The story that a Susan B. Anthony dollar reached an $880,000 price underscores how rare varieties and errors can dramatically increase value. Most SBA dollars are common and low value, but a few examples are highly sought after by collectors and dealers.
Why a Susan B. Anthony Dollar Could Be Worth $880K
High prices come from extreme rarity, documented provenance, and verified error or variety status. Auction houses and grading services sometimes certify a single coin as unique in the market, driving competitive bidding.
Understanding what separates a typical Susan B. Anthony dollar from a high-value example helps you evaluate coins you might own or encounter.
How to Spot a Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth $880K
Start with a careful, step-by-step inspection. Many high-value SBA dollars are valuable because of specific minting mistakes, unusual die characteristics, or an exceptionally high grade.
Key features to check on a Susan B. Anthony Dollar
- Obverse design: Susan B. Anthony’s portrait with the date beneath the shoulder.
- Reverse design: An eagle perched on a stack of leaves (or globe in earlier coin types), surrounded by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR.
- Edge: Reeded edge—expect consistent reeding on circulation strikes.
- Size and feel: Compare weight and diameter to a known genuine SBA dollar; any significant deviation suggests an error or alteration.
Mint marks and dates
Check the mint mark location carefully. SBA mint marks appear near the lower left of the reverse or on the obverse for some proofs. Common mint marks are D and S, while Philadelphia issues may have none on earlier examples.
Rare varieties often involve specific dates and mint marks together. Documenting both is essential when researching value.
Common errors and varieties that increase value
Not every error is valuable, but some mistakes do command premiums. Look for:
- Off-center strikes or broadstrikes that are significantly off the norm.
- Double dies or major doubling visible on the date, stars, or lettering.
- Repunched or misplaced mint marks.
- Severe die breaks, cuds, or clashing that create unique surface features.
- Planchet defects or incorrect composition that are verified by testing.
Grading and authentication of a high-value Susan B. Anthony Dollar
A coin worth thousands or hundreds of thousands will nearly always be slabbed by a major grading service like PCGS or NGC. Authentication and a numeric grade give buyers confidence and make auction resale possible.
If you suspect a rare variety, submit the coin to a reputable grading service. Keep good photos and provenance details to speed the process.
Practical steps to verify a potential $880K SBA dollar
- Do a visual check with a loupe (10x) to look for minting anomalies and die markers.
- Compare against high-quality reference images for the specific date and mint mark.
- Weigh and measure the coin to spot composition or planchet issues.
- Research auction records and published variety guides for matching characteristics.
- Submit to a major grading/authentication service if the coin shows rare attributes.
In 1979 the Susan B. Anthony dollar became the first US circulating coin to depict a real woman. Most circulation strikes from that time are common today.
What to watch for with online listings and dealers
Photos can obscure details that make or break a coin’s value. Ask sellers for close-ups of the date, mint mark, and any areas with unusual markings.
Beware of vague listings that claim a coin is “rare” without certification. High-value coins are documented and have a clear chain of custody.
Real-world example: small case study
A collector noticed an SBA dollar at a local estate sale that had heavy doubling on the date and a prominent die crack across the reverse. Initial research showed similar features in variety guides but not an exact match.
After submitting the coin to a major grading service, the coin received a verified variety attribution and a high grade. While most SBA dollars of that date sold for a single-digit premium, the authenticated, uniquely marked specimen attracted serious collector interest and sold above market expectations at auction.
When to get professional help
If a coin shows multiple major anomalies or if a private seller claims it is worth an exceptional sum, consult a reputable numismatist or submit the coin to a grading service. Professionals can confirm whether you’re looking at a genuine, high-value variety or a common error or alteration.
Proper documentation, secure handling, and professional grading are the difference between a curiosity and a coin that may fetch top-dollar at auction.
Summary: Spotting the rare SBA dollar
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are inexpensive, but a small number of verified errors and unique varieties can command extraordinary prices. Look for clear die markers, mint mark anomalies, major strike errors, and professional grading before assuming major value.
If you believe you have an exceptional SBA dollar, document everything, compare to reference sources, and pursue authentication through a major grading service.