You’ve probably found one in an old jar or at the bottom of a dresser. It’s small, dull grey, and features a stern-looking woman on the front. Naturally, the first thing people do is head to the internet to search for the value of their susan b anthony silver coin.
Here is the kicker: it isn't actually silver.
Honestly, that is the single biggest misconception about this specific piece of American history. Unless you have an incredibly rare experimental planchet or a foreign mint error—which, let’s be real, you almost certainly don't—that coin in your hand is made of copper and nickel. It’s the same "clad" sandwich used for quarters and dimes.
The U.S. Mint hasn't struck a circulating silver dollar since the Peace Dollar era ended in 1935 (well, except for some 40% silver Eisenhower dollars in the 70s, but that’s a different rabbit hole). So, if it isn't silver, why do so many people think it is? Basically, it’s the color. The cupro-nickel coating has that bright, metallic sheen when it’s new, and since it’s a "dollar," our brains go straight to the Morgan or Peace silver dollars of the past.
The 1979 Confusion: Why Everyone Hated It
When the Susan B. Anthony dollar launched in 1979, the government thought they had a winner. They wanted to replace the massive, clunky Eisenhower dollar with something portable. Something modern.
It was a total disaster.
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People hated it because it was almost exactly the same size as a quarter. You’d reach into your pocket at a dark bar or a bus stop, try to pay with a quarter, and accidentally hand over a dollar. Or worse, you’d get one back in change and think you got stiffed. It was so unpopular that the Mint stopped making them for circulation after only three years (1979–1981). They sat in Treasury vaults for nearly two decades until vending machines and transit systems—which actually loved the coins—finally used up the supply.
This led to a weird "zombie" mintage in 1999. The Mint had to strike a final batch of Susan B. Anthonys just to bridge the gap before the gold-colored Sacagawea dollar was ready.
The Varieties That Are Actually Worth Money
If yours isn't made of silver, is it worthless? Not necessarily. While most are worth exactly one dollar, a few specific versions make collectors go wild.
Take the 1979-P "Wide Rim" (also called the Near Date). This is the "holy grail" for casual hunters. On the standard 1979-P, the date is pretty far from the edge. On the Wide Rim version, the 1979 is smashed right up against the border. If you find a crisp, uncirculated one of these, you aren't looking at a dollar anymore—you’re looking at $20 to $100 depending on how pretty it is.
Then there are the "S" mint marks from San Francisco.
In 1979 and 1981, the Mint used two different stamps for the "S."
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- Type 1: The "S" looks like a blob. It’s messy and indistinct.
- Type 2: The "S" is clear, sharp, and has nice little bulbs on the ends.
The Type 2 is the winner. Specifically, the 1981-S Type 2 Proof can easily fetch triple digits because it’s much harder to find.
Spotting a Real Error
Don't get tricked by "garage scientists" on eBay. You’ll often see "gold" Susan B. Anthony coins listed for thousands of dollars. Those aren't real. People take regular coins and plate them in a thin layer of gold in their basements to sell to unsuspecting buyers. They have no numismatic value.
The real errors are things like off-center strikes or coins struck on the wrong metal. There is a famous 1999 Susan B. Anthony that was struck on a "golden" Sacagawea planchet. That is a genuine rarity. Also, keep an eye out for "clipped" planchets where a piece of the coin is missing in a crescent shape.
If you think you have a rare susan b anthony silver coin variation, look at the rim. On a real Wide Rim, the border is thick and heavy. It looks intentional, not like a mistake.
How to Value Your Collection Right Now
If you’re sitting on a pile of these, don't run to a coin dealer just yet. They won't give you much for a handful of circulated 1979 dollars. Most coin shops will actually refuse to buy them because they can just get them from the bank at face value.
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The value is in the grade.
A "common" 1981-P that would normally be worth a dollar can suddenly be worth $500 or more if it is in "Mint State 67" condition. That means it looks like it was struck five minutes ago—no scratches, no fingerprints, and a luster that looks like wet silk.
So, what should you actually do?
First, get a magnifying glass. Check the 1979-P coins for that wide rim. Check the 1981 coins for the "S" mint mark clarity. If the coin looks dull or has been rattling around in a purse for years, it’s a spender. Take it to the self-checkout at the grocery store and have some fun. But if it’s tucked away in a plastic holder or a velvet box? That is when you start looking for a professional grader.
Next Steps for Your Coins
- Check the Mint Mark: Look for the "P," "D," or "S" above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder.
- Measure the Rim: On 1979-P coins, compare the distance between the date and the edge. If it's less than a millimeter, you have a "Wide Rim."
- Inspect the 1981s: These were never meant for general circulation—they only came in souvenir sets. If you find one in the wild, it's already a cool find.
- Verify the Luster: If the coin is shiny but has a "soapy" or "fake" look, it might be plated. Real mint luster has a "cartwheel" effect when you tilt it under a light.