Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value
1979–1981, 1999 · $1 · copper-nickel clad
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $1.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $2.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $5.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $15.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $75.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1981-S | Only available in mint sets — not released for circulation | $10–$50 |
| 1979-P Wide Rim | Near date variety — scarce | $20–$100 |
| 1979-S Type 2 Proof | Clear S mintmark proof variety | $50–$200 |
| 1999-P | Final year, one-year resumption of production | $3–$10 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Frank Gasparro
- Years
- 1979–1981, 1999
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- copper-nickel clad
- Diameter
- 26.5 mm
- Weight
- 8.1 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Susan B. Anthony Dollar: History & Background
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first US circulating coin to honor a non-mythical woman, depicting suffragist Susan B. Anthony. Introduced in 1979 to replace the large Eisenhower dollar and reduce production costs, the coin was deeply unpopular because it was easily confused with the quarter due to its similar size and color. Production was halted after just three years but resumed briefly in 1999 to replenish vending machine supplies before the Sacagawea dollar debuted. The reverse features an eagle landing on the Moon, carried over from the Eisenhower dollar design.
How to Grade a Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Susan B. Anthony Dollars is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $1.00 in Poor to $5.00 in Uncirculated — a 5× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $15.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar series has 4 notable key dates. The 1981-S is valued at $10–$50, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Collector Demand
As a copper-nickel clad coin, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar derives its value entirely from collector demand rather than metal content. This makes condition and rarity even more important — heavily worn common dates may trade near face value, while key dates and high-grade examples command strong premiums.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Frank Gasparro, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar (26.5mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979–1981, 1999) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Frank Gasparro, this $1 coin was struck in copper-nickel clad with a diameter of 26.5mm and weight of 8.1 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Susan B. Anthony Dollar series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $2.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 4 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $15.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Susan B. Anthony Dollar valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Susan B. Anthony Dollar worth today?
A Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979–1981, 1999) is worth between $1.00 in Poor condition and $5.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $2.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $15.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand.
▶What is the most valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The most valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar is the 1981-S — only available in mint sets — not released for circulation. This date is valued at $10–$50 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
Grading a Susan B. Anthony Dollar starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$2.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$5.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Susan B. Anthony Dollars?
For common-date Susan B. Anthony Dollars in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
Yes. Known Susan B. Anthony Dollar errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Susan B. Anthony Dollar is real?
Authentic Susan B. Anthony Dollars weigh 8.1 grams and measure 26.5 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of copper-nickel clad. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Susan B. Anthony Dollar the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Susan B. Anthony Dollars are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $3.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1981-S command large premiums; (3) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Susan B. Anthony Dollars were made?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was produced from 1979–1981, 1999. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1981-S is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
Never clean a Susan B. Anthony Dollar or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar a good investment?
Susan B. Anthony Dollars in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Susan B. Anthony Dollar dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.