Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors & Varieties Guide (1979–1981, 1999)

The Susan B. Anthony dollar (1979–1981, 1999) packs a disproportionately large number of significant errors into just four production years. Its initial run was marked by die design adjustments and experimental mintmark punches that created the prized Wide Rim and Proof Type varieties. The 1999 revival — an emergency production run while the U.S. Mint prepared the Sacagawea dollar — resulted in one of the most dramatic transitional errors in modern U.S. coinage when Sacagawea manganese-brass planchets were accidentally fed into SBA presses.

This guide catalogs all 10 recognized errors and varieties across the series, from $16,000 transitional rarities to $30 clipped planchets still findable in mint sets. Tools needed: a digital scale (accurate to 0.01g) and a 10x loupe. For year-by-year standard values of SBA dollars, see our complete Susan B. Anthony Dollar value guide.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Error Values & Price Guide

All 10 cataloged SBA dollar errors organized by tier. Trophy-tier errors are highlighted. Click an error name to jump to its full diagnostic section; click a year link to see all errors for that date.

Values represent typical market prices based on available auction data. Actual prices depend on grade, eye appeal, strike quality, and market conditions. For standard (non-error) SBA dollar values, see our complete series value guide. Circulated grades are not applicable for proof-only varieties or struck-in-collar errors that always show full Mint State surfaces.

How to Identify Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors

Required Tools

• Digital scale (accurate to 0.01g): Mandatory for detecting quarter planchet errors and missing clad layers. The SBA dollar's standard weight of 8.10g is the single most important baseline measurement in this series.
• 10x loupe: Required for examining date-to-rim spacing (Wide Rim), mintmark shape (Proof Types), and Blakesley Effect on clips.
• Good raking light: Side lighting reveals die flow lines that help distinguish genuine transitional errors from plated fakes.

Composition and Weight Reference Table

Step-by-Step Inspection Workflow

1. Check the date and mint mark first. 1979-P: look at date-to-rim spacing for the Wide Rim variety. 1979-S or 1981-S proof: examine the mintmark shape under 10x for Type 2. 1999-P: proceed immediately to the color check.
2. Examine the color. A standard SBA is silver-gray with a visible copper edge stripe. If a 1999-P coin shows a consistent golden or greenish hue across all surfaces — including recessed areas — proceed to Step 3 and then seek professional authentication for the potential Sacagawea transitional error.
3. Weigh the coin on a calibrated scale. Standard SBA = 8.10g (±0.30g). A reading of approximately 5.67g indicates a possible quarter planchet error. A reading of 5.8g to 7.0g suggests a missing clad layer. Note: the 1999 Sacagawea transitional also weighs 8.10g — weight alone cannot confirm it.
4. Inspect the edge. A normal SBA has full, even reeding. No reeding at all (plain edge) combined with correct diameter indicates a broadstrike. Reduced size (approximately 24.3 mm) with a plain, irregular edge indicates a quarter planchet error.
5. Examine both faces for color contrast. If one side is the standard silver color and the other is a rich copper-red, you may have a missing clad layer error. Confirm by weighing — the coin should be underweight (5.8g–7.0g).
6. Look for physical anomalies. A curved crescent of missing metal at the edge is a potential clip — apply the Blakesley Effect test (see Clipped Planchet section). A shifted design with a blank crescent of planchet visible is an off-center strike.

Most Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors

1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Struck on Sacagawea Planchet

In late 1999, the Philadelphia Mint was completing the final production run of SBA dollars while simultaneously stockpiling manganese-brass planchets for the imminent 2000 Sacagawea dollar launch. A quantity of Sacagawea planchets was inadvertently fed into presses fitted with 1999 SBA dollar dies, producing one of the most valuable transitional errors in modern U.S. coinage. A specimen graded MS64 by PCGS realized strong prices at auction, with known examples documented by Heritage Auctions.

1999-P SBA Transitional (left) vs. standard 1999-P SBA (right): the golden-green manganese-brass hue of the transitional error is unmistakable compared to the standard silver copper-nickel coin.

Pickup Points

1. Color: The coin exhibits a distinctive golden or golden-green hue from the manganese-brass alloy (77% Cu, 12% Zn, 7% Mn, 4% Ni). This color must be consistent throughout the coin — including in the protected recesses of the design — not patchy or superficial.
2. Strike Quality: The manganese alloy is harder than standard copper-nickel clad. As a result, these errors often display a weak or soft strike, most visibly on the highest design points: the eagle's talons on the reverse and the lunar surface detail.
3. Edge: Despite the Sacagawea planchet's design calling for a plain edge, coins struck in this transitional error typically show reeding — because the SBA's reeded collar die was used during the strike.
4. Weight: Both the standard SBA and the Sacagawea planchet weigh 8.10g. Weight alone cannot confirm or deny this error. Professional XRF alloy analysis is the only definitive confirmation method.

For the complete 1999 SBA dollar error guide, see 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors.

1979-P Wide Rim / Near Date (FS-901)

Midway through 1979 production, the Philadelphia Mint modified the obverse die to widen the rim, improving die life and metal flow for the new small-dollar format. This modification compressed the field between the rim and the design elements, pushing the date noticeably closer to the rim and creating the "Near Date" or "Wide Rim" variety. The coin is affordable in lower grades but becomes a dramatic condition rarity in MS67 and above, with the auction record approaching $7,000. Population data and price history are available at PCGS CoinFacts (1979-P Wide Rim). For diagnostic background, see PCGS's detailed analysis of the 1979 Near Date SBA.

1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) full obverse: the broader, flatter rim frames the design with noticeably reduced field space between the date and rim edge.

Pickup Points

1. The Date Spacing (The Only Definitive Diagnostic): In the Wide Rim (Near Date) variety, the digits '1' and '9' virtually touch the rim. There is no measurable flat field between the tops of the digits and the inner edge of the rim. In the Narrow Rim (Far Date), a clear, distinct channel of flat field metal separates the date from the rim.
2. The Rim: The rim is broader and flatter on the Wide Rim variety, giving the coin a noticeably more "framed" appearance compared to the Narrow Rim.

Date-to-rim spacing comparison: Wide Rim / Near Date (left) shows digits virtually touching the rim; Narrow Rim / Far Date (right) shows a clear channel of flat field between date and rim.

For the complete 1979 SBA dollar error guide including the Wide Rim and Proof Type varieties, see 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors.

SBA Dollar Struck on Quarter Planchet — and Quarter Stock

Two distinct planchet errors affect the SBA dollar series, both involving quarter-denomination metal. Both are confirmed by weight — the definitive test for either variety.

Struck on Quarter Planchet ($380–$500)

An SBA die pair strikes a planchet intended for a Washington Quarter. The quarter planchet (24.3 mm) is significantly smaller than the dollar collar (26.5 mm). The metal flows outward under striking pressure but never reaches the retaining collar, producing a broadstruck appearance with no reeding and a plain, irregular edge. Significant portions of the outer legends — LIBERTY, the date, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA — are missing or cut off. A 1979-P example graded MS64 by PCGS is documented in PCGS auction records, and an MS62 example was offered by Heritage Auctions. Weight test: 5.67g.

SBA Dollar struck on quarter planchet: the undersized planchet (24.3 mm) never reaches the dollar collar, producing a broadstruck appearance with missing outer legends and a plain, irregular edge.

Struck on Quarter Stock ($150+)

A planchet is punched to the full 26.5 mm dollar diameter, but from a strip of metal rolled to quarter thickness rather than dollar thickness. The coin is the correct size but severely underweight. Because there is insufficient metal to fill the die cavities, the strike is dramatically weak — the date, mintmark, and design elements may be partially or fully missing. The coin sounds "tinny" when dropped. Weight test: 5.67g despite full 26.5 mm diameter. This distinguishes it from a simple weak strike, which would weigh 8.1g. For reference on this error type, see Numismatic News.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Proof Type Varieties (1979-S & 1981-S)

The San Francisco Mint struck SBA proof sets from 1979 through 1981. Two die varieties — defined by the shape of the S mintmark punch — carry significant premiums over standard proof issues. Mastery of these four mintmark identifiers is the primary skill for SBA proof collectors. All comparisons require a 10x loupe under good raking light.

1979-S Proof Type 1 (Blob S) vs. Type 2 (Clear S) — FS-501

In 1979, the mintmark punch used at San Francisco was heavily worn, producing an indistinct, filled S. Midway through proof production, the Mint introduced a new, sharper punch — creating the scarce Type 2 variety. Price history for the 1979-S Type 2 is tracked at PriceCharting (1979-S Type 2 Proof), and auction records are available at PCGS Auction Prices for the 1979-S Type 2.

1979-S mintmark comparison under 10x: Type 1 Blob S (left) — loops filled, indistinct, rectangular mound; Type 2 Clear S (right) — loops open, sharp pointed serifs, distinct letter shape.

Type 1 — Blob S (Common)

• Appearance: The S appears as a rectangular mound or blob. The internal loops are completely filled with metal.
• Serifs: Indistinguishable — merged into the body of the letter or absent.
• Value: Common — $8–$15 in proof grades.

Type 2 — Clear S (Scarce)

• Appearance: The S is sharp and distinct. The center loops are open and clear of metal.
• Serifs: Sharp, pointy, and clearly separated from the body of the letter.
• Top Loop: Oval or rounded — this distinguishes it from the 1981 Type 2.
• Value:$130–$150 in PR70 DCAM.

For the complete 1979 SBA dollar error and variety guide, see 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors.

1981-S Proof Type 1 (Clear S, Round Top) vs. Type 2 (Flat S) — FS-501

The Type 2 punch from 1979 continued into 1981 as that year's standard (Type 1) punch. Late in 1981, a new punch was introduced with a distinctively flat-topped S and bulbous serifs — the rarest standard proof variety in the entire SBA series, mandatory for registry set completeness. Price history is available at PriceCharting (1981-S Type 2 Proof).

1981-S mintmark comparison under 10x: Type 1 (left) — rounded top loop with sharp pointed serifs; Type 2 Flat S (right) — flat top across the upper loop with bulbous rounded "dog-bone" serifs. The flat top is the key diagnostic.

Type 1 — Clear S, Round Top (Common for 1981)

• Appearance: This is the same punch introduced as the 1979 Type 2. It is clear and sharp with open loops.
• Serifs: Sharp, pointed ends — clearly not bulbous.
• Top Loop: Oval or rounded — this is the critical differentiator from the Type 2.
• Value: Common for 1981 — $8–$20.

Type 2 — Flat S (Scarce — The "King")

• Appearance: The S appears slightly squarer and more compact overall.
• Top Loop: The top of the S is noticeably flat across its width — not rounded or oval. This is the single most important diagnostic point.
• Serifs: Bulbous and rounded, described as resembling the ends of a dog bone. Distinctly not sharp points.
• Value:$380–$550 in PR70 DCAM. Professional certification strongly recommended.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors You Can Still Find

The following errors can appear on any SBA dollar date and may be found in original mint bags, uncirculated sets, or occasionally in circulation. Each requires the same systematic inspection workflow: weigh first, then examine surfaces and edge.

Missing Clad Layer

During the cladding process, the outer nickel-copper layer occasionally fails to bond to the copper core and separates — either before the coin is struck (pre-strike separation) or after (post-strike separation). Pre-strike separation is more desirable because the copper side bears full, sharp design detail rather than a rough striated surface. A known example — a 1980-D SBA dollar with a missing obverse clad layer, graded MS65 by NGC and weighing 6.03 grams — is documented in PCGS auction records. For the complete 1980 SBA error reference, see 1980 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors.

Missing Clad Layer error: the obverse shows the standard silver copper-nickel surface while the reverse reveals the rich copper-red of the exposed pure copper core. The coin is underweight at approximately 5.8g–7.0g.

Pickup Points

• Color Contrast: One side displays the standard silver color; the other shows a rich, uniform copper-red — the pure copper core. Toning or environmental discoloration produces an uneven darkening, not the clean copper-red of a missing layer.
• Weight: The coin must be underweight — typically 5.8g to 7.0g depending on the extent of layer loss. A coin with correct weight (8.1g) showing color variation is likely toned, not a genuine missing-clad error.
• Strike Detail: Pre-strike separation (more valuable) shows full design detail on the copper side. Post-strike separation shows a rough, striated copper surface.

Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly centered over the lower die at the moment of striking. The die strikes part of the blank planchet and part of open air, leaving a visible crescent of unstruck planchet metal on one side. The further off-center the strike, the more dramatic — and typically more valuable — the result. However, the date must remain fully visible for maximum value. An off-center coin with the date fully cut off is worth significantly less.

Off-center strike on a Susan B. Anthony dollar: the design is visibly shifted, leaving a blank crescent of planchet metal on one side. The date is fully readable, which maximizes collector value.

Pickup Points

• Design Shift: The obverse and reverse designs are shifted in the same direction and by the same amount. If only one side appears off-center, suspect a misaligned die (MAD) rather than a true off-center strike.
• Date Visibility: Confirm the date is fully readable. Off-center coins with visible dates command a strong premium over dateless examples.
• Blank Crescent: The unstruck portion shows clean, flat planchet metal — not damaged or filed. If the surface looks gouged or uneven, suspect post-mint damage.

Curved Clip (Clipped Planchet)

A clipped planchet occurs when the planchet punch overlaps a previously punched hole in the metal strip, removing a curved crescent from the edge of the blank. Larger clips (greater than 10% of the planchet) are worth more. The critical authentication test is the Blakesley Effect — the definitive indicator that a clip is genuine rather than post-mint damage.

Genuine curved clip with Blakesley Effect: the clip (bottom) shows the curved missing crescent; the rim directly 180° opposite the clip (top) is visibly weak, flat, and tapered — the Blakesley Effect proving authentic mint origin.

The Blakesley Effect Test

1. Identify the location of the clip on the coin's edge.
2. Rotate the coin exactly 180° and examine the rim at the diametrically opposite point.
3. On a genuine clip: the rim at this opposing point is weak, flat, or tapered. This occurs because the missing metal at the clip prevents the upsetting mill from applying equal pressure to the opposing side of the planchet during rimming.
4. On post-mint damage: the rim at the opposing point is full and sharp — consistent with a complete, properly rimmed planchet that was later damaged.

Broadstrike

A broadstrike occurs when the retaining collar fails to engage properly before the strike. Without the collar to contain the metal, the planchet spreads outward in all directions under striking pressure. The result is a coin wider than 26.5 mm, with a flattened or absent rim and a plain edge (no reeding). The full design is visible — if the design is cut off, the coin is an off-center strike, not a broadstrike.

Broadstrike SBA dollar (left) vs. standard SBA dollar (right): the broadstruck coin is visibly wider with a flattened, minimal rim and a plain edge lacking any reeding.

Pickup Points

• Diameter: Greater than 26.5 mm — measurably wider than a standard SBA dollar.
• Edge: Plain (smooth) — no reeding anywhere. If any reeding is present, the collar partially engaged and the error type may differ.
• Rim: Absent or very minimal. The metal that would form the rim has flowed outward instead.
• Design Completeness: The full design including all legends must be visible. This distinguishes a broadstrike from an off-center strike.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Identification Guide

This section provides a consolidated reference for identifying the major SBA dollar varieties. Use this as a cross-reference when the calculator's results send you here for variety details or proof guidance.

Major Variety Quick-Reference

For the step-by-step physical inspection workflow, jump to the Quick Identification section. For deep-dive diagnostics on each error, see the Trophy Errors and Proof Types sections above. For a full price reference, see the Error Values table.

Grading Susan B. Anthony Dollar Error Coins

Grading SBA dollar errors follows standard Sheldon-scale conventions, with several series-specific considerations that affect value significantly.

Error-Specific Grading Factors

• The Wide Rim as a Condition Rarity: The 1979-P Wide Rim is relatively plentiful in circulated grades (EF–AU) but is extremely rare in full Mint State with no contact marks, particularly MS67 and above. The jump from MS65 ($55) to MS67+ ($2,500–$6,995+) reflects this dramatic condition rarity. Eye appeal and freedom from bag marks are paramount.
• Proof Cameo Contrast: For the 1979-S and 1981-S Type 2 proofs, the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation — indicating strong contrast between frosted devices and mirror fields — dramatically affects value. PR70 DCAM is the standard at which the quoted top values are realized. Lower cameo grades or PR65–PR68 examples carry proportionally lower premiums.
• Transitional Errors: The 1999 Sacagawea transitional is graded on strike quality, surface preservation, and freedom from spotting (the manganese alloy is prone to environmental toning). Soft strike on the high points is inherent to the error and does not disqualify a high grade, but excessive weakness reduces appeal.
• Professional Attribution: PCGS and NGC both attribute and grade FS-numbered varieties (Wide Rim, Proof Types). Attribution is necessary to realize the variety premium at major auction venues. Error coins valued above $100 generally benefit from third-party certification.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Error Authentication

Authentication requirements vary by error type. The following protocol applies to the SBA dollar series specifically.

The Weight Protocol (First Step for All Suspected Errors)

1. Calibrate your digital scale with a known reference weight before use.
2. Weigh the coin. Standard SBA = 8.10g (±0.30g). Any reading outside the 7.80g–8.40g range requires further investigation.
3. A reading of ~5.67g indicates a potential quarter planchet or quarter stock error. A reading of 5.8g–7.0g indicates a potential missing clad layer.
4. Note: A 1999 Sacagawea transitional error also weighs 8.10g. Weight does NOT confirm or deny this error.

When Professional Authentication Is Mandatory

• 1999 Sacagawea Transitional: XRF (X-ray fluorescence) alloy analysis is the only definitive method to distinguish manganese-brass from copper-nickel clad or from gold plating. PCGS or NGC certification with XRF is mandatory before any sale of a suspected transitional error.
• Any error coin valued above $100: PCGS or NGC holders provide authentication, proper attribution (FS numbers for varieties), and grade security that maximizes resale value at major auction venues including Heritage and Stack's Bowers.
• Proof Type 2 varieties: Professional attribution ensures the FS-501 designation appears on the holder, which is required for registry set recognition and premium realization.

Where to Sell Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors

For SBA dollar errors, the venue should match the value of the coin. The following guidance is based on the error types cataloged in this series.

• Major auction houses (Heritage, Stack's Bowers): The appropriate venue for trophy-tier errors — the 1999 Sacagawea transitional and high-grade Wide Rim examples. Heritage has documented auction records for multiple SBA planchet errors. Stack's Bowers handles high-grade variety material. These platforms reach the broadest pool of serious collectors and registry set builders.
• PCGS and NGC submission: Before selling any error valued above $100, obtain certification. Both services authenticate, attribute FS-numbered varieties, and assign grades that are universally recognized by buyers. Certified coins in labeled holders consistently realize higher prices than raw examples of the same coin.
• Numismatic dealers and coin shows: Appropriate for findable-tier errors (clips, missing clad, broadstrikes) where auction fees may not be justified. Seek dealers who specialize in modern error coinage.
• Online platforms: Major numismatic marketplaces can be effective for certified, authenticated error coins with PCGS or NGC holder documentation. For any uncertified coin, particularly a suspected 1999 transitional, obtain professional authentication before listing.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Error FAQs

Methodology & Sources

Values and diagnostics in this guide are drawn exclusively from the following primary sources. All prices reflect documented auction results and published market data; no values have been estimated or extrapolated.

• Heritage Auctions — 1999-P Sacagawea transitional auction record (MS64)
• Stack's Bowers Archive — supplementary auction data
• PCGS — 1979 Near Date SBA diagnostic article
• PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-P Wide Rim population and price history
• PCGS Auction Prices — 1979-S Type 2 proof auction records
• PCGS Auction Records — 1979-P struck on quarter planchet (MS64)
• PCGS Auction Records — 1980-D missing obverse clad layer (MS65 NGC)
• PriceCharting — 1979-S Type 2 proof price tracking
• PriceCharting — 1981-S Type 2 proof price tracking

yearRange.end rule applied: The document's latest cited data point is a 2026 access date for source materials, with auction records cited from 2025/2026 review. Series end year used is 1999 (the final production year of the series). All values are as of early 2026 per source documentation dates. Fivaz-Stanton (FS) attribution numbers follow the Cherrypickers' Guide system as referenced in PCGS CoinFacts attribution data.