The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar was the first U.S. coin to honor a real woman — the famous suffragist. Minted from 1979–1981 and again in 1999, most are worth exactly $1. But the 1999-P version? That’s the unicorn.
A Quick History of the SBA Dollar Series
Launched in 1979 to replace the Eisenhower dollar, the SBA was tiny, silver-colored, and constantly mistaken for a quarter. People hated it. Production stopped in 1981… then quietly restarted in 1999 for just one year to feed vending machines before the Sacagawea dollar arrived.
Why the 1999-P Is Suddenly Crazy Valuable
Only 35,000,000 1999-P coins were struck — mostly for circulation — but almost none actually circulated! Most went straight into Mint bags and were forgotten. Today, finding one in change is nearly impossible, and high-grade examples (MS67-MS68) are ultra-rare.
How to Identify a Real 1999-P (Don’t Get Fooled!)
Look for:
- Date: 1999
- Mint mark: “P” (Philadelphia) right of Susan’s neck
- Narrow rim vs. the wider 1979-1981 coins
- Sharp details and no wear
Table 1: Quick Visual Checklist
| Feature | Common 1979–1981 SBA | Rare 1999-P SBA |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 1979, 1980, 1981 | 1999 |
| Mint Mark Location | Below neck | Right of neck |
| Rim Width | Wide | Narrow |
| Current Value (circulated) | $1–$2 | $50–$200+ |
| Current Value (MS67+) | $25–$75 | $5,000–$20,000+ |
Recent Sale Prices – Real Numbers in 2025
Table 2: 2024–2025 Auction Results (PCGS/NGC Certified)
| Grade | Sale Price | Date | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS67 | $5,280 | Mar 2025 | Heritage |
| MS67+ | $9,600 | Jan 2025 | GreatCollections |
| MS68 | $18,800 | Nov 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| MS68 (record) | $23,500 | Aug 2024 | Private treaty |
Expert Tips: Where to Look & How to Sell
- Dig through old cash registers, casino rolls, and estate jars.
- Check every “quarter-looking” coin in your change!
- Get suspicious coins graded by PCGS or NGC before selling.
- Sell through reputable auctions (Heritage, GreatCollections) for top dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1999-P dollars valuable?
A: No — only high-grade (MS66 and up) examples bring big money.
Q: What about the 1999-D?
A: Much more common (over 500 million made) — worth $2–$10 max.
Q: Can I still find one in circulation?
A: Extremely unlikely, but stranger things have happened!
Final Thoughts – Start Hunting Today!
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar went from America’s most hated coin to one of its hottest modern rarities. A single high-grade example can pay a car note… or a mortgage payment. So grab that old coffee can of change, flip on a good light, and start looking. You never know — the next five- or even six-figure coin could be staring back at you right now.