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Are Susan B. Anthony Coins Worth Any Money? Unveiling the Secrets of “Susies”

Yes, Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollars are indeed worth money, but the degree of value depends heavily on several factors, including the coin’s rarity, condition, and any existing mint errors. While circulated SBA dollars are typically only worth their face value of $1, certain mint marks and uncirculated examples can command significant premiums.

A Closer Look at the Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony dollar, affectionately nicknamed the “Susie B,” was minted from 1979 to 1981 and then again in 1999. Designed to replace the larger, heavier Eisenhower dollar, it featured a portrait of the prominent women’s rights advocate, Susan B. Anthony. However, its size, close resemblance to the quarter, and initial lack of public acceptance led to its relatively short production run. This unpopularity, ironically, contributes to its collectibility today.

Understanding the Key Factors Influencing Value

Several elements determine the potential worth of a Susan B. Anthony dollar. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Mint Mark: The presence and location of the mint mark (P, D, or S) are crucial. The “P” mint mark, indicating coins struck in Philadelphia, is generally less valuable than those with a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mint mark.
Year of Minting: While all years have potential value, certain years and mint mark combinations are scarcer than others. The 1979-S proof coin and the 1981 coins are of particular interest to collectors.
Condition (Grade): The coin’s condition, assessed using a grading scale developed by numismatists, plays a pivotal role. Uncirculated coins (MS-60 and above), those showing no signs of wear and retaining their original mint luster, fetch the highest prices.
Mint Errors: Coins with minting errors, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or planchet imperfections, are highly sought after by collectors and can be worth substantial sums. Look for anomalies and compare your coin to known error examples.
Proof Coins: Proof coins, specially struck for collectors with a high level of detail and a mirror-like finish, generally hold more value than regular business strike coins. The 1979-S proof coin is a prime example.

Key Dates and Varieties to Watch Out For

While common circulated examples of the Susan B. Anthony dollar are typically only worth face value, certain dates and varieties are highly prized by collectors:

1979-P “Near Date” and “Far Date” Varieties: The 1979-P coins have two distinct varieties related to the position of the date in relation to the rim. The “Near Date” variety, where the date is closer to the rim, is considered slightly scarcer and more valuable.
1979-S Proof Coins: These coins are particularly valuable in high grades (PF-65 and above). They exhibit sharp details and a brilliant, mirror-like surface.
1981 Coins (All Mints): No Susan B. Anthony dollars were intended to be released for general circulation in 1981. Instead, they were primarily struck for inclusion in mint sets. Due to their limited availability in circulation, any 1981 SBA dollar, regardless of the mint mark, is worth more than face value, especially in uncirculated condition.
Any Coin with Significant Errors: Carefully inspect your Susan B. Anthony dollars for any unusual features or anomalies. Double dies, off-center strikes, and other significant mint errors can significantly increase a coin’s value.

Grading Your Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The condition, or grade, of a coin significantly impacts its value. Common grading terms include:

Poor (PO): Heavily worn with little detail.
Fair (FR): Very worn, with some major design elements visible.
Good (G): Well-worn, but most major features are discernible.
Very Good (VG): Moderately worn, with some details still visible.
Fine (F): Shows wear, but most details are clear.
Very Fine (VF): Some wear, but the details are sharp and clear.
Extremely Fine (EF): Light wear, with most details very sharp.
About Uncirculated (AU): Shows only slight traces of wear, mostly on high points.
Uncirculated (MS): No wear; the coin retains its original mint luster. Uncirculated coins are further graded on a scale from MS-60 to MS-70, with MS-70 representing a perfectly struck coin.

It’s often best to have a coin graded by a reputable grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for an official assessment of its condition and authenticity.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about Susan B. Anthony dollars, providing you with comprehensive information:

What is the face value of a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
The face value of a Susan B. Anthony dollar is $1.
Are all Susan B. Anthony dollars silver?
No, Susan B. Anthony dollars are composed of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper). They contain no silver.
How can I tell if my Susan B. Anthony dollar is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, and condition of the coin. Look for 1979-S proof coins, 1979-P “Near Date” varieties, and any 1981 SBA dollars. Uncirculated examples are generally worth more. Also, inspect for any mint errors.
What is the difference between a proof Susan B. Anthony dollar and a regular one?
Proof coins are specially struck with highly polished dies, resulting in a mirror-like surface and sharp details. They are typically sold to collectors and are not released into general circulation. Regular coins are produced for circulation.
Where can I find the mint mark on a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder.
What does “MS” stand for in coin grading?
“MS” stands for Mint State, indicating an uncirculated coin.
What is the “Near Date” variety on the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar?

The “Near Date” variety refers to coins where the date is positioned closer to the rim of the coin than the more common “Far Date” variety.
Why were Susan B. Anthony dollars only minted for a few years?
The coin’s size and color, which were similar to a quarter, led to confusion among the public. This, combined with its initial lack of popularity, resulted in its short production run.
Should I clean my Susan B. Anthony dollar?
Never clean your coins. Cleaning can remove the original mint luster and damage the surface, potentially decreasing its value.
Where is the best place to sell Susan B. Anthony dollars?
You can sell your Susan B. Anthony dollars to coin dealers, at coin shows, online auction sites (like eBay), or through numismatic organizations. Consider having valuable coins graded before selling.
What are some common mint errors found on Susan B. Anthony dollars?
Common mint errors include double dies, off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and die cracks. Each error adds to the uniqueness of the coin.
How can I protect my Susan B. Anthony dollar collection?
Store your coins in acid-free holders, albums, or protective cases specifically designed for coin collecting. This helps prevent damage from handling, moisture, and environmental factors.

By understanding these nuances, you can better assess the value of your Susan B. Anthony dollars and potentially uncover a hidden gem within your collection! Happy coin hunting!