6 Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coins : The Susan B. Anthony dollar, minted from 1979 to 1981 and briefly in 1999, stands out as a milestone in U.S. coinage history — both for its depiction of a real woman and for its distinctive appearance. While most are common and easily found in circulation or rolls, a handful of rare variants are now highly sought-after by collectors, with some commanding four to five-figure prices depending on condition and rarity. Below, we highlight six of the most desirable Susan B. Anthony dollar coins in the numismatic market today.
1. 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) Variety
- Estimated Value: $500 – $3,000+
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Key Identifier:
- The date “1979” appears much closer to the rim than usual.
- Also called the “Near Date” variety.
- Scarcity:
- Only a limited number of these were struck before the Mint adjusted the die spacing.
- Market Insight:
- High-grade MS67+ examples are rare and hotly contested in auctions.
2. 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S)
- Estimated Value: $300 – $2,500+
- Mint: San Francisco (Proof only)
- How to Spot:
- Look at the mint mark under magnification: a sharply defined “S” indicates Type 2.
- In contrast, Type 1 has a blurry or blob-like “S.”
- Demand:
- Type 2 Proofs are less common and command a premium among proof set collectors.
- Condition Sensitivity:
- PF70 Deep Cameo pieces can exceed $2,000.
3. 1981-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S)
- Estimated Value: $400 – $3,250+
- Mint: San Francisco (Proof only)
- Rarity:
- Last year of the original SBA dollar run.
- Type 2 “S” is more elegant, with clearer serif ends.
- Collector Relevance:
- As the series concluded in 1981 (before the 1999 revival), these proof coins are scarce and sought after, especially in PR70DCAM condition.
4. 1980-S Proof Dollar with Type 2 Mint Mark
- Estimated Value: $250 – $1,800+
- Mint: San Francisco (Proof)
- Type 2 Mint Mark Traits:
- Well-rounded and clear.
- Less common than Type 1, which shows more mushy or filled-in characteristics.
- Popularity:
- While not as rare as the 1979 or 1981 Type 2, still carries significant collector value when graded PR69–70.
5. 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar in High Grade
- Estimated Value: $150 – $1,200+
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Why It Matters:
- Last year of issue before Sacagawea dollars took over.
- Only struck due to renewed demand for dollar coins by the U.S. Postal Service.
- Condition Is King:
- Business strikes in MS68 or higher are extremely tough to locate.
- Fun Fact:
- Some examples show partial collar or off-center strikes, adding error-based premiums.
6. 1979-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar With Rotated Reverse Error

- Estimated Value: $2,000 – $6,500+
- Mint: Denver
- Error Type:
- Rotated reverse die — the back of the coin is misaligned relative to the obverse.
- Visual Clue:
- When holding the coin upright with the obverse facing up, the reverse appears tilted or upside down.
- Ultra-Rare:
- Fewer than a few dozen confirmed, mostly discovered via careful bulk searching.
Classification of Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars
graph TD
A[Valuable SBA Dollars] --> B[Date & Mint Mark]
A --> C[Error Coins]
A --> D[Proof Types]
B --> E[1979-P Wide Rim]
B --> F[1999-P MS High Grade]
C --> G[1979-D Rotated Reverse]
D --> H[1979-S Type 2 Clear S]
D --> I[1980-S Type 2 Proof]
D --> J[1981-S Type 2 Clear S]
Tips for Identifying and Valuing Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Examine Rim and Mint Mark Carefully
Use a 10x magnifier to inspect the positioning of the date and the sharpness of the mint mark — especially with 1979-P and all “S” mint proof coins.
Use Certified Coin Graders
To fetch the highest resale value, ensure coins are graded and encapsulated by:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Prioritize Mint State or Proof 69/70
Most high-dollar auctions are reserved for MS67+ business strikes and PR70 Deep Cameo proofs.
Where to Find and Sell Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Sourcing Opportunities
- Estate sales, coin shops, and bank rolls remain viable options.
- Online auctions (eBay, GreatCollections, Heritage) often yield gems if you’re experienced in spotting them.
Selling Options
- Auction houses for slabbed and graded examples.
- Coin shows and conventions.
- Online marketplaces, but always verify buyer credentials and request escrow for high-value sales.
Market Trends: Rising Demand for Scarce SBA Dollars
- The Susan B. Anthony dollar series once dismissed as unremarkable is now experiencing a resurgence.
- With modern error coin collectors expanding their focus, values are climbing steadily year over year.
- PSA coin census reports confirm declining availability of MS68+ and PF70 examples, adding to scarcity.
Don’t Overlook This Short-Lived Series
Though it lasted for just a few years, the Susan B. Anthony dollar series offers incredible value opportunities for modern collectors. Whether you’re chasing a rotated reverse, a pristine proof Type 2, or a near-date 1979-P, these coins continue to prove their worth — in history and in market value.
I have 3 Susan B Anthony Dollar ‘ s , I got them new from the bank , they all have the little marks below the front of her neck , looks to be letters maybe sb , but I’m only using magnifying glasses need a microscope, but they are definitely there, well thanks a lot for the information. Thank You Mark Davidson