The Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979–1981, 1999) is one of the most misunderstood U.S. coins. Almost everyone has one, or knows someone who has saved a few, and the first question is always: “Are they worth anything?”
👉 The short answer: Most are only worth $1, but a few key features and errors can make them worth hundreds or even thousands! Let’s break it down.
🔎 1. Check the Date Spacing: 1979-P “Wide Rim” (a.k.a. Near Date)
One of the most valuable 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 coin’s rim, you may have the rare Wide Rim.
- Value:
- Average circulated: $15 – $20
- Mint State condition: $500 – $1,000+
⚠️ If the date looks spaced out (the “1” far from the rim), that’s the common variety and only worth face value.
🟤 2. Missing Clad Layer (Odd Color)
Sometimes, a Susan B. Anthony Dollar is struck missing one of its clad layers. This gives the coin a brownish or copper-like appearance and makes it weigh slightly less than normal.
- Value: $300 – $400+, depending on condition.
Tip: Weigh the coin on a digital scale. A normal SBA dollar weighs 8.1 grams. Anything significantly lighter could be missing a clad layer.
⭕ 3. Broadstrike Error (Extra Wide Coin)
Another rare error is the broadstrike, where the coin is struck outside the retaining collar. This makes the coin slightly wider than normal, with distorted rims.
- Value: $100 – $150+
Broadstrikes are visually obvious—if your Susan B. Anthony looks stretched or “too big,” you may have one.
💡 Quick Collector Tips
- Most SBA dollars are common: Don’t be disappointed if yours isn’t rare. Billions were made.
- Condition matters: Higher grades = higher values.
- Errors & varieties drive value: Wide Rim, missing clad layer, and broadstrike are the big ones to watch for.
- Don’t clean your coins! Cleaning destroys value.
📈 Final Thoughts
While most Susan B. Anthony Dollars are only worth a dollar, the rare varieties and dramatic errors can bring $100 – $1,000+. The next time you come across one, check the rim spacing, color, and width carefully—you just might uncover a hidden treasure.
✨ Keep every coin you find, and remember: the smallest details can make the biggest difference in value!The Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979–1981, 1999) is one of the most misunderstood U.S. coins. Almost everyone has one, or knows someone who has saved a few, and the first question is always: “Are they worth anything?”
👉 The short answer: Most are only worth $1, but a few key features and errors can make them worth hundreds or even thousands! Let’s break it down.
🔎 1. Check the Date Spacing: 1979-P “Wide Rim” (a.k.a. Near Date)
One of the most valuable 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 coin’s rim, you may have the rare Wide Rim.
- Value:
- Average circulated: $15 – $20
- Mint State condition: $500 – $1,000+
⚠️ If the date looks spaced out (the “1” far from the rim), that’s the common variety and only worth face value.
🟤 2. Missing Clad Layer (Odd Color)
Sometimes, a Susan B. Anthony Dollar is struck missing one of its clad layers. This gives the coin a brownish or copper-like appearance and makes it weigh slightly less than normal.
- Value: $300 – $400+, depending on condition.
Tip: Weigh the coin on a digital scale. A normal SBA dollar weighs 8.1 grams. Anything significantly lighter could be missing a clad layer.
⭕ 3. Broadstrike Error (Extra Wide Coin)
Another rare error is the broadstrike, where the coin is struck outside the retaining collar. This makes the coin slightly wider than normal, with distorted rims.
- Value: $100 – $150+
Broadstrikes are visually obvious—if your Susan B. Anthony looks stretched or “too big,” you may have one.
💡 Quick Collector Tips
- Most SBA dollars are common: Don’t be disappointed if yours isn’t rare. Billions were made.
- Condition matters: Higher grades = higher values.
- Errors & varieties drive value: Wide Rim, missing clad layer, and broadstrike are the big ones to watch for.
- Don’t clean your coins! Cleaning destroys value.
📈 Final Thoughts
While most Susan B. Anthony Dollars are only worth a dollar, the rare varieties and dramatic errors can bring $100 – $1,000+. The next time you come across one, check the rim spacing, color, and width carefully—you just might uncover a hidden treasure.
✨ Keep every coin you find, and remember: the smallest details can make the biggest difference in value!
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