Anthony Dollar: Could a simple $1 coin in your pocket actually be worth millions? For many collectors, the answer is yes — especially when it comes to the 1999 P Susan B. Anthony dollar coin.
While most of these coins are only worth their face value, a few rare versions have been sold for thousands and even millions of dollars. One coin discovered in a Georgia thrift store shocked everyone when it was auctioned off for a record-breaking $14 million.
This article explains the history of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, why some of the 1999 P coins are so valuable, what features to look for, and how you can check if you have one hiding in your change.
A Short History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The 1999 P Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first minted in 1979. It was a historic moment because this was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman — the women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony.
Production of this coin stopped in 1981 because many people confused it with the quarter. Both coins were close in size and color, which made the public less likely to use them.
In 1999, the U.S. Mint brought the coin back into circulation for a short time. This was mainly because vending machines and transit systems still needed dollar coins while waiting for the Sacagawea dollar to be introduced in 2000. The Philadelphia Mint produced only 29.6 million coins in 1999, making them much rarer than other years.
Why the 1999 P Dollar Coin Is Valuable
The value of a 1999 P Susan B. Anthony dollar depends on three main factors: rarity, condition, and minting errors.
Most of these coins are worth just $1 to $3, but there are exceptions:
- A coin with a proof-like finish sold for $4,200 in Atlanta.
- A near-perfect coin reportedly sold for $14 million due to its condition and rarity.
- Coins with minting errors, such as being struck off-center or missing marks, often sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
In short, the rarer the condition, the higher the value.
Features That Make the Coin Valuable
If you want to check your coin, here are the key details to look for:
| Feature | Description | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| P Mint Mark | Small “P” above Anthony’s right shoulder | $1 to $20 |
| Proof-Like Finish | Shiny, mirror-like surface | $4,200 to $14 million |
| Minting Errors | Off-center or doubled designs | Hundreds to thousands |
| High Grade (MS65+) | Near-perfect condition | $10 to $14 million |
How to Check Your Coins
You don’t need fancy tools — just a magnifying glass. Look for the “P” mint mark near Susan B. Anthony’s portrait. A shiny, mirror-like finish usually means it’s a collector’s edition rather than a regular circulation coin.
Errors like double lettering, blurry details, or off-center strikes also add value. However, it’s very important not to clean your coin, as that can damage it and reduce its worth. Instead, keep it in a protective holder and get it appraised by an expert.
What to Do If You Find One
If you believe you’ve found a valuable coin, your best step is to visit a professional coin shop or send it to grading services such as PCGS or NGC. These organizations can confirm whether your coin is authentic and assign it a grade.
Once graded, you can choose to sell it at coin shops, online marketplaces, or through auctions. While not every coin will be worth millions, even well-preserved 1999 P coins in good condition can bring $5 to $20 — which is still far more than face value.
The 1999 P Susan B. Anthony dollar proves that even small, everyday coins can carry big value. While most are worth little more than face value, rare proof-like versions or coins with minting errors have sold for incredible amounts.
By checking your spare change carefully, you might discover that an ordinary-looking coin in your pocket is actually a fortune waiting to be found.
FAQs
Most are worth only $1 to $3, but rare versions can be valued from thousands to millions of dollars.
Look above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder. The small “P” shows it was minted in Philadelphia.
No. Cleaning lowers the value. Always keep the coin in its original condition.