1999-P Susan B. Anthony Liberty $1.00 One Dollar Coin: Most Valuable Old Coins

The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar coin might look like just another silver round in your change jar, but it’s a hidden gem from the tail end of a groundbreaking series that honored the women’s suffrage pioneer. Minted as a one-year revival to bridge the gap to the Sacagawea dollar, this Philadelphia-struck piece blends history, rarity in top grades, and collector appeal making it one of those “old coins” that could quietly boost your wallet. Whether you’re a newbie spotting one in circulation or a seasoned collector hunting upgrades, here’s the lowdown on its story, value, and why it stands out among the most sought-after Susan B. Anthony dollars.

What Is the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin?

Launched in 1979 as the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a real woman, the Susan B. Anthony dollar aimed to replace bulky Eisenhower dollars with a compact, convenient alternative. But its quarter-like size led to confusion, and production halted after 1981 only to resume briefly in 1999 for vending machines and transit needs. The 1999-P version, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, was the final run of this 75% copper, 25% nickel-clad coin, weighing 8.1 grams and measuring 26.5 mm across.

With a mintage of over 29 million, it’s common in circulated form, but uncirculated rolls from bank vaults keep pristine examples flowing to collectors. The obverse shows Anthony’s profile by Frank Gasparro, encircled by “LIBERTY” and the date, while the reverse adapts the Apollo 11 eagle landing, proclaiming “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” That tiny “P” below the date marks its Philly origin, and proofs were also made here the first for the series outside San Francisco.

• This coin’s revival ties it to a transitional era, just before the golden Sacagawea dollars took over in 2000.
• Fun fact: The 1999 issues were stockpiled rather than widely circulated, so many survivors are in near-mint shape, unlike earlier worn pieces.

Design and Historical Significance

The design screams late-20th-century optimism, with Anthony’s dignified gaze symbolizing progress—approved by Congress in 1978 amid the Equal Rights Amendment push. Gasparro’s obverse captures her in a simple bun and bonnet, framed by stars for a presidential vibe, while the reverse nods to America’s moon landing triumph, blending suffrage with space-age pride. The reeded edge adds a tactile twist, helping users distinguish it from quarters (in theory).

Historically, it’s a milestone: the first non-mythical woman on U.S. currency, though vending machines—not everyday pockets—drove the 1999 comeback. That year, the Mint produced both Anthony and early Sacagawea pieces, leading to rare “mule” errors where Anthony dies stamped Sacagawea planchets—skyrocketing values for those oddballs.

Its “Liberty” inscription ties back to coinage roots, making it a bridge between old silver dollars and modern clad ones. Collectors love it for representing an era when coins tried (and sometimes failed) to spark change.

Value of the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Most 1999-P dollars you’ll find are worth face value—$1 in pocket change—but condition is king. Circulated examples fetch $1 to $2, as they’re still abundant. Uncirculated gems in MS65 (choice mint state) climb to $10-$20, while elite MS67 pieces hit $50-$100 due to fewer survivors. Ultra-rare MS68s? They’re scarce, with auction records pushing $200+ for top pops.

Proof versions, struck to mirror finish for sets, start at $20 for PR65 and soar to $100+ in flawless PR70 Deep Cameo. Recent sales show steady demand: a raw uncirculated 1999-P went for $4 at auction, but certified high-graders average $15-$25. Compared to earlier Anthonys, the 1999-P holds value better thanks to lower circulation wear.

• Market tip: Slabbed coins from PCGS or NGC command premiums check recent eBay comps for your grade.
• Bulk rolls from the 1990s can yield “bag marks” that ding value, so inspect for luster.

Most Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars: Where the 1999-P Fits In

While the 1999-P isn’t the priciest in the series, it’s undervalued and climbing, especially proofs with that rare Philly origin (mintage ~750,000). The true heavy-hitters are error-laden or low-mintage rarities—here’s a rundown of the top 5 most valuable, based on auction peaks:

• 1999-P Mule on Sacagawea Planchet: A golden error where Anthony’s design hit a smaller, gold-toned blank—sold for $16,100 in 2006, now $10,000+.
• 1979-S Linear Die Clash (DDO): Doubled die obverse from clashing dies; one fetched $15,000 in 2021 for its bold doubling.
• 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date): Rarer rim variety with date closer to edge; MS67 examples hit $6,500 in 2016.
• 1981-S MS67+: The sole ultra-gem business strike; valued at $10,000+ for its perfection.
• 1999-P Susan on Penny Planchet: Off-metal error on copper cent blank; $8,700 in 2023 for crisp details.

The 1999-P slots in as a “sleeper” affordable entry ($5-$20) with upside in errors or proofs, outpacing common 1979 wide-rim pieces in long-term appeal.

How to Identify and Grade Your 1999-P Coin

Start with the basics: Confirm the “P” mint mark below the date and check for even rims (no wide variety here). Use a loupe for wear Anthony’s hair should show full detail, and the eagle’s feathers need sharp lines. Circulated? Dings and scratches drop it to $1. Mint state? Look for original luster without haze.

Professional grading from PCGS or NGC is key for value raw coins sell lower. Apps like PCGS CoinFacts help spot fakes, like altered dates or weak strikes. Store in albums away from PVC flips to preserve that shine.

• Quick hack: Weigh it (8.1g) and measure (26.5mm) to rule out mules or off-metals.
• Pro advice: If it’s from a 1999 uncirculated set, bundle it for $30-$50 total value.

Conclusion

The 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar isn’t a millionaire-maker like those wild errors, but its blend of history, low-key rarity in gems, and spot among the series’ top valuables makes it a smart hold—worth $1 to $100 depending on your luck. As collector interest grows for women’s history pieces, this “Liberty” coin could appreciate nicely, turning a forgotten folder find into real pocket change. Dust off your jar, grade what you’ve got, and who knows—you might uncover a mini-treasure from the Mint’s boldest experiment.

FAQs About the 1999-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar