Imagine digging through grandma’s old coin jar, pulling out a shiny dollar that looks just like a quarter. You toss it aside—until a collector friend gasps and offers you thousands. That’s the magic of the Susan B. Anthony dollar.
This overlooked gem from the late ’70s honors a women’s rights pioneer but flopped in everyday use. Yet today, rare varieties turn “forgotten” into “fortune.” Stick around to uncover its history, spot the valuable ones, and maybe find your own rare coin treasure.
What Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar, often called the SBA dollar, is a small U.S. coin minted from 1979 to 1981, with a brief comeback in 1999. It’s the first circulating coin featuring a real woman—not a goddess or figurehead. Measuring just 26.5 mm across, it weighs 8.1 grams and sports Anthony’s profile on one side, an eagle on the other.
Designed by Frank Gasparro, it aimed to replace bulky dollar bills. But its quarter-like size sparked confusion, dooming it to obscurity. For numismatists, though, that’s where the fun begins—especially with rare coins hiding in plain sight.
The Short but Storied History
Picture 1978: Congress pushes for a lighter dollar to honor suffragist Susan B. Anthony. The Mint launches it in 1979 amid fanfare, hoping it’d catch on for vending machines and transit fares. Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco cranked out millions.
But folks kept mistaking it for a quarter, leading to quick returns to banks. Production halted in 1981, only reviving in 1999 to bridge to the Sacagawea dollar amid shortages. This bumpy ride left many SBA dollars hoarded or forgotten, birthing rarities that thrill rare coin hunters today.
Why Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars Are Hot Collectibles Today
In a world of flashy crypto, why chase these old dollars? Simple: scarcity and story. The Susan B. Anthony dollar’s low circulation means pristine examples are tough to find. Rare varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim fetch premiums because they’re production tweaks gone right—or wrong. Values have climbed with women’s history interest, turning a “failed” coin into a symbol of progress. For hobbyists, it’s affordable entry to numismatics, with potential upside in auctions.
How to Hunt for Your Own Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Ready to play detective? Start in estate sales, coin jars, or eBay lots. Check the rim: On 1979-P coins, a thick rim with date super close? That’s the Wide Rim variety—jackpot for collectors. Look for mint marks (P, D, S) and errors like off-center strikes. Join clubs like the American Numismatic Association for swaps. Benefits? It’s therapeutic, educational, and could pad your wallet. Pro tip: Snap photos and consult apps like PCGS CoinFacts before buying.
| Variety | Key Identifier | Why It’s Rare | Avg. Value (MS65) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim | Date near thick rim | Limited trial run | $50–$100 |
| 1979-P Narrow Rim | Date farther from rim | Common type | $2–$5 |
| 1981-S Type 2 Proof | Clear “S” mint mark | Late-series change | $20–$50 |
| 1999-P | Final mintage | Short revival run | $10–$30 |
Fascinating Facts and Auction Records
Did you know over 888 million SBA dollars were minted, yet most vanished into vaults? The 1979-P Wide Rim? Only a fraction escaped. Errors like a 1979 struck on a nickel planchet? One sold for $16,450 in 2012. Wildest tale: A “forgotten” 1999-P fetched $14 million at auction—likely a hoax, but it shows the hype. Stats: 1981-S proofs hit 4 million, but Type 2 rarities? Under 20% of that.
| Notable Sale | Variety/Error | Auction Year | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-center strike | 1979-P | 2012 | $16,450 |
| PF70 Proof | 1979-S Type 1 | 2016 | $94 |
| Wide Rim MS67+ | 1979-P | Recent | $1,500 |
| Hypothetical “Thrift” | 1999-P | 2025 | $14M (rumor) |
Expert Tips for Numismatic Newbies
As a coin geek chatting with pals, here’s my advice: Grade gently—use gloves to avoid fingerprints. Store in albums, not jars, for that luster. Hunt varieties with a magnifying glass; the Wide Rim’s “near date” is your clue. Budget $20–$50 for starters. Network on forums; pros share error-spotting tricks. Remember, collecting Susan B. Anthony dollars builds patience—and stories that’ll wow at parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar?
Errors like the nickel planchet overstrike top $16,000, but Wide Rim varieties hit $6,500 in top grades.
Are all 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars rare?
Nope—most are common, but check for the Wide Rim to score big.
How do I know if my SBA dollar is worth checking?
Look for mint marks, rim thickness, and shine. Apps like NGC help verify fast.
Why did the Susan B. Anthony dollar fail?
Size mix-up with quarters killed circulation, but it shines in collecting circles.
Conclusion
From flop to fortune, the Susan B. Anthony dollar proves history hides gems in plain sight. You’ve got the tools to spot a rare coin now—raid that change drawer! Share your finds in comments, grab a Wide Rim starter set, or dive into more numismatic tales. What’s your next hunt? Happy collecting!