880,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar — What Makes It Rare
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was issued between 1979 and 1999 and is a familiar coin in circulation. Most are common and carry only face value, but collectors hunt for a few unusual varieties and error strikes that can command strong prices.
References to an “880,000” headline highlight how dramatic values can be for the rarest authenticated pieces. This guide explains how to spot indicators that a Susan B. Anthony dollar might be valuable and worth professional review.
Quick ID: Basic Susan B. Anthony Dollar Specs
Before hunting for rare varieties, know what a normal Susan B. Anthony dollar looks like and its specifications. Accurate physical checks help you eliminate ordinary coins quickly.
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: 8.1 grams
- Composition: Copper core with copper-nickel cladding
- Edge: Reeded
- Design: Obverse — Susan B. Anthony; Reverse — an eagle landing on the moon motif
How to Spot the 880,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Varieties
Rare Susan B. Anthony dollars fall into a few categories: proof vs business strikes, mint mark rarities, die varieties, and mint errors. Check each category systematically when you find an unusual coin.
1. Proof Versus Business Strike
Proof coins are struck with specially prepared dies and planchets and often show sharp detail and mirror-like fields. Business strikes were produced for circulation and have more typical finish and wear.
Proof coins are identified by their finish and, often, by an “S” mint mark for coins struck at San Francisco. If a proof coin is in an unusual grade or has a distinctive die error, it can be valuable.
2. Mint Mark and Year
Check the small mint mark on the reverse near the base of the eagle or on the obverse depending on year and type. The mint marks are P, D, and S.
- 1979 coins: common, but some proof or error strikes are desirable.
- 1981, 1999 coins: many are scarce in mint state, though most are still common in circulated grades.
3. Die Varieties and Doubling
Look for lettering or devices that appear doubled, shifted, or unusually weak. Doubling on the obverse or reverse can indicate a doubled die variety, which collectors prize.
Key areas to inspect: the date, the word LIBERTY, and the eagle features on the reverse. Use a good loupe (10x or higher) to inspect closely.
4. Strike and Planchet Errors
Errors such as off-center strikes, broadstrikes, clipped planchets, and wrong planchets can create significant value. These are rare and should be photographed and submitted for authentication.
Steps to Examine a Potentially Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Follow a consistent inspection routine to avoid missing important clues. Keep notes and photos for any coin you suspect is rare.
- Clean your hands and work over a soft surface to avoid damage.
- Use a loupe and bright light to examine the coin’s surfaces and edges.
- Record the date, mint mark, and any visible doubling or errors.
- Weigh and measure the coin to confirm specs match a genuine SBA dollar.
- Photograph the coin from both sides and the rim for documentation.
Authentication and Grading
If a coin shows unusual features, the next step is professional authentication. Reputable grading services will verify whether a variety or error is genuine and assign a grade that impacts value.
Use major grading services such as PCGS or NGC. Submitting high-resolution photos to online collector forums can also help you decide whether to pursue third-party grading.
Real-World Example: A Small Find Becomes a Big Lesson
A retail worker discovered a Susan B. Anthony dollar in a roll while counting change. The coin had an odd rim and slight doubling on the date, so the finder photographed it and posted images in a collector forum.
Enthusiasts suggested it might be a die error. After professional authentication and grading, the coin proved to be a recognized error variety and sold to a specialist dealer for a five-figure sum. The result shows why careful documentation and experts matter.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar, first issued in 1979, was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman on circulating currency. It was also the first small-size dollar coin produced by the U.S. Mint since 1935.
Pricing Reality: What Drives High Values
Market value depends on rarity, condition, provenance, and collector demand. Error coins, verified proofs, and certain die varieties are what push some Susan B. Anthony dollars well above face value.
High headline numbers are driven by authenticated, high-grade, or unique-error examples sold in specialist auctions or private sales. Everyday circulated pieces rarely move beyond token premiums.
Tips for Collectors Hunting for Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars
- Always inspect circulated coins for unusual rims, lettering, or doubled images.
- Roll-search coins from banks — well-sealed bank rolls sometimes hold unsearched dates.
- Join online forums and local coin clubs to learn about newly discovered varieties.
- Keep a consistent documentation process: photos, measurements, and notes.
- When in doubt, ask experienced collectors or seek professional authentication.
Conclusion: Be Methodical and Patient
Spotting a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar that could reach headline values takes method, tools, and sometimes luck. Focus on mint marks, die varieties, and clear evidence of errors.
When you find a promising coin, document it carefully and consider third-party grading to realize potential value. Even if a coin is not worth six figures, careful examination can uncover modest but rewarding finds.
