Why the Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Matters
The Susan B. Anthony dollar is an everyday coin with a collector following. Most are common and low value, but a small number of varieties and major errors can be very valuable.
This guide explains which Susan B. Anthony dollars to look for, how to inspect coins in your spare change, and what to do if you find a likely treasure.
How to Identify a Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Start with the basics: date, mint mark, and general condition. These give a first signal of value and whether further investigation is warranted.
Use a good magnifier (10x) and steady light. Compare what you see to reliable references and auction records before assuming high value.
Key Years and Mint Marks for Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars were struck in 1979 with additional issues in 1999 and a few proof sets. Key items that can increase value include:
- Proof strikes from the San Francisco mint (S) in mint-condition grades.
- 1999 issues that show unusual minting errors or very high uncirculated grades.
- Major minting errors across years (see list below).
Common High-Value Error Types
Several error categories tend to command strong prices among collectors. Watch for these when examining coins:
- Off-center strikes (the more off-center, usually the higher the value).
- Double die obverse or reverse (visible doubling on letters or design elements).
- Clipped planchets or broadstrikes (missing metal or unusually wide rims).
- Wrong planchet strikes (coins struck on a planchet intended for another denomination).
- Repunched mintmarks or heavily struck mintmark anomalies.
Practical Steps to Hunt for a Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Hunting for a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar can be systematic and low-cost. Treat coin rolls and everyday change as your search ground.
Follow these steps whenever you check rolls, jars, or pockets.
Step-by-step Search Routine
- Gather rolls of dollars from banks, friends, or your own spending.
- Open and examine each coin under bright light with a loupe or magnifier.
- Note the date and mint mark (P, D, or S) on each coin and set suspicious ones aside.
- Look specifically for misalignments, doubling, clipped planchets, and off-center strikes.
- Weigh or measure coins if you suspect wrong-planchet strikes or altered thickness.
Tools and Resources You Should Use
Good tools and references speed identification and reduce mistakes. Invest in a loupe, simple scale, and trusted guides or websites.
- 10x jeweler’s loupe
- Digital calipers and a small scale
- Reference books or numismatic sites with photos of known varieties
- Online auction sites to check recent sold prices
What to Do If You Think You Found a Valuable Example
If a coin looks unusual, don’t clean or alter it. Preservation preserves value, and cleaning often destroys collector value.
Document the coin with high-quality photos, note the find location, and compare to auction archives. If it still looks promising, consider submitting it to a recognized grading service.
Grading and Selling: Practical Tips
- Use a reputable third-party grading service (PCGS or NGC) for major finds.
- Check recent auction results for similar errors or grades to estimate value.
- Start with online marketplaces, coin dealers, or specialized auctions for error coins.
Real-World Example
A community coin club member found a Susan B. Anthony dollar with a dramatic off-center strike in a roll from a bank. After photographing and researching, they submitted it to a grading service.
Once authenticated and graded as a significant off-center error in mint state, the coin sold at auction for several thousand dollars. The case shows careful documentation and professional grading usually improves sale outcomes.
Risks, Fakes, and Common Mistakes
Be cautious: some coins are altered to mimic errors. Added scratches, filed rims, or doctored mintmarks are common problems.
Always verify with experts when a coin appears extraordinarily valuable. When in doubt, get a second opinion from a reputable dealer or grading service.
Quick Checklist Before You Buy or Sell
- Confirm date and mint mark clearly.
- Document unusual features in photos before handling further.
- Check auction archives for similar coins and prices.
- Use a grading service for coins expected to exceed a few hundred dollars.
With steady practice and a careful eye, finding a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar in circulation is rare but possible. Follow the steps above and treat each promising find with patience and proper verification.
