6 Rare Susan B Anthony Coins Collectors Are Hunting for

Susan B. Anthony played a pivotal role in American history, championing women’s rights and paving the way for future generations. To honor her legacy, the U.S. Mint produced the Susan B. Anthony dollar from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999. While these coins were initially met with mixed reactions due to their similarity in size to quarters, over time, certain Susan B. Anthony dollars have become highly prized among collectors. In this article, we will explore the rarest Susan B. Anthony dollars, focusing on the rare Susan B. Anthony coin 1979 and other elusive examples from that year and beyond. We will highlight:

• What makes a Susan B Anthony coin rare
• Sought-after Susan B Anthony error coins
• Where to find quality rare Susan B Anthony coins online

Watch this interesting video for a visual introduction into the rarest Susan B Anthony dollars:

Rare Susan B Anthony dollar coins worth collecting

Even though Sacagawea typically comes to mind first when it comes to U.S. coins featuring female figures, rare Susan B Anthony coins can often hold more value for savvy collectors.

A trailblazer in American history, Susan B. Anthony was born in Adams, Massachusetts in 1820. As the daughter of Quaker parents, she grew up in a family deeply committed to social reform.

She became a teacher and a passionate advocate for abolition and temperance before dedicating her life to the women’s suffrage movement. She emerged as a key leader in the fight for women’s rights, playing a crucial role in securing the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

Recognizing her monumental contributions, the U.S. Mint chose to honor her by featuring her on a dollar coin. In 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced, marking the first time a real, historical woman appeared on U.S. currency.

Today, numerous Susan B. Anthony dollars are considered rare based on factors such as minting errors, low mintage, and unique die varieties. The following discussion will shine a light on some of the rarest pieces, offering insights into how to tell if a Susan B Anthony coin is rare.

1. Rare 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar coin with wide rim

When the Susan B. Anthony dollar was first released in 1979, it faced criticism due to its size similarity with the quarter, leading to confusion among the public. In response, the U.S. Mint made an effort to distinguish the coin by altering its rim design. This resulted in two distinct varieties: the not-particularly-rare Susan B Anthony coin thin rim dollar and the scarcer wide rim Susan B. Anthony dollar.

The primary difference between these two varieties is the proximity of the date to the edge of the coin. On the wide rim variety, the date appears much closer to the rim compared to the narrow rim version, where the date is positioned farther from the edge. This distinction makes it relatively straightforward to identify rare coins of the wide rim variety.

Given the fact that it was produced in smaller quantities compared to the narrow rim version, the wide rim 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar is highly desirable. Collectors especially value it in pristine condition, as circulated examples are quite scarce.

1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar with Wide Rim

• Metal: Copper-nickel
• Year: 1979

Photo by PCGS

2. “Super rare 1979 “P” Susan B Anthony one dollar coin” struck on quarter

An excellent response to the question “Why is a 1979 Susan B Anthony coin rare?” comes in the form of this special error coin. The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar struck on a quarter resulted from a mix-up in planchets at the Philadelphia Mint. The error on the coin occurred when a planchet intended for the quarter-dollar, which is slightly smaller and thinner than the planchet used for the Susan B. Anthony dollar, was mistakenly fed into the press for minting the dollar.

This discrepancy in planchet size and thickness led to a coin with a reduced diameter and altered edge. Additionally, the overstrike error caused overlapping designs on this rare Susan B Anthony coin 1979 dollar, resulting in it showing features from the quarter, including the eagle’s feathers on the profile. This unique combination of distinctive features contributes to the coin’s high value among collectors.

1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Struck on a Quarter

• Metal: Copper-Nickel
• Year: 1979

Photo by Heritage Auctions

3. Very rare 1980 Susan B Anthony one dollar coin (circulated) on nickel planchet

Even in 1980, the year following the introduction of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, minting errors persisted, including notable anomalies like this coin struck on a nickel planchet. Resulting from a mix-up at the San Francisco Mint, this 1980-S Susan B Anthony rare coin error makes for a valuable addition to any numismatic collection.

Typically, Susan B. Anthony dollars are struck on a cupronickel planchet composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, but this coin was minted using a planchet intended for the five-cent nickel, which has a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

The resulting coin, in addition to its different metal composition, has a noticeably different color compared to standard Susan B. Anthony dollars. This is because the nickel planchet gives it a distinct silver appearance.

1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Struck on a Nickel Planchet

• Metal: Copper-Nickel
• Year: 1980

Photo by Heritage Auctions

4. Rare 1981 Susan B Anthony coin in Gem condition

The 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar in Gem condition represents a high-quality example of the series and its third lowest mintage coin. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin is exceptionally difficult to find in condition MS64 and above, making it sought after by collectors for its rarity and pristine quality.

Collectors also value circulated 1981-S dollar coins in exceptional condition for their sharp, clear strikes and minimal imperfections. In Gem condition, these coins exhibit exceptional eye appeal with a high level of shine and crisp design elements. Due to its limited mintage and superior condition, the 1981-S dollar is considered one of the rarest Susan B. Anthony coin dollars, commanding significant interest and premium prices in the numismatic market.

1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar

• Metal: Copper-Nickel
• Year: 1981

Photo by PCGS

5. An extraordinary 1981 Susan B Anthony coin/ rare proof dollar

Designed by renowned engraver Frank Gasparro, the 1981-S Proof Type II Susan B. Anthony dollar is an important variety of the coin series. Produced in limited numbers at the San Francisco Mint, this coin’s Type II designation refers to the difference in the appearance of its “S” mintmark compared to Type I. In the Type II version, the “S” appears bulbous, while in Type I it is less clearly defined and takes the form of a rounded rectangle.

Much like part of the answer to the question “What makes a Susan B Anthony 1979 coin rare?” is unique design features, the same stands true for the 1981-S Type II proof. The distinctiveness of the Type II mintmark adds to the coin’s appeal and rarity among collectors.

1981-S Proof Type II Susan B. Anthony Dollar

• Metal: Copper-Nickel
• Year: 1981

Photo by NGC

6. A rare Susan B Anthony coin from 1999

A shining example of an answer to the question “Is the Susan B Anthony coin rare?” is this 1999 error piece. While the Susan B. Anthony dollar was discontinued after 1981 due to its lack of popularity, it had a brief comeback in 1999. That year, its production resumed as a transitional measure to help familiarize the public with the new Sacagawea dollar. However, even during this short period, errors occurred, adding a layer of rarity and intrigue to these coins.

The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar struck on a Sacagawea planchet is a highly sought-after error coin resulting from a mix-up at the Philadelphia Mint. The error occurred when a Sacagawea planchet was mistakenly used in the minting press intended for the Susan B. Anthony dollar. As a result, the coin bears the design of the Susan B. Anthony dollar but has the golden hue and weight characteristic of the Sacagawea dollar planchet. This anomaly creates a visually unique and collectible piece.

1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Struck on a Sacagawea Planchet

• Metal: Brass
• Year: 1999

Photo by Heritage Auctions

To browse through extraordinary pieces such as rare Susan B Anthony dollar coins and more, click here.

FAQ about rare Susan B Anthony coins

Here is a rundown of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Susan B. Anthony dollars.

What does “Susan B Anthony” mean?

“Susan B. Anthony” refers to an American suffragist and civil rights leader, renowned for her vital role in the women’s suffrage movement. In numismatics, her name is associated with the dollar coin minted from 1979 to 1981 and briefly in 1999, honoring her contributions to women’s rights.

Are Susan B Anthony coins rare?

Specific varieties of Susan B. Anthony dollars and error coins, like those struck on incorrect planchets or with unique design features, are considered rare and are sought after by collectors.

How rare are Susan B Anthony coins?

Certain rare varieties of Susan B Anthony coins can sell and have sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.

How rare is a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar coin?

Specific varieties of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar can be very valuable and are highly coveted by collectors.

What is the rarest Susan B Anthony coin?

One of the rarest Susan B. Anthony coins is the 1979-P dollar struck on a quarter planchet.

How do you tell if you have a rare Susan B Anthony coin?

To identify a rare Susan B. Anthony coin, look for key factors such as minting errors, low mintage years, or distinctive design variations.

Susan B. Anthony’s significant role in American history is reflected in the coins minted to honor her. These coins, particularly the rarer varieties and error pieces, hold substantial value and are treasured by collectors.

For acquiring Anthony coins and other numismatic treasures, choose Blanchard. With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, Blanchard offers unparalleled expertise and a comprehensive selection. For inquiries and expert guidance on Susan B Anthony rare coins and more, Blanchard’s knowledgeable team is always available to assist you in your collecting journey.

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