If you’re wondering about the value of your Susan B. Anthony dollar, here are some key factors to consider:
- Circulated vs. Uncirculated: Most Susan B. Anthony dollars found in circulation are only worth face value. However, coins in excellent, uncirculated condition, with minimal wear or damage, are more desirable to collectors and can command higher prices.
- Even uncirculated coins can have minor nicks and scrapes from the minting process or handling, but these should be minimal and not from being used in transactions.
- 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date): This is the most famous and sought-after variety. It features the date noticeably closer to the rim compared to the standard issue. A 1979-P Wide Rim dollar graded Mintstate 67 sold for over $6,400.
- 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear Mintmark): This proof coin has a sharply defined “S” mintmark, unlike the blob-like appearance on the more common Type 1 proof. It is worth more than the Type 1.
- 1981-S Type 2 Proof: This is considered the most valuable variety, featuring a clear “S” mintmark with bulbous serifs, different from the 1979-style mintmark found on other 1981-S proofs.
- 1981 Coins: Coins from 1981 tend to be rarer because they were primarily produced for collectors and not widely released into circulation.
- 1999 Coins: The Susan B. Anthony dollar was reissued in 1999 to meet vending machine demand before the introduction of the Sacagawea dollar, making these coins also scarcer.
- Mint Errors: Look for anomalies like off-center strikes, double strikes, or blank planchets, as these can significantly increase a coin’s value.
- Strike Quality: Coins with crisp, clear strikes from early die states can be more valuable.
- Mint Mark: The mint mark (P, D, or S) indicates where the coin was minted. On 1979 coins, it’s located near Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder.
- Proof Coins: These coins, specially produced for collectors, often have a mirrored field and frosted devices and can be more valuable than their circulating counterparts, [according to Blanchard and Company].
- Third-Party Grading Services: For potentially valuable coins, consider having them professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. This ensures authenticity and an accurate assessment of the coin’s condition.
- Coin Collecting Resources: Use resources like the Red Book (A Guidebook of United States Coins) or consult certified numismatists to help evaluate your coin’s condition and determine its potential value.
In conclusion, while most Susan B. Anthony dollars are not particularly valuable, those in excellent condition or with specific rare varieties or minting errors can be worth significantly more than face value. Examining the date, mint mark, rim details, and overall condition will help you identify potentially valuable coins, and consulting with a professional coin grader can provide a more precise valuation.
