1979 Susan B Anthony Silver Dollar Coin Value: Is Yours Rare?

1979 Susan B Anthony dollar value ranges from $1.00 face value to $15,000. That record was set by a San Francisco (1979-S) example graded 68, sold on eBay in September 2021 — and despite the “silver dollar” nickname, not one of these coins contains any silver at all. What separates a $1 coin from a four-figure one is condition, mint mark, and a few scarce varieties.

Upload a photo of yours below for a quick value range. Then scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what your coin is fetching today.

 

1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value By Variety

This chart shows what each 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar variety is worth across different grades — regular strikes from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, plus 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 coin sitting at the top of this list is a 1979-S graded MS68 that brought $15,000. That’s fifteen grand for a coin most people think is worth a buck. The runner-up? A 1979-P Wide Rim at $6,995.

The Wide Rim variety exists because Philadelphia tweaked the rim design mid-year, then went back to the original. Very few were made. PCGS shows only 2 coins at MS67+ with zero graded higher — that’s a top-pop coin with nowhere to go. The Type 2 proofs carry their own premium thanks to a sharper, cleaner mintmark punch that replaced the mushy “Filled S” late in 1979.

Why do MS67 and MS68 examples command such crazy multiples? Because these coins got beaten up. The public confused them with quarters, tossed them around, and generally treated them like pocket change. Finding one that survived in near-perfect condition is a completely different kind of rare. Add in the short production run (1979–1981, plus a one-off in 1999) and you’ve got a recipe for serious premiums at the top of the grading scale.

 

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 tanked with the public within days. Newspapers, including the Jacksonville Journal Courier, published critical pieces almost immediately after the July 2 launch. People kept confusing it with the quarter — same size, same color. Even Treasury Secretary W. Michael Blumenthal had opposed the coin on political grounds. The government spent only about $600,000 promoting it — compare that 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. Nobody wanted them. 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 sitting on 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?

Here’s what trips people up: the regular Philadelphia and Denver strikes had enormous mintages, but the Wide Rim variety — struck from the exact same total production run — survives in only about 20,000 to 25,000 collectible pieces. Same coin, same year, same mint, but a completely different kind of rare. The Type 2 Clear S proof is another sleeper, representing just 20% of San Francisco’s proof output. If you’re not checking your mintmark style and rim width, you could be sitting on real money without knowing it.

Use the Coin Identifier and Value 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 kicked off the series, which ran from 1979 to 1981 before getting shelved due to public backlash, then came back briefly in 1999. It replaced the bulky Eisenhower dollar and made history as the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a real woman — not an allegorical figure.

The Obverse of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

You’ll see a right-facing portrait of Susan B. Anthony in a high-necked blouse with her hair pulled back into a bun. Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro designed it — he considered it the most important work of his career. He worked from six surviving photos of Anthony, settling on her appearance at around age 50. His early sketches were apparently too flattering; Anthony’s niece said they were “too pretty,” and the Commission of Fine Arts pushed for a sterner, older look.

“LIBERTY” runs across the top, the date sits at the bottom, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in small letters to the right of Anthony’s chin. Thirteen five-pointed stars circle inside the rim — seven left, six right — with the right-side stars split into two groups of three by the motto.

Look at the rim itself. Instead of traditional denticles, you’ll see smooth angular line segments forming an 11-sided polygon (a hendecagon). The mint mark (P, D, or S) sits just above Anthony’s right shoulder. Flip the coin and look at the obverse again — Gasparro’s initials “FG” appear just below her left shoulder.

The Reverse of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

Flip it over and you’ll find the Apollo 11 mission insignia — an eagle landing on the Moon clutching an olive branch. It’s a scaled-down version of the Eisenhower dollar reverse. Earth hangs in the background above the lunar surface.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” wraps around the upper rim against the blackness of space. “ONE DOLLAR” appears at the bottom over the Moon’s landscape. Thirteen stars arc around the eagle — nine to the left of the wing, four to the right. Gasparro’s “FG” initials show up again below the eagle’s tail feathers.

Other Features of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar

The 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar measures 26.5 millimeters across and weighs 8.1 grams. It’s clad — outer layers of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel over a pure Copper core, giving a net composition of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. No silver whatsoever.

The edge is reeded, just like a quarter or dime. That silvery color and similar size to the Washington quarter is exactly why everyone confused the two in circulation. One more thing to check on Philadelphia coins: the 1979-P comes in two rim varieties — Narrow Rim (Far Date) and Wide Rim (Near Date). The Wide Rim is considerably scarcer and worth real money.

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

 

1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 1979 launch year was massive — over 757 million coins across three facilities. Philadelphia struck 360,222,000, Denver produced 288,015,744, and San Francisco minted 109,576,000 for circulation. The Mint had 500 million coins stockpiled before the July 2, 1979 release, expecting huge demand that never showed up.

The survival numbers tell the real story. Regular Philadelphia and Denver coins have survival rates above 95% because banks kept enormous quantities sitting in vaults — they never even hit cash registers. That’s roughly 200 million Philly coins still around. San Francisco business strikes survive at about 91%, with around 100 million pieces extant.

Now here’s the number that matters to cherrypickers: the Wide Rim variety shares the same total mintage as the Narrow Rim, but only about 20,000 to 25,000 collectible examples survive. That’s a tiny fraction. On the proof side, San Francisco made 3,677,175 proofs in two types. Type 1 (Filled S) shows 60.75% survival versus just 20.25% for Type 2 (Clear S) — collectors snapped up the Type 2s and held onto them.

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

 

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

Getting an accurate value on your 1979 SBA dollar means nailing down the mint mark, rim variety (Wide Rim vs. Narrow Rim), and proof type. That’s tough if you haven’t handled many of these. The price gap is huge — face value for common circulated pieces, over $6,000 for a top-grade Wide Rim.

The Coin Identifier and Value 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)

Six varieties, six very different price tags. Philadelphia gave us both the common Narrow Rim and the scarce Wide Rim. Denver struck standard business strikes. San Francisco contributed circulation coins plus two proof types separated by mintmark clarity. A raw Narrow Rim might buy you a candy bar. A slabbed Wide Rim in MS67 could pay your mortgage for a month.

 

1979-P Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

Most people don’t realize this was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real woman. That historical milestone still drives collector interest today. Philadelphia struck over 360 million of these in 1979, so circulated examples are everywhere at face value. But here’s the catch — the bulk of that mintage sat in Federal Reserve vaults for years. Many survivors technically never saw a cash register.

The real action starts at MS66 and above. MS67 examples are genuinely tough — only a couple hundred are believed to exist at that grade or higher. Circulated coins trade near face value. Certified MS65 specimens sell for approximately $30 to $55, with one notable Heritage Auctions MS65 example realizing $3,819 on January 8, 2014. At MS67, you’re looking at around $225. The few MS68 coins known 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.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 3 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

1979-P Wide Rim Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

Can you tell the difference between a $1 coin and a $7,000 coin just by looking at the rim? With this variety, you can. The 1979-P Wide Rim (also called “Near Date”) is the most sought-after circulation strike in the entire SBA series. It was created when Mint officials widened the border late in 1979 to improve the coin’s look, then reverted to the original design.

Here’s how to spot it: on the Wide Rim, the date “1979” sits very close to the rim — the “9” nearly touches it. On the standard Narrow Rim, there’s a clear gap between the date and the edge. Once you see the difference side by side, you’ll never miss it again.

That short production window left only an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 collectible examples. PCGS shows just 2 coins at MS67+ with zero graded higher — absolute top-pop territory. Certified MS65 and MS66 examples trade for approximately $45 to $55. MS67 jumps to around $2,500. The all-time record was set in December 2021 when an MS67+ specimen brought $6,995 at Heritage Auctions, beating the PCGS price guide by approximately 8%. Registry set collectors drove that price.

 

1979-D Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

Here’s a question worth asking: what happens when only one coin in the entire world holds the top grade? That’s the situation with the 1979-D. Denver struck 288,015,744 pieces, making circulated examples about as common as pocket lint. But a single coin has reached MS68 across both PCGS and NGC combined.

Circulated examples trade near face value around $1. MS60 runs approximately $5. Gem MS65 specimens bring around $25, and MS67 climbs to approximately $350. That lone MS68 — from the famed Mile High Collection — sold for $1,528 at Heritage Auctions in January 2017. I think that was a steal, considering PCGS guides the grade at $10,000. If it ever crosses the block again, condition rarity specialists will be all over it.

The auction record chart below tracks how Denver Mint specimens have performed across various grades.

Market activity data shows steady collector demand for high-quality examples from this massive mintage.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Oct 2026 — unchanged since Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1979-S Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

Don’t overlook the San Francisco business strikes. At 109,576,000 coins, the mintage is the lowest of the three mints — but that’s still over a hundred million pieces, so anything below MS66 is easy to find. Around 545,000 coins survive at MS65 and above, which is why gem examples trade for only around $30.

The real scarcity kicks in at MS66 and higher. Roughly a couple thousand survive in MS66, and about 400 in MS67. Prices jump from $65 at MS66+ to $150 at MS67 and $425 at MS67+. In MS68, fewer than a handful have ever been certified. A regular strike MS68 brought $5,175 at Heritage Auctions in 2007. Then in September 2021, an NGC-certified MS68 hit $15,000 on eBay — the highest price ever paid for any 1979 SBA dollar.

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

Market activity data confirms ongoing collector interest in high-grade examples from this mintage.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 3 points from Jul 2026. 12-month peak: 56 (Aug 2026).

 

1979-S Proof DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The 1979-S Proof DCAM comes in two flavors, and telling them apart is all about the mintmark. Type 1 has a “Filled S” that looks like a blob — the loops and serifs are mushy from a worn die. Type 2 has a crisp, sharp “S” with clean serifs. Both types show Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast — frosty raised devices against mirror-like fields — making them eye-catching pieces even at lower grades.

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

This is the common proof variety. San Francisco produced 3,677,175 proof coins in 1979, and the Type 1 specimens — identified by that blob-like “Filled S” mintmark — came from worn dies used earlier in the production year.

Type 1 proof sets run around $8 to $10 in standard condition. Individual Type 1 proof dollars carry a base value of around $6 or more. At PR70 — a perfect grade — specimens are valued around $47. The auction record for a PR70 hit $719 in August 2001, proving that even the more common proof type has a ceiling worth chasing.

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

If you bought a 1979 proof set late in the year — November or December — you might be holding the good one. The Type 2 represents approximately 20% of the total 3,677,175 proof mintage, roughly 740,000 pieces. Look for a sharp, well-defined “S” with visible serifs. Night-and-day difference from the Type 1 blob. This same mintmark punch was later used on all 1980-S proof dollars and most 1981-S proofs.

We consider this one of the most underrated varieties in the SBA series. The certified population shows 5,929 specimens at PR69 and 592 at PR70. Current prices run about $45 for PR69 and $110 for PR70. The all-time record for a PR70 Deep Cameo hit $1,955 in May 2007, and top PR70 examples can still break $1,000 depending on market timing.

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

 

Rare 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Error List

The 1979 SBA dollar produced some genuinely exciting error coins during its first-year production run. While most of these dollars are worth face value, certain minting mistakes turned ordinary coins into four-figure collectibles. Values range from a few tens of dollars to thousands, depending on error type and severity. One important rule: always get a suspected error authenticated and graded by PCGS or NGC before you try to sell it.

1. 1979 Off-Center Struck Error

This happens when the blank isn’t centered between the dies during striking. You get a partial design with a crescent-shaped blank area along the edge. Pretty hard to miss once you see one.

Coins struck 5% to 10% off-center are valued at approximately $150 to $500. Over 20% off-center? You’re looking at $800 or more. One San Francisco specimen struck 75% off-center, graded MS64 by PCGS, sold at auction for $1,000. The bigger the miss, the bigger the premium — that’s what makes these so fun to hunt for.

2. 1979 Layer Missing Error

When the outer copper-nickel cladding separates from the pure copper core during manufacturing, you get a coin that’s copper-colored on one side instead of silvery-white. It’s immediately obvious — one face looks like a penny.

One 1979 error struck on a 2-gram outer clad layer that later separated, graded AU58 by PCGS, sold at auction for $440. Obverse-missing examples are especially prized. This error is extremely rare and easy to spot, which makes it a favorite among error collectors.

3. 1979 Clipped Planchet Error

During the blank-cutting process, sometimes the punch overlaps a previously cut hole, leaving a curved bite out of the coin’s edge. Every clip is slightly different in size and shape, so each one is unique.

Base examples start at around $25. High-grade versions (MS65 and above) can reach hundreds to $1,200 or more. Collectors especially like prominent clips on well-preserved coins — the bigger and cleaner the bite, the better.

4. 1979 Broadstruck Error

When the retaining collar isn’t in place during striking, the metal spreads outward beyond normal diameter. No crisp rim, no reeded edge — just a flat, flared coin that’s visibly wider than it should be. You can identify these by shape alone.

Broadstruck 1979 SBA dollars are relatively scarce, valued at $50 to $300 depending on condition and eye appeal. A PCGS-certified MS65 example of a 1979-P broadstruck on a Type-1 blank has appeared at GreatCollections auction, showing active demand for these.

5. 1979 Wrong Planchet Error

This is the big one. A wrong planchet error means a blank intended for a different denomination got fed into the dollar press. The most famous example is the 1979-P struck on a quarter planchet — smaller, thinner, with 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) is another extreme version. One 1979 SBA struck on a dime planchet sold at auction for $10,062.50 in 2004. Fakes exist, so always verify with PCGS or NGC before buying or selling.

6. 1979 Die Clash Error

A die clash happens when the obverse and reverse dies smack together with no coin between them. Each die picks up a ghostly impression of the other’s design. On a 1979-D, you might spot faint outlines of the eagle or Moon/Earth transferred onto Anthony’s portrait side.

A 1979-D with a strong die clash has sold for $440 or more in AU58 condition. Grab a loupe and good lighting — look for faint, backwards lettering or design outlines that don’t belong on that side of the coin. These are great cherrypicking targets at coin shows.

 

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 examples are worth face value — $1.00. Over 757 million were minted that year, so they’re not hard to find. Uncirculated (MS60) coins typically sell for $5 to $15, and certified MS65 specimens trade for $25 to $55 depending on mint mark. At the top end, MS68 examples from Philadelphia or Denver are valued at approximately $10,000 each. Only a single MS68 exists 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. Zero silver content. It’s copper-nickel clad — outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core, netting about 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. If someone tries to sell you a “silver” 1979 SBA, it’s either fake, gold-plated (worth $2 to $10 as a novelty), or an extremely rare mint error struck on a leftover silver planchet. If that last one is genuine and authenticated, it could be worth $1,000 or more.

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

It’s all in the mintmark. Type 1 has a blob-like, filled “S” — no clear loops or serifs — from a worn die used early in 1979. Type 2 has a sharp “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’s 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?

Wrong planchet strikes top the list. A 1979 SBA struck on a dime planchet sold for $10,062.50 at a 2004 auction. Quarter planchet strikes (smaller diameter, overlapping designs) can sell for $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on condition. Off-center strikes of 20% or more fetch $800+, and a 75%-off-center San Francisco example 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?

The government ignored its own research. The RTI recommended in 1976 that a new dollar coin needed a distinct color, unique edge, and aggressive marketing. The Mint followed none of that advice. The coin looked and felt like a quarter. The $1 paper bill stayed in circulation, giving people a choice — and they chose paper every time. 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?

Representative Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH) and Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin pushed the legislation that mandated the switch from an allegorical Liberty to a real woman. They had backing from the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Congresswomen’s Caucus. Other candidates included Harriet Tubman, Abigail Adams, and Georgia Neese Clarke Gray. Anthony won out.

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

Never. Cleaning destroys value. PCGS and NGC graders spot cleaning instantly — hairlines under magnification, unnatural luster — and the coin gets a “details” grade that sells for a fraction of an original example. Even a dirty, toned coin in original condition beats a cleaned one every time. Handle by the edges, store in airtight holders, and leave conservation to the professionals.

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

Genuine errors happen during minting, before the coin leaves the facility. Post-mint damage happens in circulation. Look for consistent design elements on the wrong planchet, a weight noticeably different from the standard 8.1 grams, or off-center designs with full reeding and clean edges. Circulation damage — bent edges, gouges, scratches — tends to be uneven and rough. When in doubt, submit to PCGS or NGC. The grading fee ($20–$50+) is worth it if you might be holding a genuine error worth hundreds.

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

Depends on what you’ve got. Common circulated coins and standard MS60–MS64 pieces? Probably not worth the $20–$50+ grading fee. But you should seriously consider submitting if your coin looks MS65 or higher (bright, unmarked, full original luster), is a Wide Rim variety in any uncirculated grade, appears to be a 1979-S Type 2 proof in PR68 or better, or shows signs of a minting error. Slabbed coins from PCGS or NGC consistently sell for 20–40% more than raw coins because buyers trust the authentication and grade.