Many people still find Susan B. Anthony dollars in jars, wallets, and coin rolls. Most are common and worth face value, but a very small number are rare error or high-grade examples that can sell for five figures. This guide explains what to look for and how to get a coin authenticated if you think you have a valuable piece.
This Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Could Be Worth $50,000
Collectors and auction records have shown that certain Susan B. Anthony dollars—particularly extreme error coins or specimens with exceptional grading—can command prices up to $50,000 or more. These sales are outliers and depend on rarity, error type, and condition.
Don’t expect to find a $50,000 coin in every pocket, but knowing where to look increases your chances of spotting a rare example in everyday change.
Which Susan B. Anthony dollars are most likely valuable
Value generally comes from three factors: rarity, error type, and grade. Common valuable situations include:
- Major mint errors (off-center strikes, wrong planchet, clipped planchet)
- Prominent die errors (doubled die, repunched mint mark)
- Exceptionally high grade coins (near-perfect uncirculated or deep cameo proofs)
High auction results usually involve coins authenticated and graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC. Without grading, a coin’s market value is limited.
How to Inspect a Susan B. Anthony Dollar in Your Change
Start with basic visual checks. You don’t need advanced tools—just a good light, a loupe or magnifying glass, and a steady surface.
- Look carefully at the date and portrait. Check for doubling or strange doubling of letters.
- Inspect the rim for clipped planchets or missing metal.
- Examine the mint mark area for repunched or doubled mint marks.
- Hold the coin at an angle under bright light to spot die cracks or unusual tooling marks.
If you find something odd, don’t clean the coin. Cleaning can severely reduce value. Keep it in a soft holder or flip and seek professional advice.
Tools that help
- 10x jeweler’s loupe — for detailed inspection of date and mint marks
- Digital scale — to check weight against standard specifications
- Caliper — to measure diameter and thickness if needed
- Good light source — LED or daylight lamp for accurate viewing
Common Error Types That Raise Value
Understanding typical error types helps you filter potentially valuable coins quickly. Here are the most important errors to spot:
- Off-center strike — part of the design is missing; larger offsets are more valuable
- Wrong planchet — struck on a different metal stock (very rare)
- Doubled die — elements of the design appear doubled due to die misalignment
- Repunched mint mark (RPM) — the mint mark was punched more than once, leaving traces
- Clipped planchet or broadstrike — unusual edge shapes that come from planchet problems
Even small versions of these errors can attract collector interest, but major or dramatic errors usually fetch the highest prices.
Real-World Example: How Someone Turned Spare Change into Big Value
A hobbyist checking change found a Susan B. Anthony dollar with an obvious off-center strike. The coin showed nearly 30% of the design missing and an intact date. The owner submitted the coin to a grading service and the specialist confirmed an off-center strike with no cleaning or damage. The coin later sold at auction to a specialty collector for a five-figure amount.
This example shows that clear, dramatic errors combined with proper grading and provenance can lead to strong collector prices. Cases like this are rare but do occur.
What to do if you find a likely valuable coin
- Stop cleaning or handling the coin more than necessary.
- Place it in a soft coin flip or small plastic holder—avoid PVC-based holders.
- Take clear, close-up photos of both sides under good light.
- Consult with a reputable coin dealer or submit the coin to a professional grading service (PCGS, NGC).
Professional grading provides authentication, a grade, and an encapsulated holder which helps maximize auction or resale potential.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999. Despite mixed reception and short runs, coins in exceptional condition or with dramatic errors sometimes become highly sought after by collectors.
Where to Sell or Get a Coin Graded
If your coin looks promising, consider these steps to convert it to cash or a proper sale:
- Obtain a professional opinion from a trusted local coin dealer first.
- Use a major grading service for authentication and grading.
- Sell through specialized coin auction houses or online auction platforms that handle certified coins.
Certified coins generally reach a wider audience and better prices than raw coins sold privately.
Final Tips for Collectors and Casual Finders
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars you find are common and worth face value. Still, the tiny chance of a major find makes it worthwhile to glance through spare change now and then.
- Check dates and mint marks quickly when you get change.
- Keep a loupe handy in your drawer or coin kit.
- When in doubt, document and seek professional grading.
With patience and the right eye, you might uncover a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar worth far more than one dollar. Even if you don’t, learning to identify errors and grades makes coin collecting more rewarding.