Recognize the Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar That Could Be Worth $640,000

Susan B. Anthony Dollar: The Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds a unique place in American coinage. Although it was only minted in a few select years, its legacy continues to intrigue collectors. While most of these coins are common, there exists a version so rare that it could fetch a staggering $640,000. What seems like a forgotten piece of change might actually be a jackpot in disguise.

This article explores how to recognize rare and valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar coins. You’ll discover how design features, minting errors, and limited production runs can drastically raise a coin’s value. Whether you’re a new collector or just curious, this guide will help you spot the dollar that could turn heads in the numismatic world.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of American history that introduced a real woman on U.S. currency. Minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999, it failed to gain public popularity due to its similarity in size to the quarter. However, among these dollars are rare varieties and errors that make them extremely valuable to collectors. Certain pieces, such as the 1979-P Wide Rim or experimental strikes, are especially prized and can command prices in the thousands—or even hundreds of thousands. Learning how to distinguish these special coins is essential for collectors and anyone who might unknowingly have one in their pocket.

Overview Table

Feature	Description	Estimated Value
1979-P Wide Rim	Date printed close to the rim, rare variety	$500 – $1,500
1979-S & 1981-S Type 2	Clear “S” mintmark, sharply defined in proof coins	$3,000 – $15,000
Experimental/Transitional	Coins struck on incorrect metal planchets or with mismatched dies	$100,000 – $640,000+
Off-Metal Errors	Coins struck using planchets meant for different denominations	Value varies by rarity
Minting Misalignments	Minor errors that may still add premium depending on condition	$50 – $500

What Makes the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Special?

When introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, celebrating a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement. Its compact size and similarity to the quarter made it unpopular, but that very lack of circulation kept many coins in pristine condition.

Today, collectors value it not just for its symbolism but also for rare variants created by minting errors. The coin was produced in three mints: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S), and differences between these mint marks can greatly affect a coin’s value. For serious collectors, these unique variations are what transform a common coin into a treasure.

The Rare Variety That’s Worth a Fortune

Among the most valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar coins is the elusive 1979-P Wide Rim, also known as the “Near Date” variety. Unlike standard coins, the date on these sits very close to the rim, creating a fuller look. Although more common than the ultra-rare errors, this variety alone can fetch over $1,000 in excellent condition.

The real jackpot, however, lies in experimental and transitional errors. These are coins that were struck under unusual conditions—perhaps on a planchet meant for another coin or with incorrect dies. Some of these experimental strikes are so rare that they’ve sold for over $100,000. One particular Susan B. Anthony Dollar is rumored to have fetched $640,000, likely due to being a prototype or an off-metal error. These coins are exceptionally rare, often created during testing phases or as part of unintended minting errors.

Key Features to Look For

1. 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date)
   
   • Look at the spacing between the date and the rim. If the numbers appear very close to the edge, it’s likely the rare wide-rim variety. This version is highly sought after.
     
2. Type 2 Mintmarks (Proof Coins)
   
   • Focus on proof coins from 1979-S and 1981-S. A clear and well-defined “S” mintmark (Type 2) indicates a rarer variety than the fuzzy Type 1. These can be quite valuable when in flawless condition.
     
3. Experimental or Transitional Errors
   
   • These are coins minted with incorrect dies or on wrong metal blanks. For example, a Susan B. Anthony Dollar struck on a Sacagawea dollar planchet is an extremely rare find.
     
4. Off-Metal Planchets
   
   • Coins that were mistakenly struck on planchets intended for different denominations (like a nickel or quarter) are highly collectible.
     
5. Other Minting Errors
   
   • Misalignments, double strikes, or clipped planchets also add uniqueness. While not as valuable as experimental errors, these still command premiums.
     

How to Authenticate a Rare Find

If you think you’ve found a rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar, it’s critical to handle it properly. Avoid cleaning it at all costs—this can damage the surface and reduce its value. Use gloves or handle it by the edges only.

Next, submit your coin to a certified grading service such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). These organizations will inspect, authenticate, and grade your coin. A higher grade and official certification can dramatically increase its market value.

If you’re unsure, visit a reputable coin dealer or attend a coin show. Many collectors and experts offer free or low-cost consultations that can help confirm what you have.

Why Collectors Are Watching Susan B. Anthony Dollars Closely

Numismatics, or coin collecting, is experiencing a resurgence in interest, especially with a spotlight on coins honoring historical women. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, once viewed as a failure in circulation, is now being reevaluated for its cultural significance and rarity.

Collectors are increasingly attracted to coins with unique stories or production quirks. Rare features such as experimental strikes and proof errors make the Susan B. Anthony Dollar a compelling piece for both novice and seasoned collectors. Its market value is climbing steadily, and with limited quantities of certain varieties, the demand shows no signs of fading.

Final Thoughts

Don’t overlook that old dollar coin you found in a drawer. What may appear to be just another Susan B. Anthony Dollar could be a rare variety worth hundreds—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. Use this guide to identify key features and take the right steps toward authentication.

We encourage you to check your change and inherited coin collections. If you find something promising, get it evaluated and share your story with the collecting community. For more insights on rare coins and collectibles, subscribe or visit our other articles dedicated to coin enthusiasts.

Your coin adventure could be just beginning—take a closer look today.

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