The 12 Rarest Susan B. Anthony Coins Worth Up to $100,000

Most Valuable Susan B. Anthony Coin

Susan B. Anthony, a key advocate for women’s voting rights, is honored through the U.S. dollar coin series bearing her likeness. These coins carry both historical and collectible significance, and some rare variants have fetched impressive prices at auction. Below, we explore a selection of the most valuable Susan B. Anthony coins sold in recent years, shedding light on their unique features and why they are prized among collectors.

Let’s delve into a closer examination of these standout coins.

Gem Uncirculated 2000 Sacagawea Dollar on Susan B. Anthony Blank, NGC MS68

This remarkable 2000 minting anomaly blends two American icons—Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea—on a single piece due to a striking error. Though designed using the Sacagawea dies, the coin was mistakenly pressed onto a Susan B. Anthony dollar planchet.

Composed of a copper core surrounded by a copper-nickel layer, only around nine to twelve examples of this error coin are known to exist. One of these unusual coins realized $16,450 in a Stack’s Bowers auction held in 2012, making it one of the most notable Susan B. Anthony-related numismatic items ever sold.

1999-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar Struck on a Sacagawea Dollar Planchet, NGC MS65

A curious production error led to this 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollar being struck on a Sacagawea planchet. The reverse of the first entry, this coin’s creation involved the Denver Mint mistakenly using the golden alloy planchet intended for Sacagawea dollars.

Graded MS65 by NGC, this rare error was auctioned for $7,763 in 2011. As Sacagawea dollars were introduced the same year, these transitional errors have become especially attractive to error coin enthusiasts.

1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Overstruck on a 1978 Jefferson Nickel, NGC MS67

This 1979 dollar features a striking mistake—it was pressed over an already minted 1978 Jefferson nickel. This error caused a ghostly overlay of both designs, including part of Monticello appearing near Anthony’s profile.

Such an overstrike is incredibly rare and visually striking, attracting significant attention from collectors. This one-of-a-kind coin was certified MS67 by NGC and fetched a price of $15,275 at auction in 2014.

1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Struck on an Experimental Planchet, PCGS MS66

In 1999, as the U.S. Mint experimented with new alloys for dollar coins, a small number of Susan B. Anthony dollars were struck using these trial compositions.

These planchets were intended to have a golden appearance similar to what was later used for the Sacagawea dollar. One such experimental piece, graded MS66 by PCGS, crossed the auction block in 2013 for $10,575. With only two examples believed to exist, this coin is both a rare error and a historical prototype.

1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar, Type Two, PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo

Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this proof coin from 1981 is distinguished by its “Type Two” designation, referring to a sharply defined, angled “S” mint mark. As a proof strike, it was intended for collectors and not general circulation.

It achieved the perfect PR70 Deep Cameo grade from PCGS, signifying flawless surfaces and mirror-like reflectivity. In 2007, this superb specimen commanded a price of $5,463 at auction, making it one of the most valuable proof examples of its type.

1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar, MS67

Another rare high-grade specimen from the final year of the series, this 1981-S dollar wasn’t struck as a proof but rather as a mint state coin intended for circulation.

While most examples show wear or strike imperfections, this particular piece was preserved in exceptional condition. Its MS67 grade reflects its rarity in such a high state of preservation. Sold in 2022, this example garnered a price of $5,040, underlining how condition can significantly influence value.

1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar, Type 1, PCGS MS68

The 1979-S Type 1 is known for its indistinct, “blobby” mint mark—characteristic of this early production run from the San Francisco Mint. What sets this coin apart is its exceptionally high PCGS-assigned grade of MS68, placing it among the finest known examples of this variant.

This outstanding condition helped the coin fetch $5,175 at a 2007 auction. It’s a strong example of how even commonly produced coins can become valuable when preserved in top condition.

1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar, Type 2, PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo

Differing from its Type 1 counterpart, the 1979-S Type 2 features a clearer and more precise “S” mint mark, which makes it more desirable among collectors.

This example was struck as a proof coin and earned a PR70 Deep Cameo grade, indicating perfect quality with striking contrast between mirrored fields and frosted devices. Though more than 50 examples of this grade are known, one still sold for $1,995 in 2007, a testament to its collectible appeal.

1980-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar, PCGS MS68

This Philadelphia-issued 1980 coin gained prominence due to its extremely high grade of MS68, awarded by PCGS. Most coins from this mintage do not reach such a pristine level, and only a couple of examples have been graded this highly.

Its near-flawless appearance led to its sale at $4,600 during a 2008 auction. Collectors prize such rare mint state examples, especially from years not typically associated with high demand.

1981-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar, PCGS MS67

While not especially scarce in lower grades, this 1981-P Susan B. Anthony dollar stands out due to its MS67 designation by PCGS.

The Philadelphia Mint’s 1981 production wasn’t released into general circulation, contributing to fewer coins being available for collectors. This well-preserved example brought in $3,220 at a 2007 auction, proving that even relatively common dates can achieve strong prices when in elite condition.

1981-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar, NGC MS68

The 1981-D dollar coin is typically found in lower mint state grades, but this particular example, graded MS68 by NGC, stands alone in terms of quality.

With no other known specimens at this grade level, its uniqueness made it highly sought after. It was auctioned in 2017 for $2,938. This coin illustrates how a single point in grading can dramatically affect desirability and market value among serious numismatists.

1979-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar, NGC MS68

This coin, struck at the Denver Mint in 1979, usually appears in lower mint state grades. However, this example managed to earn an impressive MS68 from NGC, making it one of the top-rated coins from that year.

It fetched $1,528 at auction in 2017. Although this coin is more common overall, its superior condition sets it apart and increases its value to collectors seeking only the best examples.

Commemorating An Icon

The Susan B. Anthony dollar series marked a historic milestone as the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than an allegorical figure.

Beyond their numismatic appeal, these coins serve as a tribute to Anthony’s lasting impact on American society. The error coins, high-grade proofs, and mint state rarities highlighted above continue to captivate collectors who value both their historical significance and their unique attributes within the world of coin collecting.

FAQ

What is the most valuable Susan B. Anthony coin?

The most valuable Susan B. Anthony coin is the Gem Uncirculated 2000 Sacagawea Dollar on a Susan B. Anthony blank, which sold for $16,450 at auction.

Why are Susan B. Anthony coins so valuable?

Susan B. Anthony coins are valuable due to their historical significance, being the first US coins to feature a real woman, and the rarity of error coins and special editions.

What makes a Susan B. Anthony coin an error coin?

Error coins occur when they are struck using the wrong planchet or die. For example, some Susan B. Anthony coins were mistakenly struck on Sacagawea dollar planchets or vice versa, making them highly collectible.

How can I tell if my Susan B. Anthony coin is valuable?

The value of a Susan B. Anthony coin depends on its rarity, condition, and whether it’s an error or proof coin. High-grade examples (e.g., MS68 or PR70) and error coins tend to fetch higher prices at auction.

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