The Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979–1981, 1999) is one of the most misunderstood U.S. coins. Almost everyone has one sitting in a drawer, and the first question is always:
“Are these coins actually worth anything?”
The quick answer: Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are only worth $1.
But here’s the exciting part—some rare varieties and errors can bring $100, $500, or even $1,000+! Let’s dive into what to check on your coins.
1. The 1979-P “Wide Rim” (a.k.a. Near Date)
One of the most valuable SBA dollar varieties is the 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar.
How to Identify It: Look closely at the date. If the “1” in 1979 is very close to the rim, you’ve got the rare Wide Rim variety.
Value Guide:
- Circulated: $15 – $20
- Mint State: $500 – $1,000+
If the date looks more spaced out (the “1” far from the rim), that’s the common variety worth only face value.
2. Missing Clad Layer (Brownish Color Error)
Sometimes a Susan B. Anthony Dollar is struck missing one of its clad layers. This makes the coin appear brownish or copper-colored—and a bit lighter than normal.
Tip: A regular SBA dollar weighs 8.1 grams. If your coin is lighter, it may have this error.
Value Guide: $300 – $400+ (depending on condition).
3. Broadstrike Error (Extra-Wide Coin)
Another rare minting mistake is the broadstrike error. In this case, the coin is struck outside the collar, making it look wider with distorted rims.
Value Guide: $100 – $150+
Broadstrikes are easy to spot—if your SBA looks “stretched” or bigger than normal, you may have one.
Quick Collector Tips
Most SBA dollars are common—billions were made. Don’t be discouraged if yours is only worth $1.
Condition matters: Higher grades = higher values.
Errors drive value: The big ones to look for are Wide Rim, Missing Clad Layer, and Broadstrike.
Never clean your coins: Cleaning destroys collector value.
Final Thoughts
Most Susan B. Anthony Dollars are only worth face value, but the rare varieties and dramatic errors can bring anywhere from $100 to $1,000+.
So the next time you spot one in your collection, check:
Rim spacing
Coin color
Coin width
You just might uncover a hidden treasure!
Remember: The smallest details can make the biggest difference in coin collecting value.
