The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,500 in top-tier mint state grades. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth their face value, certain high-quality specimens and rare errors can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F – AU) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-67+) | $100.00 – $500.00+ |
The Surprising History of the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds a unique place in American numismatic history because it shouldn’t have existed at all. The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) series originally ran from 1979 to 1981, but it was largely rejected by the public because its size and color were too similar to the Washington quarter. After an 18-year hiatus, the U.S. Mint brought the series back for one final year in 1999 to meet the rising demand for dollar coins in transit systems and vending machines before the Sacagawea “Golden” Dollar was ready.
If you have stumbled upon one of these coins while cleaning out a drawer, you might wonder if it’s a rare treasure. To find out instantly, many collectors use a best coin identifier app to distinguish between common pocket change and valuable strikes. The 1999-P minting was substantial, with over 29 million coins struck in Philadelphia, making them relatively common today.
However, because these were the last of their kind, many people hoarded them, meaning there are still many “shiny” examples available. When using CoinHix, you can quickly learn that condition is the primary driver of value for this specific date. While millions were made, only a tiny fraction survived in the pristine, “like-new” condition that serious investors crave.
Determining the 1999-P SBA Dollar Value by Grade
When assessing the price of your coin, collectors use a 70-point scale known as the Sheldon scale. For the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar, the jump in price between a “Mint State 65” and a “Mint State 67” can be hundreds of dollars. Most coins you find in circulation are considered “About Uncirculated” or lower, meaning they have visible scratches or dullness on the high points of Susan B. Anthony’s face or the eagle’s wings.
The current market value for 1999-P SBA dollars depends heavily on these subtle surface marks. High-grade examples must have their original mint luster—that cartwheel shine that reflects light as you tilt the coin. If the coin looks grey or flat, it is likely worth only its face value of $1.
To help you understand where your coin fits, refer to the detailed price guide below. Remember that professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is usually only worth the cost if your coin is in exceptional, flaw-free condition. Using an app like CoinHix can help you decide if your coin is a candidate for professional grading.
| Grade (Sheldon Scale) | Description | Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS-60 to MS-62 | Uncirculated but with many bag marks. | $3 – $5 |
| MS-64 | Good luster, few distracting marks. | $10 – $15 |
| MS-66 | Very clean surfaces, brilliant shine. | $40 – $60 |
| MS-67 | Superb Gem quality, very rare. | $250 – $450 |
| MS-68 or higher | Top Pop! Virtually perfect specimens. | $1,000+ |
Key Varieties and Rare Errors of the 1999 Dollar
Errors are where the real excitement begins for everyday coin hunters. While the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is generally well-struck, a few notable “off-metal” or “wrong-planchet” errors have been discovered. Because 1999 was the transition year to the Golden Dollar, there are extremely rare cases where an SBA design was struck on a manganese-brass planchet intended for the Sacagawea dollar.
Another rare find is the “Broadstruck” error, where the coin was minted without the retaining collar. This results in a coin that is flatter and wider than a standard dollar. These errors are not just curious; they are highly valuable. You can find more detailed 1999 dollar value info regarding these specific minting mistakes on specialized auction tracking sites.
If you suspect you have an error coin, look at the edges and the sharpness of the rim. A standard SBA dollar should have a distinct, reeded edge. If the edge is smooth or the coin looks “smeared,” you might have a winner. CoinHix provides a database of known errors to help you compare your find with confirmed authentic error coins.
Physical Characteristics of the 1999 Philadelphia Mint Dollar
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is made of a “cupro-nickel” composition, which consists of a core of pure copper clad in layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It weighs 8.1 grams and has a diameter of 26.5 millimeters. On the obverse, it features the portrait of social reformer Susan B. Anthony, surrounded by 13 stars and the “P” mint mark above her shoulder.
The reverse of the coin features an adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission patch, showing an eagle landing on the moon while clutching an olive branch. This iconic design was also used for the Eisenhower Dollar. When checking your coin, pay close attention to the eagle’s breast feathers. In high-value grades, these feathers must show clear, distinct lines rather than a smooth, worn-down surface.
Understanding these physical traits is crucial for identifying fakes or chemically altered coins. Some people “gold-plate” SBA dollars to make them look like Sacagawea dollars as a novelty. These are generally considered “damaged” by collectors and only retain their $1 face value.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
| Weight | 8.10 Grams |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Designer | Frank Gasparro |
How to Sell and Store Your 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you’ve identified a high-value 1999-P dollar, you must protect it to maintain its worth. Even a single fingerprint can leave oils that eventually corrode the nickel surface, lowering the grade and price. Professionals recommend using PVC-free “flips” or hard plastic capsules. Avoid storing coins in old jars or bags where they can scratch against each other.
When it comes to selling, your strategy should depend on the coin’s value. For common $1 coins, spending them or taking them to a bank is easiest. For coins worth $50 or more, consider selling on platforms like eBay or through a local reputable coin dealer. For potential “Superb Gem” coins worth hundreds, getting the coin professionally graded by PCGS is a must before going to a major auction house.
Always do your research and use tools like CoinHix to check the most recent auction results. The market for Susan B. Anthony dollars is stable, but prices for the highest grades can fluctuate based on the current demand for “Registry Set” coins.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1999-P SBA dollar made of silver?
A: No, the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar does not contain any silver. It is made of a base metal composition of copper and nickel, which gives it its silver color.
Q: How can I tell if my 1999-P dollar is a “Proof” coin?
A: While the 1999 Philadelphia (P) mint produced business strikes for circulation, the 1999-P was also produced as a Proof coin for collectors. Proof versions have a mirror-like background and frosted details. Proofs are generally worth $15 to $35 depending on the packaging.
Q: Why is my 1999 dollar “gold” in color?
A: The U.S. Mint did not produce gold-colored Susan B. Anthony dollars. If yours is gold, it was likely gold-plated by a private company after it left the mint. Unfortunately, this usually makes the coin worth only its $1 face value to collectors.
Q: Is the 1999-P dollar rarer than the 1999-D?
A: Actually, no 1999 “D” (Denver) Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted for circulation. In 1999, the U.S. Mint only produced dollar coins in Philadelphia (P). However, there are 1979-D, 1980-D, and 1981-D versions from the earlier run of the series.
