Click Here
Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth $880,000: Identification & True Value Guide

Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth $880,000: Identification & True Value Guide

by

Introduction

The Susan B. Anthony dollar, minted from 1979 to 1981 and briefly in 1999, honors the women’s suffrage leader with a distinctive small-size design intended to replace the larger Eisenhower dollar. Most circulated examples trade at face value or modest premiums due to high mintages, but viral stories in 2026 claim a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $880,000 lurks in change or collections—often tied to exaggerated tales of extreme errors, unique prototypes, or high-grade anomalies on 1981 issues. While no authenticated Susan B. Anthony dollar has ever publicly sold for $880,000 (or anywhere near that figure—the highest verified auction prices top out around $21,600 for exceptional pieces like pristine 1981-S MS examples or major errors), the hype fuels massive searches for varieties and mistakes. Real value comes from key varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim, 1981-S Type 2 Proof, dramatic mint errors (wrong planchet strikes), and gem uncirculated condition. Here’s how to identify potential high-value specimens and understand their true worth in 2026.

How to Identify a Potentially Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar

  1. 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) Variety The date sits noticeably closer to the rim, creating a thicker border look compared to the common Narrow Rim variety. This scarcer obverse die is one of the most collected in the series. Identification: Use a loupe—check if the date nearly touches the rim (Wide Rim) versus having more space (Narrow Rim). Value: Circulated $5–$30; uncirculated MS-65+ $100–$1,000+; top-graded MS-67 examples can reach $2,000–$7,000+ in auctions.
  2. 1981-S Type 2 Proof (Clear S Mint Mark) Late 1981 proofs feature a sharper, clearer “S” mint mark (from a new punch) versus the earlier blob-like Type 1. These are only in official proof sets, not circulation. Identification: Examine the “S”—Type 2 is well-defined and rounded; Type 1 appears filled or mushy. Value: Standard Type 1 proofs $5–$15; Type 2 PR-65+ $50–$200; pristine PR-70 Deep Cameo examples $500–$2,000+ (some high-end sales exceed this).
  3. Major Mint Errors (Wrong Planchet, Off-Center, Double Strikes) Dramatic mistakes like striking on a quarter planchet (creating a larger, wrong-metal coin), 30–50% off-center strikes, or multi-struck pieces. Identification: Check weight (should be ~8.1g), magnetism (non-magnetic copper-nickel), size, or missing design portions. Wrong planchet errors often look oversized or mismatched. Value: Moderate errors $500–$2,000; extreme wrong planchet or double-struck pieces $3,000–$15,000+ when certified; these are the coins that occasionally hit five figures.
  4. 1999-P or 1999-D High-Grade Circulation Strikes The final year had lower mintages as a bridge to Sacagawea dollars; pristine examples stand out. Identification: Look for 1999 dates in excellent condition (minimal marks, strong luster). Value: Circulated near face; MS-67+ $500–$16,000+ for top pops.
  5. Other Varieties & Errors (Doubled Dies, Repunched Mint Marks) Minor doubling on date/motto or repunched mint marks add interest. Value: Circulated $10–$100; uncirculated authenticated varieties $200–$1,000+.

Debunking the $880,000 Claim

The $880,000 Susan B. Anthony dollar figure stems from clickbait videos, social media posts, and unverified articles in 2025–2026—often linked to 1981 issues with “special marks” or hypothetical extreme errors. No PCGS, NGC, or Heritage auction record supports this amount; the series’ highest documented sales hover around $15,000–$21,600 for gem MS or major error coins. These exaggerated claims likely inflate real values (e.g., high-grade 1981-S MS at $21,600 or error strikes in five figures) or confuse SBA dollars with other rarities. True high-value pieces require certification—fakes and altered coins are common in viral stories.

Conclusion

Susan B. Anthony dollars may seem ordinary, but rare varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim, 1981-S Type 2 Proof, or major mint errors can deliver hundreds to low five-figure returns in top condition—far from the $880,000 hype but still exciting for collectors. Most coins stay at face value, but the right find in gem shape or with a dramatic mistake changes everything. Inspect your change, old proof sets, or family collections for mint marks (especially S on 1981), rim spacing on 1979-P, proof quality, or unusual weight/strikes. Never clean suspicious coins—get them authenticated by PCGS or NGC to confirm value. In 2026, these overlooked dollars offer accessible modern collecting with real upside. Start checking today—your next SBA could be worth far more than $1!

Leave a Comment