1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth)

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

However, uncirculated examples in mint state condition typically range from $13 to $16, depending on the mint mark. The story changes dramatically with rare varieties—the scarce 1979-P Wide Rim can be worth around $50 in average mint state 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 serious collector, identifying your coin’s variety, mint mark, and condition is essential to determining its true value in today’s market.

 

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 present. The 1979-S 68 commands the highest premium at $15,000, followed by the 1979-P Wide Rim variant 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 with limited surviving specimens estimated under 25,000 pieces. The Type 2 proof coins feature a clearer mintmark punch compared to the common Type 1 “filled S” variety, resulting from die preparation changes.

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’ abbreviated 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 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 was authorized by a bill signed by President Jimmy Carter in October 1978, marking a significant socio-numismatic experiment by the United States government. It was intended as a replacement for the larger Eisenhower dollar, with the goal of creating a more portable and useful smaller dollar coin.

Originally, the design was planned to feature an allegorical representation of Liberty on the obverse, but organizations and individuals in Congress called for the coin to depict a real woman. After considering several proposals, social reformer Susan B. Anthony was selected, making this the first US circulating coin to feature a real, non-mythical woman.

Production began on December 13, 1978 at the Philadelphia Mint, with Denver and San Francisco facilities following in January 1979. Mint officials feared hoarding and ordered creation of a stockpile of 500 million coins before the official release date of July 2, 1979. The Anthony dollar was also notable as the first coin to bear a ‘P’ mint mark since the Jefferson nickel issued during World War II.

Despite marketing efforts, the coin received an overwhelmingly negative reception from the public, with 66% of the national population disliking it in 1979. The coin was widely confused with the quarter due to similar size and color, and public transportation and many establishments began refusing to accept them as payment. The coin quickly earned derisive nicknames including the “Carter quarter” and the “Agony Dollar”.

Due to persistent unpopularity and low demand, production for circulation was suspended after 1981, with that year’s coins struck exclusively for collectors. Production briefly resumed in 1999 to fill a shortage of dollar coins, which by the late 1990s were increasingly used in vending machines and mass transit. At the close of initial production, the Treasury faced a surplus of 520 million coins.

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

 

Is your 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar rare?

Use the CoinValueChecker 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, which was 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 or shirtwaist, 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 and based it on six surviving images of Anthony, ultimately depicting her at around 50 years of age.

The word “LIBERTY” appears at the top of the coin, with the date at the bottom, and the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” 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 (hendecagon), rather than traditional denticles. 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, representing a combination of historical reverence and space-age achievement. 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, positioned below the top legend but above the Earth and motto, 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 maintains standard specifications with 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.

The coin features a reeded edge, similar to quarters. The silvery color and size closely approximated the appearance of the Washington quarter, leading to widespread confusion during circulation and contributing to the coin’s poor public reception.

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 but has an estimated survival of only 20,000 pieces—a mere 0.0056% survival rate—making it the scarcest circulation strike variety.

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 $1,000 for rare Wide Rim varieties in high grades.

The CoinValueChecker 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 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 mint mark 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. Each category’s value depends on condition, rarity, and collector demand.

 

1979-P Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds a distinctive place in American coinage as a circulating U.S. coin featuring a real, non-mythical woman, honoring the legacy of the influential suffragist who championed women’s rights throughout her lifetime.

The Philadelphia Mint struck over 360 million of these coins in 1979, making them readily available in circulated condition, though coins in higher mint state grades of MS66 or above are considered tough to obtain, with MS67 examples being quite challenging and only a couple hundred believed to exist in this grade or higher.

From a value perspective, circulated examples typically trade near face value, while certified MS65 specimens have traded for approximately $30 to $55, with one notable MS65 example realizing $3,819 at auction on January 8, 2014.

The investment appeal grows significantly with condition rarity—at the conditionally-rare grade of MS67, values can reach around $225, while MS68 grade examples represent exceptional preservation with very few specimens grading this high, valued at approximately $10,000.

The coin’s historical significance as a milestone in women’s representation, combined with certain rare characteristics and high-grade preservation challenges, contributes to its enduring numismatic appeal and evolving market value. 

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 emerged from a mid-year design modification when Mint officials worked to give the coin a better appearance by redesigning and widening the border late in 1979, creating a fascinating variety that represents only a small percentage of the 1979-P mintage.

This variety’s defining characteristic—where the date appears very close to the rim and almost touching, particularly visible with the numerals in “1979”—makes it a compelling target for variety collectors who appreciate the subtle differences in coin production.

The brief production window before reverting to the original design created significant scarcity, establishing this variety as an important piece within the Susan B. Anthony series.

In terms of valuation, certified examples in MS65 and MS66 grades trade for approximately $45 to $55, while the variety becomes especially rare in MS67, with prices hovering around $2,500. The December 2021 sale of an MS67+ specimen for $6,995 set a record for this grade, demonstrating strong collector demand among advanced registry collectors.

While these coins can be found to add to collections for reasonable prices in most grades, purchasing one in extremely high grade requires investment ranging from around $30 to several hundred dollars or more. This variety offers collectors the thrill of discovery and potential for substantial appreciation, serving as a reminder of how small design modifications can create lasting collectible value.

 

1979-D Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The Denver Mint facility produced 288,015,744 Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979, creating one of the series’ common issues in circulated grades, though finding examples graded MS67 or higher presents a significant challenge for collectors.

Circulated examples trade near face value at around $1, while mint state specimens graded MS60 typically command approximately $5. Values climb gradually to around $25 for gem MS65 specimens, but at MS67, availability declines sharply and prices rise substantially, with values reaching $350.

Despite the massive mintage, only a single coin has achieved MS68 certification across both major grading services combined, making this the sole finest-known specimen. This exceptional MS68 example realized $1,528 at auction in January 2017, demonstrating the premium placed on condition rarity at this grade level.

Coins with exceptional luster, clean surfaces, and sharp strikes can achieve high prices at auction, making top-grade specimens especially desirable to registry collectors.

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 condition.

Around 545,000 coins are thought to survive at grades MS65 and above, representing one of the easier mintages to find in gem condition, which explains why circulated examples trade at face value, while MS60 specimens command approximately $5 and MS65 examples around $30.

Only MS66 examples and higher are scarce, with probably a couple thousand examples surviving in MS66, while MS67 specimens become much fewer with probably around 400 examples surviving in this condition. The drop-off in availability happens at MS67, with coin values jumping from $65 at MS66+ to $150 at MS67, and $425 at MS67+. In MS68 they are truly scarce with less than a handful of examples known to exist and none surviving in any higher condition.

A regular strike MS68 specimen realized $5,175 at auction in 2007, while an exceptional example graded NGC Genuine achieved $15,000 in September 2021 on eBay, likely featuring an extremely rare minting error or variety.

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” mint mark, while Type 2 has a “Clear S” mint mark. All proof Susan B. Anthony dollars are Deep Cameo (DCAM), with the Type 2 Clear S being the more sought-after variety among collectors.

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

The San Francisco Mint produced 3,677,175 proof coins in 1979, with Type 1 specimens characterized by a “Filled S” mintmark that appears nearly blob-like and lacks well-defined serifs, resulting from a worn die used earlier in the production year.

All proof Susan B. Anthony dollars exhibit Deep Cameo characteristics, featuring strong contrast between reflective fields and frosted design elements.

Type 1 proof sets are worth around $8 to $10 in standard condition, though individual Type 1 proof dollars have an estimated base value of $6.18 or more. In premium grades, values increase substantially, with PR70 specimens valued around $47. The auction record for a PR70 example reached $719 in August 2001, demonstrating collector interest in flawless proof specimens.

The Type 1 variety is more common than its Type 2 counterpart, as the Mint enhanced the S mintmark later in 1979 to create the clearer “Clear S” version.

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

The Type 2 variety was produced in November and December 1979, with expert estimates suggesting approximately 20% of the total 3,677,175 proof mintage were Type 2 specimens, totaling roughly 740,000 pieces.

This variety features a much clearer “S” mintmark with distinct serifs, contrasting sharply with the earlier Type 1’s blob-like appearance, and was produced for a short time in the latter part of the year when the Mint redesigned the mintmark.

The Type 2 ranks as one of the scarcest and valuable varieties in the series, considered relatively scarce in the context of modern United States coins. In terms of grading population and values, 5,929 specimens have been certified at PR69 and 592 at PR70, with auction prices ranging from about $45 for PR69 to $110 for PR70.

The auction record for a PR70 Deep Cameo specimen reached $1,955 in May 2007, though PR70 Deep Cameo examples can fetch over $1,000 depending on market conditions. The Clear S mintmark seen on the Type 2 was also used on all 1980-S proof dollars and on the majority of 1981-S proofs.

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 coin, 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 now become highly sought-after treasures among collectors.

The value of these error coins far exceeds their face value, ranging from tens of dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the type and severity of the 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 around $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 collectible value, making it one of the most popular types among error coin collectors.

2. 1979 Layer Missing Error

The missing clad layer error occurs during the coin manufacturing process when the outer nickel alloy layer separates from the copper core due to impurities or improper bonding. This error typically appears as one or both sides of the coin displaying a copper-colored appearance rather than the normal silvery-white color. Versions with the obverse clad layer missing are particularly valuable.

Susan B. Anthony dollars are composed of a copper-nickel alloy covering a pure copper core, and the copper-colored band of the core layer can be seen from the coin’s edge. One 1979 error coin struck on a 2-gram outer clad layer that later separated from the planchet, graded AU58 by PCGS, sold at auction for $440. This type of error is extremely rare and holds significant collectible value.

3. 1979 Clipped Planchet Error

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

1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars with clipped planchet errors have a base value of approximately $25, but high-grade versions (such as MS65+ grade) can reach hundreds to $1,200 or more.

The size and shape of the notch on each clipped planchet error coin varies slightly, making each one unique. Collectors particularly favor versions with prominent clipping that are well-preserved.

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 during the impression process. These error coins typically lack a crisp rim and do not have the normal reeded edge, with the edge appearing flattened.

Broadstruck 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars are relatively scarce, with values typically ranging from $50 to $300, depending on condition and visual appeal. Due to the missing or disengaged collar, these coins have a larger diameter and distinctive appearance, making them easy to identify. High-quality broadstruck error coins are highly favored by collectors.

 

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

1. What is the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar?

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real woman, marking a historic milestone in American coinage. It was introduced as a smaller, more cost-effective alternative to the larger Eisenhower dollar. Authorized by President Jimmy Carter on October 10, 1978, the coin honored suffragist Susan B. Anthony, a champion for women’s rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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

No, the Susan B. Anthony dollar contains no silver. It is made of copper-nickel clad composition with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper, yielding a net composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. Each coin weighs 8.1 grams and has a diameter of 26.5 millimeters.

3. What is the 1979-P Wide Rim variety?

The Wide Rim, also known as the “Near Date” variety, features the date “1979” positioned much closer to the rim compared to the more common Narrow Rim version. The rim appears thicker and more rounded. In MS65 and MS66 grades, the Wide Rim has a value of about $45-$50, but at the conditionally rare grade of MS67, this value jumps to over $1,600. Approximately 25,000 to 160,000 Wide Rim coins were minted, making them much scarcer than the 200 million Narrow Rim versions.

4. What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 proof coins?

The difference lies in the mint mark style on proof coins from the San Francisco Mint. Type 1 coins have a filled, blobby “S” mintmark that appears less defined, while Type 2 coins feature a sharp, well-defined, and more attractive “S” mintmark. The Type 2 Proof 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar is worth approximately six times more than the Type 1, typically valued at $50-$80 for higher grades.