The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade mint state. While most coins found in change are only worth face value, certain high-quality specimens and rare errors can command a premium from collectors looking to complete their sets.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F-AU) | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS63-MS65) | $3.00 – $10.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS66+) | $25.00 – $150.00+ |
| Proof (PF69-PF70) | $15.00 – $40.00 |
Why the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is Unique
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. After the series originally ended in 1981 due to public indifference, the U.S. Mint was forced to strike them one last time in 1999. This happened because the supply of dollar coins was dwindling, and the new Sacagawea “Golden” Dollar was not yet ready for production. Consequently, the 1999-P represents a “one-year-only” revival after an 18-year hiatus.
If you have stumbled upon one of these in your kitchen drawer or a piggy bank, you might wonder if it’s a treasure. Many people use the best coin identifier app to quickly check if their loose change holds hidden value. While the majority of these coins were released into circulation to meet the needs of vending machines and transit systems, they remain popular among collectors because of their unique comeback story.
When assessing your coin, look for the “P” mint mark located just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder. This indicates the coin was minted in Philadelphia. Because these were produced in large quantities—over 29 million to be exact—finding one isn’t difficult. However, the condition of the coin is what truly dictates the price. Tools like CoinHix can help you determine if your coin has the luster required to be considered “Uncirculated.”
Current Market Value for 1999-P Dollars
For most people, the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth exactly one dollar. If you received it as change from a post office machine or a bus fare box, it has likely been “circulated.” In this state, the coin shows wear on Susan B. Anthony’s hair and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. Collectors generally do not pay a premium for worn 1999 dollars since so many were preserved in original mint bags.
However, if you have a coin that looks brand new with no scratches, you might be looking at a higher 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar MS price. In grades of MS65 and above, the value starts to climb toward $10 or $20. The real money lies in “Gem” condition coins, specifically those graded MS67 or higher by professional services like PCGS or NGC.
| Grade | Market Price |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $3.50 |
| MS65 | $12.00 |
| MS66 | $28.00 |
| MS67 | $145.00 |
Identifying Rare Errors and Varieties
While the 1999-P is common, error collectors are always on the hunt for “mint errors.” These occur when something goes wrong during the striking process. For the SBA dollar, common errors include off-center strikes, where the design is pushed to one side, or “broadstrikes,” where the coin is flatter and wider than usual because it wasn’t contained by the collar.
Another rare occurrence is the “mule” error, though these are legendary and extremely unlikely to be found in a pocket. A mule error happens when the obverse (heads) of one coin is paired with the reverse (tails) of another. Using an app like CoinHix can help you zoom in on the details of your coin to see if it exhibits any doubling (Double Die) on the lettering or the date.
If you think you found an error, compare it to standard images of the 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth to see if the anomalies are consistent with known mint mistakes. Most anomalies found by beginners are actually “Post-Mint Damage” (PMD), which happens after the coin leaves the factory and does not add value.
Grading Your 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar
To understand the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar value, you must understand the Sheldon scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. A coin graded 1 is barely identifiable, while a 70 is perfect under 5x magnification. For the 1999-P, the difference between a grade of MS66 and MS67 can be over $100.
A “Mint State” (MS) coin must have no traces of wear. For a Susan B. Anthony dollar, check the high points: the cheekbone, the hair above the ear, and the tips of the eagle’s wings on the back. If these areas are shiny and show no dullness, your coin is likely uncirculated. If the coin is dull or “flat” on those spots, it is circulated and worth face value.
| Technical Grade | Visual Appearance |
|---|---|
| MS60-62 | Noticeable bag marks or scratches; dull luster. |
| MS63-64 | Average luster; few distracting marks. |
| MS65-66 | Strong luster; very few tiny marks. |
| MS67+ | Nearly perfect; extraordinary eye appeal. |
The 1999-P Proof vs. Business Strike
In 1999, the Philadelphia Mint produced both “Business Strikes” (intended for circulation) and “Proof” coins (intended for collectors). Proof coins are struck using specially polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. These were sold in special sets and were never meant to be spent.
If you find a 1999-P that looks exceptionally shiny, like a mirror, you might have a Proof coin that someone broke out of its plastic case. Ironically, a Proof coin that has been circulated is often worth less to a collector than a high-grade Business Strike, because Proofs are common in perfect condition. Using CoinHix, you can compare the “cameo” effect of a proof with the standard satin finish of a business strike.
How to Sell Your 1999-P Dollar
If you’ve determined your coin is a high-grade specimen or a rare error, your next step is selling. For coins worth only $1 to $5, it is usually best to keep them as a conversation piece or spend them, as shipping and seller fees will eat up your profit. However, for coins valued over $25, you might consider selling via an online auction or a local coin shop.
Be wary of “too good to be true” listings on sites like Etsy or eBay where common 1999-P dollars are listed for thousands of dollars. These are often scams or misinformed sellers. Always check “Sold” listings to see what people are actually paying. Realistically, unless your coin is professionally certified (slabbed) in a high grade, it will be hard to sell for more than a few dollars.
Summary of the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Value
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar remains a favorite for beginners because it is recognizable and historic. While it is rarely a “jackpot” coin, it serves as a great entry point into the world of coin collecting. Whether you found one in your change or inherited an old collection, knowing how to spot the difference between a common dollar and a collector’s item is the first step in your numismatic journey.
Keep your coins in a cool, dry place and avoid cleaning them. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or a cloth can actually destroy its value by scratching the surface. If you want to dive deeper into your collection, professional apps and price guides are your best friends in navigating the ever-changing market of U.S. coinage.
FAQ
Q: Is there a 1999-D or 1999-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
A: In 1999, business strike coins were only made in Philadelphia (P) and Proof coins were also made in Philadelphia. There are no 1999-dated SBA dollars with a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mint mark. If you see one, it may be a counterfeit or an altered coin.
Q: Why is the Susan B. Anthony dollar often confused with a quarter?
A: The SBA dollar was widely criticized because its size, color, and reeded edge were very similar to the Washington Quarter. This confusion is why the U.S. Mint switched to the gold-colored Sacagawea dollar in 2000—the “Golden Dollar” was much easier to distinguish from other denominations.
Q: Is a 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar made of silver?
A: No, none of the 1999-P SBA dollars contain silver. They are made of a “clad” composition, which consists of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. They have the same metal composition as modern quarters and dimes.
Q: Where can I find the mint mark on my 1999 dollar?
A: The mint mark is a small letter located on the obverse (heads) side of the coin. Look just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (the left side of the coin from your perspective). You should see a small “P”.