1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

Understanding the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value starts with knowing exactly what you have. Most circulated 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars you’ll find in pocket change are worth their face value of $1.00 — over 757 million were minted that year across three facilities, making them very common.

However, uncirculated (never-circulated, mint-fresh) examples can range from $13 to $16 depending on the mint mark. The story gets exciting fast with rare varieties — the scarce 1979-P Wide Rim (also called the “Near Date”) is worth around $50 in average mint state (MS) grades, while the sought-after 1979-S Type 2 Proof commands approximately $30 in similar condition. High-grade specimens and major errors can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Whether you’re a casual coin finder or a serious collector, identifying your coin’s variety, mint mark, and condition is essential to finding its true value in today’s market. The MS grade (or Mint State grade) is a 1–70 scale used by coin graders — MS60 is a barely-uncirculated coin, while MS70 would be perfect. Similarly, DCAM stands for Deep Cameo, a term used for proof coins that show strong contrast between frosted raised designs and mirror-like flat fields.

 

1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value By Variety

This chart displays the relative values of various 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar varieties across different condition grades, including regular circulation strikes from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, as well as the Type 1 and Type 2 Proof DCAM versions.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value (1979-1999)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Worth Money

The chart presents valuation data for high-grade 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar varieties spanning 2001 to the present. The 1979-S MS68 commands the highest premium at $15,000, followed by the 1979-P Wide Rim at $6,995. These valuations reflect several converging market factors.

The Wide Rim variety emerged when production modifications were implemented mid-year at Philadelphia, creating a scarce variant. PCGS population data shows only 2 coins certified at the MS67+ level with zero graded higher, placing these at the absolute pinnacle of preservation for the variety. The Type 2 proof coins feature a clearer, sharper mintmark punch compared to the common Type 1 “Filled S” variety, resulting from die preparation changes made in late 1979.

Premium grades (MS67–MS68) achieve substantial multiples because the coins circulated extensively despite their commemorative significance, with widespread public confusion between the dollar and quarter due to similar size and appearance. The series’ brief production cycle (1979–1981, with a single 1999 resumption) and rapid discontinuation due to public resistance created artificial scarcity in pristine condition.

Market significance extends beyond numismatic value, as these represent the first circulating non-commemorative coins depicting an actual historical woman. The pricing structure demonstrates how production variations, grade rarity, and historical context intersect to establish collector premiums substantially exceeding face value across multiple decades.

 

History of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony dollar has a fascinating backstory that goes back years before the first coin was ever struck. In 1975, the U.S. government asked the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), a nonprofit research organization, to study what type of coin would be accepted by the public. The RTI published its findings in 1976, recommending that a successful new dollar coin needed to be smaller, have a unique edge, avoid the same color as the quarter, and be accompanied by a major marketing campaign. The government ultimately followed only the “smaller” recommendation and ignored the rest — a decision that would prove fateful.

The coin was authorized when President Jimmy Carter signed Public Law 95-447 (the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Act) on October 10, 1978. The legislation had passed the Senate unanimously and cleared the House by a commanding 368-to-38 vote, reflecting strong bipartisan support. The original design was planned to feature an allegorical Liberty based on the 1793 Liberty Cap Cent — Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro even prepared models — but Representative Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH) pushed for a real woman, arguing that women deserved a place in the tradition of U.S. coinage. Her bill received backing from the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and other major women’s organizations.

After considering names including Harriet Tubman, Abigail Adams, and Georgia Neese Clarke Gray, Susan B. Anthony was selected. Gasparro based his portrait on six surviving photographs of Anthony, ultimately depicting her at approximately 50 years of age. When Anthony’s niece reportedly told him his initial sketches were “too pretty,” the Commission of Fine Arts urged him to portray the suffragist with a more stern, aged appearance — a decision some numismatists believe contributed to the coin’s lack of public appeal.

Production began on December 13, 1978 at the Philadelphia Mint, with Denver and San Francisco following in January 1979. Mint officials, anticipating massive public demand, stockpiled 500 million coins before the official release date of July 2, 1979. The coin was also notable as the first to bear a “P” mint mark since silver-clad Jefferson nickels were struck from 1942 to 1945 — from this point forward, Philadelphia would use the “P” on all denominations except the cent.

Despite initial interest from banks on release day, the coin received a severely negative public reception within days. Newspapers, including the Jacksonville Journal Courier, published critical pieces almost immediately after the July 2 launch. The coin was widely confused with the quarter due to similar size and color; even Treasury Secretary W. Michael Blumenthal had opposed the coin on political grounds, and the public quickly agreed. The government spent only about $600,000 promoting the coin — compare this to the $40 million campaign (worth about $16.8 million in 1979 dollars) used to launch the Sacagawea dollar in 2000. The coin quickly earned derisive nicknames including the “Carter Quarter” and the “Agony Dollar.”

By 1980, Philadelphia’s mintage had plummeted from 360 million coins to just 27.6 million, a clear signal that the public wanted nothing to do with the new dollar. Production for circulation was suspended after 1981, with that year’s coins struck only for collectors (known as NIFC — Not Issued For Circulation coins). Production briefly resumed in 1999 to fill a shortage ahead of the Sacagawea dollar launch. At the close of initial production, the Treasury was left with a surplus of 520 million unsold coins.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Silver Dollar Coins Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Is Your 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Rare?

Use the Coin Value Checker App to instantly identify your coin’s rarity ranking and discover whether you own a common variety or a highly sought-after treasure like the top-ranked Wide Rim.

 

Key Features of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

The 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar represents the inaugural year of this dollar coin series, minted from 1979 to 1981 before production was suspended due to poor public acceptance, then briefly resumed in 1999. Intended as a replacement for the larger Eisenhower dollar, the coin made history as the first United States circulating coin to feature a real, non-mythical woman.

The Obverse of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

Features a right-facing portrait of Susan B. Anthony in a high-necked blouse, with her hair pulled back into a bun. The design was created by the Mint’s Chief Engraver, Frank Gasparro, who regarded it as the most important design of his career. He based the portrait on six surviving images of Anthony, ultimately depicting her at around 50 years of age — older and more stern than his original sketches, at the insistence of the Commission of Fine Arts.

The word “LIBERTY” appears at the top of the coin, the date at the bottom, and the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is positioned in small letters to the right of Anthony’s chin. Thirteen five-pointed stars circle the inside of the rim — seven to the left and six to the right — with those on the right split into two three-star groups by the motto.

The rim consists of smooth but angular line segments that frame an 11-sided polygon (called a hendecagon), rather than the traditional tooth-like denticles found on most coins. A small mint mark (P, D, or S) appears just above Anthony’s right shoulder, indicating the coin’s place of origin. The designer’s initials “FG” can be found just below Anthony’s left shoulder.

The Reverse of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

Features the Apollo 11 mission insignia, depicting an eagle landing on the Moon with an olive branch in its talons — an adaptation of the Eisenhower dollar’s reverse design, scaled down to fit the smaller coin. In the background, planet Earth is visible from the lunar surface.

The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles nearly the top half of the rim against the darkness of space, with the denomination “ONE DOLLAR” displayed at the bottom over the lunar landscape. Thirteen five-pointed stars form an arc around the eagle, split nine to the left of the eagle’s wing and four to the right. Gasparro’s initials “FG” also appear on the reverse, located below the eagle’s tail feathers.

Other Features of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

The 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar has a diameter of 26.5 millimeters and a weight of 8.1 grams. The coin’s composition consists of outer layers of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center, giving it a net composition of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel — and no silver at all.

The coin features a reeded edge (the ridged edge familiar from quarters and dimes). Its silvery color and size closely approximated the Washington quarter, which is the primary reason for the widespread confusion during circulation. The 1979-P coins from Philadelphia come in two distinct rim varieties: Narrow Rim (Far Date) and Wide Rim (Near Date), with the Wide Rim variety being considerably scarcer and more valuable to collectors.

Also Read: Top 80+ Most Valuable Sacagawea Dollar Worth Money (2000-P to Present)

 

1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 1979 inaugural year saw massive production totaling over 757 million coins across three facilities: Philadelphia struck 360,222,000 pieces, Denver produced 288,015,744, and San Francisco minted 109,576,000 for circulation. The U.S. Mint created a stockpile of 500 million coins prior to the July 2, 1979 release date, anticipating massive demand that never materialized.

The survival rates reveal interesting patterns. Regular Philadelphia and Denver issues maintain exceptionally high survival rates above 95%, as banks kept vast quantities in vaults rather than releasing them into circulation. Approximately 100 million San Francisco business strikes survive, representing a 91% survival rate.

The most dramatic contrast appears in the Philadelphia Wide Rim variety, which shares the same total mintage as the Narrow Rim but has an estimated survival of only around 20,000 to 25,000 pieces — a minuscule fraction of total production. San Francisco produced 3,677,175 proof coins in two types, with Type 1 (Filled S) showing 60.75% survival versus Type 2 (Clear S) at just 20.25%, reflecting the latter’s significantly higher collector demand and value.

Also Read: Top 40+ Most Valuable Presidential Dollar Coins Worth Money

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

Determining your 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar’s true value requires identifying critical details like mint marks, rim varieties (Wide Rim vs. Narrow Rim), and proof types, which can be difficult for the untrained eye. Values range dramatically — from face value for common circulated coins to over $6,000 for rare Wide Rim specimens in the highest grades.

The Coin Value Checker App instantly identifies your coin’s variety, grade, and current market value using advanced AI technology. Simply snap a photo and get accurate results in seconds — making professional coin evaluation accessible to everyone.

 

1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value Guides

• 1979-P Susan B Anthony Dollar (Narrow Rim/Far Date)
• 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B Anthony Dollar (Near Date)
• 1979-D Susan B Anthony Dollar
• 1979-S Susan B Anthony Dollar (Business Strike)
• 1979-S Type 1 Proof DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar (Filled S)
• 1979-S Type 2 Proof DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar (Clear S)

The 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar encompasses six distinct categories, each with dramatically different values ranging from face value to several thousand dollars. The Philadelphia Mint produced both the common Narrow Rim coins and the scarce Wide Rim variety, while Denver struck standard business strikes. San Francisco contributed regular circulation coins plus two proof varieties distinguished by their mintmark clarity. Understanding these categories is essential for accurate valuation, as a rare Wide Rim or Type 2 Proof can be worth exponentially more than common varieties.

 

1979-P Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds a distinctive place in American coinage as the first circulating U.S. coin featuring a real, non-mythical woman — a milestone that continues to drive collector interest decades later. The Philadelphia Mint struck over 360 million of these coins in 1979, making circulated examples easy to find at face value. However, the bulk of that mintage sat in Federal Reserve storage vaults for years, meaning many surviving examples technically never saw pocket change at all.

Coins in higher mint state grades of MS66 or above are considered tough to find, with MS67 examples being quite challenging — only a couple of hundred are believed to exist at this grade or higher. From a value perspective, circulated examples trade near face value, while certified MS65 specimens have sold for approximately $30 to $55, with one notable Heritage Auctions MS65 example realizing $3,819 on January 8, 2014. At the conditionally rare grade of MS67, values reach around $225, while the few MS68 examples known to exist are valued at approximately $10,000 by PCGS, with none graded higher.

The auction record chart below provides valuable insight into realized prices across different grade levels and special characteristics.

Current market activity data demonstrates the sustained collector interest and trading volume for this historically significant dollar.

1979-P Wide Rim Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar (also called the “Near Date” variety) is the most sought-after circulation strike in the entire SBA series. It emerged from a mid-year design modification when Mint officials worked to improve the coin’s appearance by widening the border late in 1979. The defining characteristic is easy to spot once you know what to look for: the date “1979” appears very close to the rim, nearly touching it — while on the standard Narrow Rim, there is a clear gap between the date and the edge.

The brief production window before reverting to the original design created significant scarcity, with only an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 collectible examples surviving out of the original mintage. PCGS population data confirms only 2 coins certified at the MS67+ level with zero graded higher — placing these at the absolute pinnacle of the variety. Certified examples in MS65 and MS66 grades trade for approximately $45 to $55, while the variety becomes especially rare in MS67, with prices around $2,500. The December 2021 sale of an MS67+ specimen for $6,995 set the all-time auction record for this grade, exceeding the PCGS price guide value by approximately 8%. This record price came from Heritage Auctions, demonstrating strong demand among advanced registry set collectors.

 

1979-D Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The Denver Mint produced 288,015,744 Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979, creating one of the series’ most common issues in circulated grades. Finding examples graded MS67 or higher, however, is a genuine challenge for any collector.

Circulated examples trade near face value around $1, while mint state specimens graded MS60 command approximately $5. Values climb to around $25 for gem MS65 specimens, and at MS67 they rise substantially to approximately $350. Despite the massive mintage, only a single coin has achieved MS68 certification across both PCGS and NGC combined, making it the sole finest-known specimen. That unique MS68 example — part of the famed Mile High Collection — realized $1,528 at Heritage Auctions in January 2017, well below PCGS’s guide value of $10,000 for the grade, creating a compelling opportunity for condition rarity specialists.

The auction record chart below documents the performance of Denver Mint specimens across various grade levels.

Market activity data reflects the steady collector demand for high-quality examples from this substantial mintage.

 

1979-S Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The San Francisco Mint produced 109,576,000 business strike Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979, making this issue common in circulated grades and through MS65. Around 545,000 coins are thought to survive at MS65 and above, making gem-condition examples relatively straightforward to find — which explains why MS65 examples trade for only around $30.

Only MS66 and higher grades become genuinely scarce, with roughly a couple thousand examples surviving in MS66 and around 400 in MS67. Values jump from $65 at MS66+ to $150 at MS67 and $425 at MS67+. In MS68, these coins are truly rare, with fewer than a handful of examples ever certified. A regular strike MS68 specimen realized $5,175 at Heritage Auctions in 2007, while an exceptional NGC-certified example achieved $15,000 in September 2021 on eBay.

The auction record chart below illustrates how San Francisco business strikes have performed across different preservation levels.

Market activity indicators demonstrate ongoing collector attention to high-grade examples from this substantial mintage.

 

1979-S Proof DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The 1979-S Proof DCAM Susan B. Anthony Dollar comes in two distinct varieties. Type 1 features a “Filled S” mintmark that appears nearly blob-like due to a worn die, while Type 2 has a sharp “Clear S” mintmark with distinct serifs. All proof SBA dollars exhibit Deep Cameo (DCAM) characteristics — strong contrast between mirror-like flat fields and frosted raised design elements — making them visually striking collector pieces.

1979-S Type 1 Proof DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The San Francisco Mint produced 3,677,175 proof coins in 1979. Type 1 specimens are identified by their “Filled S” mintmark, which appears nearly blob-like and lacks well-defined serifs — this resulted from a worn die used earlier in the production year.

Type 1 proof sets are worth around $8 to $10 in standard condition, with individual Type 1 proof dollars carrying an estimated base value of around $6 or more. In premium grades, values increase substantially, with PR70 (a perfect proof grade) specimens valued around $47. The auction record for a PR70 example reached $719 in August 2001, demonstrating that even the more common proof type has eager collectors at the highest grades.

1979-S Type 2 Proof DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The Type 2 variety was produced in November and December 1979, representing approximately 20% of the total 3,677,175 proof mintage — roughly 740,000 pieces. This variety features a sharp, well-defined “S” mintmark with visible serifs, contrasting starkly with the Type 1’s blob-like appearance. The mintmark punch used here was also later employed on all 1980-S proof dollars and the majority of 1981-S proofs.

The Type 2 ranks as one of the most sought-after varieties in the entire SBA series. In terms of certified population, 5,929 specimens have been graded at PR69 (nearly perfect) and 592 at PR70 (perfect), with current auction prices ranging from about $45 for PR69 to $110 for PR70. The all-time auction record for a PR70 Deep Cameo specimen reached $1,955 in May 2007, and top PR70 examples can still fetch over $1,000 depending on market conditions.

Also Read: 17 Rare Dollar Coin Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Error List

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, as the first U.S. circulating coin featuring a real woman, produced various valuable error coins during its minting process. Although this coin was initially unpopular due to its similarity to the quarter, certain specimens with minting errors have become highly sought-after treasures. The value of these error coins can far exceed their face value, ranging from tens of dollars to thousands, depending on the type and severity of the error. Having a coin authenticated and graded by a third-party service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) is essential before selling any suspected error.

1. 1979 Off-Center Struck Error

The off-center strike error occurs when the coin blank is not properly centered during the striking process, resulting in a partial loss of the design and leaving a crescent-shaped blank area on the edge. This type of error is relatively rare among 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars.

Error coins with 5% to 10% off-center strikes are valued at approximately $150 to $500, while versions with over 20% off-center strikes can be worth $800 or more. One San Francisco Mint specimen struck 75% off-center, graded MS64 by PCGS, sold at auction for $1,000. The greater the degree of off-center striking, the higher the coin’s value — making it one of the most popular error types among collectors.

2. 1979 Layer Missing Error

The missing clad layer error occurs when the outer copper-nickel layer separates from the pure copper core due to impurities or improper bonding during manufacturing. The result is a coin that looks copper-colored on one side rather than the normal silvery-white. Versions with the obverse (front face) clad layer missing are particularly valuable.

One 1979 error coin struck on a 2-gram outer clad layer that later separated, graded AU58 by PCGS, sold at auction for $440. This error is extremely rare and highly collectible — you can spot it immediately because one face of the coin will be copper-colored like a penny.

3. 1979 Clipped Planchet Error

The clipped planchet error is a defect that occurs during the coin blank cutting process, resulting in an irregular notch or crescent-shaped cut on the coin’s edge. This error typically appears as a noticeable straight or curved clipping mark on one side of the coin.

Base examples start at around $25, but high-grade versions (MS65 and above) can reach hundreds to $1,200 or more. The size and shape of the notch varies slightly on every clipped planchet coin, making each one unique — collectors particularly favor versions with prominent clipping in well-preserved condition.

4. 1979 Broadstruck Error

The broadstruck error occurs when the coin is not properly retained by the collar during striking, causing the coin to expand outward beyond its normal diameter. These error coins typically lack a crisp rim and do not have the normal reeded edge — the edge instead appears flat and flared outward.

Broadstruck 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars are relatively scarce, with values typically ranging from $50 to $300 depending on condition and visual appeal. A PCGS-certified MS65 example of a 1979-P broadstruck on a Type-1 blank has appeared at GreatCollections auction, illustrating active market demand. Due to the missing or disengaged collar, these coins have a larger diameter than normal and are easy to identify by their shape alone.

5. 1979 Wrong Planchet Error

One of the most dramatic and valuable errors in the entire SBA series occurs when a 1979 dollar was struck on a planchet (the metal blank) intended for a different denomination. The most notable example is the 1979-P struck on a quarter planchet, where a smaller, thinner blank was fed into the dollar press at the Philadelphia Mint. The resulting coin has a reduced diameter, an altered edge, and overlapping design elements from both dies.

Wrong planchet errors can be worth $3,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the denomination and condition. A 1979-S struck on a nickel planchet (graded MS63 by PCGS) represents another extreme version of this error type, where a Jefferson nickel blank was accidentally fed into the dollar press. One example of a 1979 SBA dollar struck on a dime planchet sold at auction for $10,062.50 in 2004. Always verify these with PCGS or NGC before buying or selling, as fakes exist.

6. 1979 Die Clash Error

A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them, leaving ghostly impressions of one die’s design on the other. On a 1979-D Susan B. Anthony dollar, you might see faint outlines of the eagle or lettering transferred onto Anthony’s portrait side. A 1979-D with a strong die clash visible (showing a faint moon/Earth imprint on the obverse) has sold for $440 or more in AU58 condition. Die clashes are easiest to spot under a magnifying loupe in good lighting — look for faint, backwards lettering or design outlines that don’t belong on that side of the coin.

 

Where to Sell Your 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQ About the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

1. What is the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar worth today?

Most circulated 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth their face value of $1.00, as over 757 million were minted that year. Uncirculated (MS60) examples typically sell for $5 to $15, while certified MS65 specimens trade for $25 to $55 depending on mint mark. The rarest high-grade examples — such as MS68s from Philadelphia or Denver — are valued at approximately $10,000 each, with only a single MS68 example known for the Denver issue.

2. How do I tell the Wide Rim from the Narrow Rim on a 1979-P dollar?

Look at the gap between the date “1979” and the outer rim of the coin. On the Narrow Rim (Far Date), there is a visible gap between the “9” in 1979 and the rim. On the Wide Rim (Near Date), the date sits very close to the edge — the “9” nearly touches the rim. The Wide Rim also has a thicker, more rounded border. The Wide Rim is much scarcer, with only an estimated 20,000–25,000 collectible examples surviving versus more than 200 million Narrow Rim coins.

3. Is the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar made of silver?

No — the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar contains absolutely no silver. It is copper-nickel clad, with outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core, giving it a net composition of about 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. If someone offers to sell you a “silver” 1979 SBA dollar, it is either counterfeit, gold-plated (worth $2 to $10 as a novelty), or an extremely rare mint error struck on a leftover silver planchet (which, if genuine and authenticated, could be worth $1,000 or more).

4. What is the difference between the 1979-S Type 1 and Type 2 proof?

The difference lies entirely in the mintmark style. Type 1 coins have a blob-like, filled “S” mintmark that lacks clear loops and serifs — the result of a worn die used early in 1979. Type 2 coins have a sharp, well-defined “S” with clearly visible serifs, produced from a new die punch introduced in November and December 1979. The Type 2 is significantly rarer, representing only about 20% of the total 3,677,175 proof mintage (roughly 740,000 pieces). It is worth approximately five to six times more than the Type 1 in comparable grades.

5. What are the most valuable 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar errors?

The most valuable errors are wrong planchet strikes, where the coin was accidentally struck on a blank intended for another denomination. A 1979 SBA struck on a dime planchet sold for $10,062.50 at a 2004 auction. A 1979 SBA struck on a quarter planchet (recognizable by its smaller diameter and overlapping designs) can sell for $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on condition. Off-center strikes of 20% or more can fetch $800+, and a 75%-off-center example from San Francisco graded MS64 by PCGS sold for $1,000. Always have suspected errors authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.

6. Why did the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar fail in circulation?

Several factors doomed the coin. First, the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) had recommended in 1976 that a new dollar coin needed a distinct color, unique edge, and aggressive marketing campaign to succeed — the government ignored all three recommendations. Second, the coin was nearly identical in size and color to the quarter, leading to constant confusion. Third, the $1 paper bill was never withdrawn from circulation, giving the public a choice — and they overwhelmingly chose the familiar paper bill. Only around $600,000 was spent promoting the coin, compared to the $40 million campaign used for the Sacagawea dollar in 2000.

7. Who chose Susan B. Anthony for the coin design?

The push to feature Susan B. Anthony came primarily from Representative Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH) and Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin, whose 1978 bill mandated the design change from the original allegorical Liberty. Their legislation received backing from the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Congresswomen’s Caucus. Other women considered for the honor included Harriet Tubman, Abigail Adams, and Georgia Neese Clarke Gray, but Anthony prevailed.

8. Should I clean my 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar before selling it?

Absolutely not — cleaning a coin almost always destroys its value. Professional coin graders at PCGS and NGC can instantly detect signs of cleaning (hairlines under magnification, unnatural luster), and cleaned coins are graded as “details” coins that sell for a fraction of the price of original, uncleaned examples. Even a very dirty or toned coin in original condition is worth more to a serious collector than a cleaned one. Store coins in airtight holders, handle only by the edges, and leave any cleaning to professional conservation services.

9. How do I know if my coin is a genuine error or just a damaged coin?

Genuine mint errors occur during the minting process before the coin leaves the Mint, while post-mint damage happens after the coin is in circulation. Clues to genuine errors include consistent design elements on the wrong planchet, a coin that weighs noticeably different from the standard 8.1 grams, or off-center designs that still show full reeding and clean edges. Damage from circulation (bent edges, gouges, graffiti) is usually uneven, rough, or clearly mechanical. When in doubt, submit to PCGS or NGC — the grading fee ($20–$50+) is well worth it if the coin might be a genuine error worth hundreds.

10. Is it worth getting a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar professionally graded?

It depends entirely on the coin’s suspected value. Common circulated examples and standard MS60–MS64 coins are rarely worth the grading fee ($20–$50+). However, you should strongly consider submitting to PCGS or NGC if your coin appears to be an MS65 or higher (bright, unmarked, with original luster), a Wide Rim variety in any uncirculated grade, a 1979-S Type 2 proof that you believe is in PR68 or better, or any suspected error coin. Certified, slabbed coins from PCGS or NGC consistently sell for 20–40% more than raw (uncertified) coins because buyers trust the authentication and grade.