Every so often, a coin that most people overlook in their pocket change turns out to be worth far more than its face value. The Susan B. Anthony dollar, first introduced in 1979, is a classic example of this. Although many were seen as common and unremarkable, a few rare varieties are highly prized by collectors—and one in particular can be worth as much as $25,000 or more.
Why the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Matters
The Susan B. Anthony dollar holds a special place in U.S. coin history. It was the first regular circulating U.S. coin to feature a real woman, honoring the famed suffragist and civil rights activist Susan B. Anthony. Despite the historical significance, the coin faced resistance from the public due to its size and similarity to the quarter, leading to very low circulation in some years.
The Rare 1979-S Dollar with “P” Mintmark
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted in Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). However, one rare variety—minted in San Francisco in 1979—was struck with a “P” mintmark, marking it as coming from Philadelphia. This unusual mintmark appears only on the 1979-S Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar.
Because these coins were struck specifically for collectors and not intended for general circulation, very few were produced. Even rarer are well-preserved, high-grade examples (especially those graded MS67 or higher), and these are the ones that have fetched prices in the tens of thousands of dollars.
A top-graded example of this rare mintmark variety has been known to sell for around $25,000 at auction. For most collectors, this represents one of the rarest and most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollar types.
How to Spot Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars
If you’ve got a jar of spare change at home, here’s how to check whether you might have a hidden treasure:
1. Check the Date and Mintmark
Look for coins dated 1979. Then, identify the mintmark:
- No mintmark = Philadelphia
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
A 1979-S dollar with a “P” mintmark is the rare variety.
2. Condition Is Everything
Coins are graded based on condition:
- Circulated coins show wear and are worth only face value up to a few dollars.
- Uncirculated / Mint State (MS) coins have crisp detail.
- Proof coins are specially struck with a mirror-like finish.
Top grades like MS67, MS68, or PR68 can dramatically increase the coin’s value.
3. Look for Errors
Some Susan B. Anthony dollars have errors—double dies, repunched mintmarks, or off-center strikes—that can command premium prices, though none approach the extreme rarity of the 1979-S with “P” mintmark.
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Not All Rare Dollars Are Worth Thousands—But Some Still Are Valuable
While the famous $25,000 coin makes headlines, most Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth modest amounts:
- Common dates in average condition: $1–$3
- Uncirculated examples: $5–$20
- Key dates like 1981–P low mintage coins: $30–$150
- Proof and high-grade issues vary widely
Tips for Searching Your Spare Change
If you want to try finding valuable coins in your daily pocket change or in old collections:
- Use a magnifying glass to clearly see mintmarks
- Refer to a coin value guide for grading help
- Visit a coin dealer or trusted numismatist for professional opinions
You never know—your next grocery purchase might yield a small piece of history worth a fortune!
