The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar is a small, copper-nickel clad $1 coin with women’s rights leader Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an eagle landing on the moon on the reverse. Minted in Philadelphia (“P” mint mark), it was the very last year of the series.
A Quick History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Series
Introduced in 1979 to replace the bulky Eisenhower dollar, the SBA was the first U.S. coin to honor a real woman who wasn’t a First Lady. People hated it because it was too similar in size to a quarter. Production stopped in 1981… then unexpectedly restarted in 1999 just to fill demand before the Sacagawea dollar launched in 2000.
Why the 1999-P Is Suddenly One of the Most Valuable Old Coins
Only 35,976,000 business-strike 1999-P coins were made – the lowest mintage of any SBA dollar. Most went straight into casino machines and vending machines, so high-grade examples are incredibly scarce today.
Key Errors & Varieties That Drive Prices Sky-High
| Variety/Error | What to Look For | Recent Sale Price (2024–2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-P Prooflike (from bags) | Mirror-like fields, frosty devices | $800 – $2,500 (MS68) |
| Wide Rim vs Narrow Rim | Check distance from date to rim | Wide Rim: up to $6,000 (MS68) |
| Doubled Die Obverse/Reverse | Doubling on “LIBERTY” or eagle feathers | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Off-Metal or Wrong Planchet | Extremely rare – struck on quarter planchet | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
Recent Auction Prices & Records (2023–2025)
| Grade | Sale Price | Date | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS68 | $4,560 | Jan 2024 | Heritage |
| MS68+ Wide Rim | $9,600 | Aug 2024 | GreatCollections |
| MS69 (Pop 1/0) | $18,800 | Mar 2025 | Stack’s Bowers |
How to Tell If YOUR 1999-P SBA Dollar Is Worth Big Money
- Check the mint mark – only “P” coins from 1999 are rare.
- Look for sharp details and no wear – MS67 and above explode in value.
- Examine the rim near the date – “Wide Rim” varieties are worth 5–10× more.
- Use a 10x loupe to spot doubled die details.
Expert Tips for Hunting & Protecting These Coins
- Search casino change, old vending machine rolls, and grandma’s jar!
- Never clean your coins – cleaning can drop value 90%.
- Store in airtight holders away from humidity.
- Get high-grade examples certified by PCGS or NGC – certified coins sell for 2–5× more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollars valuable?
A: No – only high-grade (MS67+), Wide Rim, or error coins bring big money. Circulated ones are still just $1–$3.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1999-P SBA dollar?
A: On the obverse (heads side) above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder.
Q: Why did they make them again in 1999?
A: The U.S. Mint needed $1 coins in circulation before the golden Sacagawea dollar debuted in 2000.
Final Thoughts – Start Looking Today!
The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar went from America’s most hated coin to one of the hottest modern rarities in just a few years. A single coin hiding in your drawer could be worth hundreds – or even tens of thousands. Grab your jar of old change, pull out every small dollar you see, and start hunting. You never know… your next coffee change could fund a vacation!