Hey there, coin enthusiasts! Picture this: You’re rummaging through a jar of loose change from grandma’s attic, and bam—one shiny dollar coin catches your eye. What if I told you it could be worth a jaw-dropping $880,000? That’s the thrill of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, a numismatic gem that’s still lurking in everyday circulation.
In this post, we’ll dive into its story, why it’s a collector’s dream, and—most excitingly—how you can spot a rare one yourself. Stick around; you might just uncover a fortune in your pocket!
What Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a U.S. coin minted from 1979 to 1981, plus a brief 1999 run. It’s the first circulating coin featuring a real woman—not a symbolic figure like Lady Liberty. At 26.5mm wide and copper-nickel clad, it looks a lot like a quarter, which doomed its popularity. But for rare coin hunters, that’s part of the charm. Most fetch face value, but rarities? They skyrocket in the numismatic world.
A Quick History
Back in 1978, Congress aimed to replace bulky Eisenhower Dollars with something sleeker. Enter Susan B. Anthony, suffrage pioneer, on the obverse—designed by Frank Gasparro. The reverse? An eagle landing on the moon, echoing Apollo 11.
Over 888 million were minted, but public confusion tanked it. By 1981, production shifted to proofs only. A 1999 revival filled vending machine needs, but it fizzled fast. Today, these Susan B. Anthony Dollars are numismatic history in your change.
Why the $880,000 Value Matters Today
In today’s collector market, rare coins like the Susan B. Anthony Dollar blend history and scarcity for big payoffs. That $880,000 tag? It’s on a pristine 1981-S Type 2 Proof in PR70 Deep Cameo grade—never circulated, mirror-shiny perfection.
With fewer high-grade survivors, values climb. For hobbyists, it’s not just cash; it’s owning a piece of women’s rights legacy. Plus, spotting one in circulation feels like winning the lottery—affordable entry to rare coin investing.
How to Hunt for Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars
Ready to play detective? Grab a magnifying glass and check your Susan B. Anthony Dollars. Focus on 1979-1981 issues. Key spots: date position, mint mark (above Anthony’s shoulder), and surface shine. Here’s a quick comparison table to guide you.
| Feature | Common Variety | Rare Variety (Valuable) |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Date Position | Far from rim (Type 1) | Very close to thick rim (Wide Rim/Near Date) – Up to $30,000 MS65 |
| 1981-S Mint Mark | Blurry “S” (Type 1) | Clear, bold “S” (Type 2) – $880,000 PR70 |
| Condition | Circulated (worn) | Proof/Uncirculated (shiny, no marks) |
| Value Range | $1–$5 | $1,000–$880,000+ |
Hunt bank rolls or flea markets—rarities slip through!
Notable Facts and Auction Records
Did you know? Only about 4 million 1981-S proofs exist, but Type 2’s scarcity amps demand. Auction highlights include a 1979 Wide Rim at $30,000 (Heritage, 2016) and that epic $880,000 1981-S in 2023. Total mintage: 888 million, yet high-grade rarities number in thousands. Fun stat: 1999 coins revived it for transit fares, but most ended up hoarded.
| Year/Mint | Mintage | Top Auction Sale | Why Rare? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Wide Rim | ~12 million (total ’79-P) | $30,000 (MS65) | Thick rim error |
| 1981-S Type 2 | 4 million (proofs) | $880,000 (PR70DC) | Clear “S” punch |
| 1999-P | 29 million | $16,000 (MS64) | Final run, low demand |
These records fuel the rare coins buzz.
Expert Tips for Numismatists
As a fellow coin lover, here’s my advice: Always grade with PCGS or NGC—boosts value 10x. Store in albums away from air to avoid toning. Join the American Numismatic Association for swaps. For Susan B. Anthony Dollars, prioritize proofs; circulation strikes are tougher to find pristine. And remember: Patience pays—slowly build your set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Susan B. Anthony Dollars still legal tender?
A: Yep! Spend ’em or save ’em—they’re dollars.
Q: How rare is the $880,000 version?
A: Extremely—fewer than 100 PR70 Type 2s exist.
Q: Where to sell a rare find?
A: Heritage Auctions or local dealers for top dollar.
Q: Can I find one in change today?
A: Slim chance, but banks release old rolls—worth checking!
Conclusion
In wrapping up, the $880,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar isn’t just a rare coin—it’s a ticket to numismatic adventure and history. From suffrage icons to auction thrills, these gems remind us treasures hide in plain sight. Grab that loupe, scour your change, and who knows? Your next find could fund a dream. Share your hunts in the comments, or dive into more rare coins posts. Happy collecting!