P Proof | Proof from the unexpected final-year revival |
The table also illustrates why a generic online price for “a Susan B. Anthony Dollar” is inadequate. A common circulated 1979 dollar, a certified 1979-P Wide Rim, and a high-grade 1981-S Type 2 Proof belong to completely different collector markets even though all three carry a face value of one dollar.
Original SilverPoured Susan B. Anthony Dollar Photography
What Determines Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value?
A reliable Susan B. Anthony Dollar value estimate starts with the exact date and mint mark. After that, determine whether the coin is a circulation strike or Proof and whether the issue has a recognized variety that requires closer attribution.
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Date and Mint | Production and availability differ throughout the series. |
| Wide Rim Variety | The 1979-P Near Date is separately collected. |
| Proof Type | 1979-S and 1981-S mint-mark styles have different scarcity. |
| Grade | Condition rarity can create substantial premiums above ordinary examples. |
| Surface Quality | Marks, spotting, haze and other problems affect desirability. |
| Certification | Useful for confirming important varieties, Proof types and high grades. |
| Eye Appeal | Strike, luster and overall appearance matter within the same numerical grade. |
Most circulated Susan B. Anthony Dollars are not rare simply because they are no longer produced. Collector premiums become more significant when the exact coin has a recognized variety, superior preservation, scarce Proof type or exceptional certified grade.
High-Grade Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Condition rarity is an important part of Susan B. Anthony Dollar value. The coins were produced for circulation and frequently acquired contact marks during striking, bagging, transportation and storage. Large production numbers therefore do not guarantee an unlimited supply of pristine examples.
Collectors pursuing registry-quality coins may pay substantial premiums for pieces at the upper end of the certified population. Small differences in numerical grade can become financially significant when relatively few coins have been certified at or above a particular level.
This is why population data should be used alongside mintage rather than as a replacement for it. Mintage records how many coins were originally produced, while grading populations provide evidence about how many examples have been certified in specific conditions.
Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value
Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollars were manufactured for collectors with specially prepared dies and surfaces rather than for ordinary circulation. Their value depends on date, mint-mark type, preservation, contrast and certification.
The 1979-S Type 2 and 1981-S Type 2 receive particular attention because their mint-mark styles distinguish them from the more common Proof types of the same years. Correct attribution is therefore essential before assigning Susan B. Anthony Dollar value to either issue.
Proof coins should be handled carefully. Hairlines, fingerprints, haze, spots and impaired mirrored fields can permanently affect eye appeal. Never attempt to polish or clean a Proof dollar to make the surfaces appear brighter.
Does a Susan B. Anthony Dollar Contain Silver?
No regular Susan B. Anthony Dollar contains silver. The coins use a copper-nickel clad composition, so their intrinsic precious-metal value is not comparable with Morgan Dollars, Peace Dollars or earlier United States silver dollars.
That distinction is important when evaluating Susan B. Anthony Dollar value. Any premium above one dollar comes from numismatic demand, variety, grade, Proof status, condition rarity or other collector characteristics rather than contained silver.
Cleaning and Handling Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Do not clean a Susan B. Anthony Dollar. Polishing, rubbing or chemically altering the surfaces can create permanent damage that reduces collector desirability even when the coin initially appears brighter.
Handle collectible examples by the edges and avoid touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Fingerprints can become difficult or impossible to remove safely, particularly on Proof coins and high-grade Mint State examples.
If a coin appears to be an important Wide Rim variety, scarce Proof type or unusually high-grade example, preserve it as found until the attribution and potential Susan B. Anthony Dollar value have been evaluated.
Certification and Registry Collecting
Professional certification can be particularly useful for Susan B. Anthony Dollars when an important variety, Proof type or high numerical grade is involved. A grading service can provide authentication, attribution and an independent grade that makes comparison with other certified examples easier.
Registry collectors can pursue several different approaches, including basic date-and-mint sets, Proof sets and major-variety sets. The 1979-P Wide Rim and Type 2 Proof issues become especially important when a registry definition requires recognized varieties rather than only one example of each date and mint.
Certification does not automatically increase Susan B. Anthony Dollar value. A common circulated coin remains common inside a holder. The greatest benefit occurs when certification resolves a meaningful question about authenticity, variety, Proof type or condition.
How to Determine Your Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value
First identify the exact date and mint mark. Determine whether the coin was struck at Philadelphia, Denver or San Francisco and whether it is a circulation strike or Proof.
Next check whether the date has an important variety. A 1979-P should be examined for the Wide Rim or Near Date configuration, while 1979-S and 1981-S Proofs require careful inspection of the S mint mark.
Then evaluate condition. Look for circulation wear, contact marks, scratches, spotting, cleaning, altered surfaces and overall eye appeal. Compare the coin only with examples of the same date, mint, variety, Proof status and approximate grade.
Finally, use recent completed transactions and appropriate certified population information when the coin warrants deeper research. The strongest Susan B. Anthony Dollar value estimate combines exact identification, condition, variety attribution and real market evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value
What years were Susan B. Anthony Dollars made?
Susan B. Anthony Dollars were produced from 1979 through 1981 and then returned for one final production year in 1999.
What is the 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The 1979-P Wide Rim, also called the Near Date, has a wider border that places the date noticeably closer to the rim than on the common Narrow Rim or Far Date version.
What are the important Susan B. Anthony Proof varieties?
The 1979-S Type 2 and 1981-S Type 2 are the principal Proof varieties. Both are identified by distinctive S mint-mark styles and are scarcer than their corresponding common Proof types.
Why were Susan B. Anthony Dollars made again in 1999?
Government inventories of earlier Susan B. Anthony Dollars were nearing exhaustion while commercial demand for dollar coins remained strong. The Mint resumed production in 1999 before the Sacagawea Dollar entered circulation.
Are Susan B. Anthony Dollars made of silver?
No. Regular Susan B. Anthony Dollars use a copper-nickel clad composition and contain no precious-metal silver.
Are all Susan B. Anthony Dollars valuable?
No. Most circulated examples are readily available. Susan B. Anthony Dollar value becomes more significant with recognized varieties, scarcer Proof types, exceptional grade, strong eye appeal and other collector characteristics.
Should I clean a Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
No. Cleaning can permanently alter the surfaces and reduce collector desirability. Preserve the coin as found until its date, mint, variety, grade and potential value have been evaluated.
Related SilverPoured Resources
Continue researching Susan B. Anthony Dollars through SilverPoured resources covering United States dollar coinage, mint marks, the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints, coin values, and the collector-market factors that separate ordinary circulation coins from important varieties and high-grade examples.
U.S. Dollar Coin Guides
Morgan Silver Dollar Value
Peace Silver Dollar Value
Morgan Dollar Value Guide & Collector Hub
Carson City Morgan Dollar Guide
Seated Liberty Coins
U.S. Mints & Mint Marks
What Do Coin Mint Marks Mean?
Philadelphia Mint
Denver Mint
San Francisco Mint
West Point Mint
Coin Value & Collector Education
Silver Coin Values
Silver Spot Price Today
Silver Melt Value Calculator
What Is Silver Melt Value?
Why Collectible Silver Sells For More
Purchase Precious Metals from a Trusted Dealer
Susan B. Anthony Dollars demonstrate the difference between face value, collector value, and precious-metal value. These copper-nickel dollars contain no silver, so premiums above face value come from numismatic factors such as variety, Proof type, grade, preservation, certification, and collector demand rather than underlying bullion content.
SilverPoured recommends Golden State Mint for buyers seeking physical silver, gold, copper, rounds, bars, and other bullion products. Modern bullion provides direct precious-metal exposure, while collectible Susan B. Anthony Dollars belong to a different market built around numismatic scarcity, condition, varieties, and historical interest.
Collector Insight
Susan B. Anthony Dollars show why enormous original mintages do not make every coin interchangeable. Most circulated examples remain readily available, yet recognized rim varieties, scarcer Proof mint-mark types, exceptional preservation, and condition rarity create distinct collector markets within the same short series. Identify the exact date, mint, strike type, variety, and grade before deciding whether an Anthony dollar is simply worth face value or deserves deeper numismatic research.
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