Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coins: Coins are more than just currency. They are miniature works of art, historical artifacts, and symbols of national pride. For collectors, coins represent a tangible connection to the past and a chance to hold something truly unique. Among the most intriguing coins in American numismatics are the Susan B. Anthony Dollars, minted between 1979 and 1981 and again in 1999. While most of these coins are worth only a dollar, certain rare varieties have become highly valuable, with some commanding thousands of dollars at auction.
The Origins Of The Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was introduced in 1979 as the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the coin honors Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering leader in the women’s suffrage movement. The obverse features her portrait, while the reverse depicts an eagle landing on the moon, a design adapted from the Apollo 11 mission insignia.
The coin was intended to replace the larger Eisenhower Dollar, but its similarity in size and color to the quarter led to confusion in circulation. As a result, the coin was not widely embraced by the public. Despite its limited success in everyday use, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar remains a significant piece of American history and a favorite among collectors.
The 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar
One of the most famous rarities in the Susan B. Anthony series is the 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar. Early in production, the Philadelphia Mint struck coins with a narrow rim, but later versions featured a wider rim that brought the date closer to the edge. The wide rim variety is much scarcer and highly sought after by collectors.
In pristine condition, the 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Its distinctive appearance and limited production make it a key rarity in the series.
The 1979-S Type 2 Proof Dollar
Proof coins are specially struck for collectors, with sharp details and mirror-like finishes. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint produced two varieties of proof Susan B. Anthony Dollars. The Type 1 features a blob-like mint mark, while the Type 2 has a clearer, more defined “S.”
The Type 2 proof is much rarer and more valuable. Collectors prize these coins for their beauty and scarcity, and examples in top condition can command significant premiums.
The 1981-S Type 2 Proof Dollar
Another rare proof variety is the 1981-S Type 2 Dollar. Like the 1979 issue, this coin features a clearer, more defined “S” mint mark compared to the Type 1. Because 1981 was the final year of regular production for the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, these coins are especially significant.
The 1981-S Type 2 Proof Dollar is highly sought after by collectors, and examples in pristine condition can be worth thousands. Its rarity and historical importance make it one of the most valuable coins in the series.
The 1980-S Proof Dollar
While not as rare as the Type 2 varieties, the 1980-S Proof Dollar is still a desirable coin. Proof coins from this year were produced in limited numbers, and high-grade examples can be worth hundreds of dollars. Collectors often seek these coins to complete their proof sets, making them an important part of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar series.
The 1999-P Proof Dollar
After nearly two decades of absence, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar returned in 1999 to meet demand for dollar coins. The Philadelphia Mint produced proof versions for collectors, and these coins quickly became popular. Because they were produced in limited numbers, the 1999-P Proof Dollar is highly prized today.
In top condition, these coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on rarity and demand. Their significance as part of the final year of production adds to their value.
The 1999-D Circulation Strike Dollar
The Denver Mint also produced Susan B. Anthony Dollars in 1999, and certain high-grade circulation strikes have become valuable. While most are worth only a dollar, coins preserved in pristine, uncirculated condition can command significant premiums. Collectors prize these coins for their rarity and historical importance as part of the final year of the series.
The 1981-P Circulation Strike Dollar
The Philadelphia Mint produced Susan B. Anthony Dollars in 1981, but they were not released into general circulation. Instead, they were sold in sets to collectors. As a result, finding one in pristine condition is rare. The 1981-P Circulation Strike Dollar is highly sought after, and examples in top grades can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Why These Coins Are Worth Collecting
The extraordinary value of these Susan B. Anthony Dollars stems from a combination of rarity, condition, and historical significance. Coins that exist in limited numbers naturally command higher prices. When those coins also mark important moments in American history, their desirability increases even further. Condition plays a critical role as well. Coins preserved in pristine, uncirculated states are worth far more than those that show signs of wear.
Collectors are willing to pay enormous sums for these treasures because they represent more than just money. They are artifacts of history, symbols of national identity, and works of art. Owning one of these coins is like holding a piece of America’s story in your hand.
The Thrill Of Coin Collecting
The stories of these seven rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars inspire collectors everywhere. While most coins will never reach such astronomical values, the thrill of searching for hidden treasures keeps the hobby alive. Coin collecting is a pursuit of patience, knowledge, and discovery. Each coin examined carries the possibility of revealing something rare and valuable.
For many collectors, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. The excitement of finding a coin with historical significance or unusual features is a joy that transcends monetary value. The tales of the 1979-P Wide Rim, the proof varieties, and the 1999 issues remind us that treasures can be found in the smallest of objects.
Lessons From Susan B. Anthony Coin Rarities
These coins teach us important lessons about history and preservation. They remind us that everyday objects can become priceless artifacts when viewed through the lens of time. They also highlight the importance of careful stewardship. Coins that were preserved in excellent condition have become treasures worth thousands, while those that were lost or damaged remain only memories.
For collectors and historians alike, these coins are more than investments. They are reminders of the nation’s journey, its struggles, and its triumphs. They connect us to the past in a way that few other artifacts can.
Conclusion
The seven rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar coins worth thousands are treasures that continue to captivate the imagination. The 1979-P Wide Rim, the 1979-S Type 2 Proof, the 1981-S Type 2 Proof, the 1980-S Proof, the 1999-P Proof, the 1999-D Circulation Strike, and the 1981-P Circulation Strike each tell a unique story of rarity, history, and value. Together, they represent the pinnacle of Susan B. Anthony coin collecting, with values that reach into the thousands.
While most of us may never own such coins, their stories inspire us to look more closely at the change in our pockets and the coins in our collections. Who knows what hidden treasures might be waiting to be discovered. The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and the next great find could be closer than you think.
