The Susan B. Anthony dollar is a small but important piece of U.S. coinage. A reported high-value sale tied to a rare variety has collectors rechecking drawers and rolls. This guide explains practical steps to spot that rare Susan B. Anthony dollar and decide when to get professional help.
Why the 880,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar matters
Interest surged after reports of an exceptional Susan B. Anthony dollar linked to an $880,000 auction result for a unique variety. Whether you already collect or you just found an old coin roll, learning the key identifiers will help you separate common examples from potentially valuable ones.
This article focuses on the features, errors, grading, and verification steps to spot a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar safely and practically.
How to spot this rare Susan B. Anthony dollar
Start with basic checks you can do at home using simple tools. These steps will flag coins worth sending to a grading service or a trusted dealer.
- Examine the date and mint mark closely with a 10x loupe.
- Check for unusual doubling, repunched mint marks, or die breaks.
- Weigh and measure the coin to confirm composition and diameter.
- Look at wear patterns and strike quality to assess condition.
Tools you need to examine a Susan B. Anthony dollar
A small set of tools makes a big difference when spotting rare coins. Keep these on hand:
- 10x jeweler’s loupe or handheld microscope.
- Digital scale (0.01 g accuracy) and calipers.
- Reference books or trusted online resources like PCGS or NGC guides.
- Good lighting and a soft pad to work on.
Dates, mint marks, and varieties to watch
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was produced primarily in 1979 and then in limited issues in 1979–1981 and 1999. A few specific varieties and mint mark anomalies are of greater interest to collectors.
Key dates and mint marks to inspect:
- 1979 (first year of issue) — look for proof vs business die differences.
- Mint marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) — some repunched mint marks are desirable.
- 1999 issues — limited strike counts make certain specimens more collectible.
Varieties and unique die characteristics
Collectors often find value in die varieties such as doubled dies, repunched mint marks (RPMs), or prominent die breaks. These irregularities occur during the minting process and are usually visible at magnification.
- Doubled die: doubling of letters or numerals on the obverse or reverse.
- Repunched mint mark: overlapping mint mark impressions.
- Die break or cud: raised lines or blobs where part of the die cracked.
Errors and die varieties to watch
Error coins can be rare, but not every error is valuable. Condition, rarity, and collector demand determine price. Typical error types include off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and striking through debris.
When you find an error, document it with high-resolution photos and measurements before seeking an opinion from an experienced dealer or third-party grading service.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first widely circulated U.S. coin to feature a real woman. It was produced mainly in 1979, with additional mintings in 1979–1981 and a comeback in 1999.
Grading and condition for Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Condition matters more than age for these modern coins. Grading describes surface preservation, strike strength, and luster. Even minor contact marks lower a grade and affect market value.
If you believe you have an exceptional specimen or a rare variety, professional grading by PCGS or NGC can establish authenticity and help buyers and sellers trust the coin’s grade.
When to submit for grading
Submit a coin for grading if it shows a rare error, a strong die variety, or if you’re considering selling a high-grade example. Grading fees and turnaround times vary by service and declared value.
Where to look and what to do if you find one
Rare Susan B. Anthony dollars turn up in pocket change, old mint rolls, estate collections, and circulation finds. Check coin jars, old wallets, and donated coin boxes before assuming a coin is common.
If you suspect a rare variety:
- Take clear, well-lit photos of both sides at magnification.
- Record weight and diameter measurements.
- Compare to trusted reference images online or in a Red Book.
- Seek a second opinion from a reputable dealer or forum before selling.
Small real-world example
A midwestern collector found a Susan B. Anthony dollar inside an old coin roll bought at a garage sale. The coin looked sharp with unusual doubling on the date under 10x magnification. After photographing and weighing the coin, the collector contacted a local dealer and sent the coin to a third-party grading service.
The coin was authenticated as a notable die variety and sold at auction to a specialist collector. The seller received several thousand dollars, far more than face value, demonstrating how careful checking and proper authentication can pay off.
Practical tips for safe selling and buying
When dealing with potentially valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars, avoid rushed online listings or private sales without documentation. Authentication and a professional grade dramatically increase buyer confidence.
- Get multiple opinions for unusual errors or varieties.
- Use secure, insured shipping for valuable coins.
- Keep receipts and grading paperwork to maintain provenance.
Conclusion
Spotting a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar takes patience, basic tools, and reference checks. Focus on mint marks, die varieties, error types, and condition. When in doubt, photograph the coin, measure it, and consult a reputable grader or dealer.
With careful inspection and the right information, you can tell when a small, common coin might be worth a lot more than face value.