Top 12 Most Valuable Susan B Anthony Coins Worth Money

The Susan B. Anthony dollar (1979) was the first circulating U.S. coin featuring a real woman, yet it proved commercially unsuccessful. Often confused with quarters, production ceased after 1981, briefly resumed in 1999, and then ended permanently. Most remain worth only face value, as hundreds of millions were minted.

However, when dramatic minting errors, pristine preservation, or rare varieties converge, these typically common coins become five-figure treasures. Certain examples have sold for over $20,000 at auction.

This article examines the most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars ever sold and what makes them worth thousands of times face value.

 

The Most Valuable Susan B Anthony Dollars Worth Money

1. 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Record Price: $21,600 (PCGS MS67+, Heritage Auction 2022)

This 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar represents numismatic excellence. The coin achieved MS67+ grading, making it almost unobtainable. It’s the only MS67+ among twelve coins graded at MS67 level by September 2022. Neither NGC nor PCGS has certified a finer example.

The 1981-S has the third-lowest mintage among circulation strikes, with only 3.5 million pieces produced. While circulated examples remain common, uncirculated specimens are rare in MS67 and above. Values jump dramatically at these grades.

The coin features pristine preservation with bold strike, reflective fields, and brilliant surfaces. It sold for $21,600 at Heritage Auctions in October 2022, setting an auction record.

This price reflects extreme rarity at this condition level. Most Susan B. Anthony dollars sell for face value. Even MS66 examples typically bring under $100. The MS67+ grade represents a quantum leap in both rarity and value, making this a trophy piece for advanced collectors.

 

2. 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Record Price: $16,100 (PCGS MS64, Heritage Auction 2006)

This 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar was struck on a Sacagawea planchet, creating an exceptional wrong planchet error. Only eight to ten examples are estimated to exist. This error ranks number 43 in “100 Greatest U.S. Error Coins.”

The error occurred during late 1999 when both dollar types were in production. Manganese brass Sacagawea planchets mistakenly entered the Susan B. Anthony striking press. This created coins with Anthony’s design in distinctive golden color rather than standard copper-nickel composition.

This MS64 specimen shows lustrous surfaces without typical Sacagawea carbon spotting, though scattered abrasions exist. The strike appears somewhat soft due to composition differences between the two alloy types. The $16,100 auction price in January 2006 demonstrates strong collector demand for this rarity.

The auction house noted this was only their third example handled in several years. Heritage Auctions has offered similar specimens at prices ranging from $7,762 to over $16,000 depending on grade.

The extreme rarity, prominent error ranking, and transitional nature connecting two dollar series ensure sustained collector interest. Population scarcity combined with historical significance creates compelling investment potential for advanced error coin collectors.

 

3. 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Record Price: $15,000 (NGC Genuine, eBay 2021)

This coin represents the most valuable example of a 1979-S regular strike Susan B. Anthony dollar, graded as “Genuine” by NGC and sold for $15,000 on eBay in September 2021.

The “NGC Genuine” designation, rather than a standard numerical grade, indicates this coin possesses extraordinary characteristics that prevented conventional grading, likely representing an extremely rare minting error or variety.

While typical 1979-S dollars are relatively common in lower mint states, uncirculated examples in higher grades are remarkably scarce, with fewer than 300 known specimens grading MS67, and even fewer achieving MS68 or above. However, this particular coin’s exceptional value far exceeds even premium mint state examples, suggesting it features a unique and dramatic error that makes it one-of-a-kind.

Standard 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollars were struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 109,576,000 pieces, making circulated examples worth face value. The $15,000 realization price of this sample—approximately 15,000 times face value—demonstrates this coin’s extraordinary rarity and collector desirability within the series.

Check 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

4.1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony 

Record Price: $6,995 (PCGS MS67+, eBay 2021)

This 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar achieved MS67+ grade, representing extreme condition rarity. The $6,995 sale price in December 2021 set an auction record for this grade. The PCGS price guide values MS67+ specimens at $6,500, confirming strong market support.

The Wide Rim variety resulted from a mid-year design modification at Philadelphia Mint. Production was brief before reverting to standard design, creating significant scarcity.

Current PCGS population data shows only 2 coins certified at MS67+ level, with zero graded higher. This places the coin at the absolute pinnacle of preservation for the variety.

High-grade Wide Rim examples graded MS67 or higher are extremely rare and fetch thousands based on eye appeal and luster. Regular MS67 Wide Rim dollars trade around $1,000-$1,500, but the Plus designation commands substantial premium.

The dramatic value jump reflects genuine scarcity at this grade level. While lower-grade Wide Rim dollars are collectible, MS67+ represents terminal condition with no specimens graded finer. The $6,995 auction result exceeded PCGS guide value by approximately 8%, demonstrating strong collector demand among advanced registry collectors pursuing finest-known examples of this scarce variety.

Check 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

5.1979-S Susan B. Anthony

Record Price: $5,175 (PCGS MS68, Heritage Auction 2007)

This 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar graded MS68 represents exceptional condition rarity despite the San Francisco Mint’s massive production of 109,576,000 business strikes. While these coins remain common through MS65, MS68 specimens are truly scarce with less than a handful of examples known to exist and none surviving in any higher condition.

The coin features the Type One “Filled S” mintmark variety, distinguished by its rectangular-filled appearance. This pristine Superb Gem ranked among only three finest certified examples at PCGS at that time, with zero graded higher. The PCGS population data shows just five coins achieving MS68 certification with none finer.

PCGS values MS68 examples at approximately $4,850, making the $5,175 realized price a strong premium reflecting genuine terminal-grade scarcity. While approximately 400 examples survive in MS67, the MS68 grade represents the absolute pinnacle of preservation.

The coin’s untoned lustrous surfaces and pristine preservation exemplify why top-grade condition rarities command exponential premiums, transforming common-mintage coins into five-figure numismatic treasures for advanced registry collectors pursuing finest-known examples.

Check 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

6.1980-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Record Price: $4,600 (PCGS MS68, Heritage Auction 2008) 

This 1980-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar, certified MS68 by PCGS, represents terminal-grade rarity with only 3 specimens at this level and none graded higher. The population data reveals dramatic scarcity: while 136 examples exist at MS67 and 3 at MS67+, the jump to MS68 is exceptionally rare.

The coin’s market performance underscores genuine collector demand. An April 2008 auction realized $4,600—more than double the PCGS price guide value of $2,200. This premium significantly exceeds comparable grades: MS67 specimens trade around $185, while MS67+ examples command approximately $375. The exponential value increase reflects the coin’s terminal status and extreme scarcity.

While 1980-P dollars remain common through MS66, specimens at MS67 become exceedingly scarce, and MS68 examples rank among the rarest condition census pieces for the Susan B. Anthony series.

For advanced collectors and registry set participants, this specimen offers shared finest-known status. The combination of minuscule population, zero higher grades, and proven auction performance ensures sustained collector interest.  

 

7.1981-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Record Price: $3,220 (PCGS MS67, Heritage Auction 2007)

This 1981-P Susan B. Anthony dollar represents exceptional rarity. The Philadelphia Mint struck only 3 million pieces in 1981. The Mint stopped producing circulation strikes, instead opting only to strike proofs for collectors.

At MS67 grade, this coin achieves the highest certification level. PCGS population shows just 21 coins at MS67, with zero graded higher. NGC census records 50 examples at MS67, also with none finer. MS67 is the terminal grade for this issue.

Susan B. Anthony dollars are rare in MS67 and above, causing values to jump dramatically. Low mintage combined with top-grade scarcity drives strong demand. This specimen sold for $3,220 at Heritage Auctions in December 2007, establishing an auction record. As one of only 21 certified at the highest grade, it represents a significant condition rarity.

 

8.1981-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Record Price: $2,938 (PCGS MS68, Heritage Auction 2017)

This 1981-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar graded MS68 by PCGS represents an exceptional modern rarity. In 1981, the Denver Mint struck only 3.2 million Susan B. Anthony dollars, a dramatic reduction from earlier years, and these were exclusively distributed in Mint sets rather than general circulation.

This singular status as the finest known example establishes it as a modern condition rarity of considerable importance. The coin exhibits full strike definition with brilliant, satiny luster and minimal contact marks confined to the portrait area.

The $2,937.50 auction result from January 2017 at Heritage Auctions represents the record price for this issue at the MS68 grade. The combination of limited original mintage, exclusive Mint set distribution, and unique finest-known status creates a compelling numismatic profile.

For registry set collectors and condition rarity specialists, this coin represents the terminal grade for the 1981-D issue, making it an irreplaceable specimen in advanced Susan B. Anthony dollar collections.

 

9.1979-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Record Price: $1,528 (PCGS MS68, Heritage Auction 2017)

This 1979-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar graded MS68 by PCGS represents an extraordinary condition rarity. Despite the Denver Mint striking 288 million examples in 1979, only a single coin has achieved MS68 certification across both NGC and PCGS combined, making this the sole finest-known specimen.

This unique piece first appeared at Heritage Auctions in January 2017 as part of The Mile High Collection, realizing $1,528. However, this sale price represents a substantial discount from PCGS guide value of $10,000, which reflects the coin’s status as the terminal grade with zero higher examples.

The dramatic value gap between auction result and guide valuation creates compelling investment potential. While lower-grade 1979-D dollars remain readily available due to massive mintage, achieving MS68 preservation proved exceptionally difficult. PCGS values both 1979-P and 1979-D MS68 dollars at $10,000, acknowledging their parallel rarity.

For registry set collectors, this coin represents an irreplaceable acquisition standing alone at the population apex. With no possibility of finding a finer example, it holds unique position as the ultimate 1979-D dollar specimen.

Check 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

10.1999-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Record Price: $1,020 (PCGS MS68, Heritage Auction 2020)

This 1999-D Susan B. Anthony dollar originates from the series’ unexpected revival after an 18-year hiatus. The Denver Mint produced approximately 11.8 million pieces to address a dollar coin shortage, creating a modern issue with surprising conditional challenges.

While common through MS67, the 1999-D becomes genuinely scarce at MS68. Current PCGS population data confirms this threshold: 125 specimens certified at MS68, with only one grading higher at MS68+. This narrow population defines MS68 examples as condition census pieces, representing the practical finest-known grade for the issue.

Market performance validates the rarity. This specimen from The Maltese Collection—a prestigious provenance—realized $1,020 at Heritage Auctions in October 2020, exceeding the PCGS price guide value of $775. The premium reflects sustained collector demand for top-tier examples.

Despite substantial production, achieving superb preservation proved exceptionally difficult for 1999-D dollars. Most survivors exhibit minor imperfections from bulk handling and storage.

This MS68 specimen represents a modern conditional rarity, offering quality-focused collectors an accessible entry point into high-grade collecting with genuine scarcity and documented market strength.

 

Summary: Rare Susan B Anthony Coins

Susan B Anthony coins are increasingly drawing the attention of collectors. Even though the Mint no longer strikes these interesting coins, you will still find them in circulation. Mint state examples in this series can be hard to find for dates 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1999 but the payout is worthwhile. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with common errors in the Susie B dollar series, as these can also be worth a fortune.