The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin holds a unique place in U.S. numismatic history. While it initially faced criticism for being too similar in size and color to a quarter, the coin has become a highly sought-after collector’s item. Some rare variants of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar coin have fetched astonishing amounts at auctions—sometimes even over $384,000! In this article, we’ll explore the value of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, its different varieties, and what makes certain versions extremely valuable.
Historical Significance of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin was issued to honor Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement. It was the first time a woman (as opposed to a symbolic figure) appeared on U.S. currency. While the coin was minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999, its brief production life did not diminish its legacy among coin collectors. Over the years, rare versions of the coin, especially those with specific mint marks or design features, have increased in value and demand.
Specifications of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin
- Designer: Frank Gasparro
- First Year of Issue: 1979
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: 8.1 grams
Despite its relatively short production period, the coin remains one of the most recognizable pieces in U.S. coinage.
Identifying the Valuable 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin
Certain versions of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin have become rare and highly valuable due to their unique characteristics, including different mint marks and limited edition varieties. Understanding these subtle differences can help you determine whether your coin is a rare find.
Mint Marks and Their Corresponding Value
- 1979-P (Philadelphia)
- Mintage: Approximately 360 million
- Common Value: $1.05–$5 (circulated)
- High-Grade MS67+ Value: $50–$250
- Rare Variant: 1979-P Wide Rim/Near Date
- Value: $500–$2,000+ (MS65+)
- 1979-D (Denver)
- Mintage: Approximately 288 million
- Common Value: $1.05–$3
- High-Grade MS67+ Value: $100–$500
- 1979-S (San Francisco – Proof)
- Mintage: Approximately 3.7 million
- Type 1 (Filled “S”): $10–$25
- Type 2 (Clear “S”): $30–$250
- Deep Cameo PR70: $1,000+
Rare Varieties of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin
Several variants of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin are particularly valuable:
1. Wide Rim / Near Date Variant
- This variation of the 1979-P coin features a wider rim and the date closer to the edge. It’s considered a distinct and rare version, making it highly valuable.
2. Proof Type 2 (Clear “S”) Variant
- Coins from the San Francisco Mint are known for their sharp mintmark. The Type 2 variant, with a clearly defined “S” mintmark, is rarer and more desirable than the blurry Type 1 version.
Grading and Valuation of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin
The condition of your 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin can significantly impact its value. Coins that are graded MS67 or higher, especially by professional grading services such as PCGS or NGC, command premium prices.
Grading Scale:
- AU-50: Slight wear, nearly uncirculated
- MS-60: Uncirculated but dull or marked
- MS-65: Strong luster, minimal marks
- MS-67+: Exceptional luster and strike (premium prices)
- PR70 DCAM: Perfect proof with deep cameo (top-tier investment)
Record Auction Prices:
- 1979-P Wide Rim (MS67) sold for $1,527 in 2007.
- 1979-S Type 2 Proof (PR70) fetched $1,000+ in 2022.
- 1979-D High Grade (MS68) sold for $2,250 in 2016.
- Ultra-Rare Mint Errors have sold for up to $384,000.
How to Spot a Valuable 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin
To determine whether your 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin is a valuable variant, follow this simple guide:
- Check the Mint Mark: Look for a “P”, “D”, or “S” beneath the date.
- Look for the Wide Rim or Near Date: This is a rare variant, especially for the 1979-P coin.
- Examine the Proof Type: The Type 2 “S” mintmark is much clearer than the Type 1.
- Grading: Coins graded MS67 or higher are more valuable.
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Error Coins and Their Value
Error coins can increase the value of your 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin significantly. Look out for the following types of minting errors:
- Off-Center Strikes
- Double Dies
- Wrong Planchet Errors
- Clipped Planchets
These errors can elevate the value of your coin to anywhere from $10,000 to $384,000, depending on the type of error and the coin’s condition.
Investing in the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin
If you’re looking to invest in the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin, consider the following:
- Storage: Use air-tite capsules or graded slabs to protect your coin from damage.
- Authentication: Only purchase coins that are certified by reputable services like PCGS or NGC.
- Market Trends: Interest in these coins continues to grow as they gain historical significance and become more scarce.
- Diversify: Including rare variants like Wide Rim, Type 2 Proofs, and error coins can add value to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin worth more than $100?
- High-grade coins (MS67+), rare variants like the Wide Rim, and error coins can significantly increase the coin’s value.
- Are all 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollars valuable?
- No. Most of these coins are worth their face value unless they are rare variants, high-grade coins, or error coins.
- How can I get my coin graded?
- You can submit your coin to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. Grading fees typically range from $20 to $50 per coin.
Conclusion: The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin – A Hidden Treasure
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin may not be the most famous coin in U.S. history, but its rarer versions and minting errors have made it a hidden treasure for collectors and investors alike. With proper research, authentication, and grading, you might just find yourself holding a coin worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
Have you checked your coin jar lately? Your next rare find could be a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin!
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