The 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value: The Definitive View

Dollar coins have a long minting history, and each period of coinage reflects the current situation in the country. In 1979, the US Mint made a historic shift when it introduced the Susan B Anthony dollar coin, i.e., the first American coin to feature a real woman. What could it tell, though? Indeed, this is the greatest indicator of legacy and impact that once was meant to occur. 

The value of 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar makes the majority of numismatists wonder how collectible this item can be and what potential it has to bear. To answer these questions and identify the coins’ significance, we have compiled material that transparently introduces the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar errors, their characteristics, rare varieties, and their worth. Coins are amusing, but what do they hide? 

The Life and Legacy of Susan B. Anthony

Susan B. Anthony was one of the leading supporters of social reform and women's rights as well as a crucial contributor to the American suffrage fight. Anthony was born in Adams, Massachusetts, on February 15, 1820, and grew up in a Quaker home that valued social justice and equality.

In the middle of the 1800s, Anthony partnered with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and this relationship was meant to propel the suffrage movement for many years. Together, they planned political campaigns, delivered empowering speeches, and developed political strategies to advance women's suffrage for good. She felt that as long as women were not allowed to have a say in how their country was shaped, the democratic ideals were not fully realized, and this was to be changed soon.

The fight for women's rights was the most crucial part of her life. Nevertheless, she could not witness the 19th Amendment's ratification in 1920, which gave women the right to vote. All in all, it was Anthony's work that could prepare the environment for such a monumental moment.

Related article: The Most Valuable Dime Error List 

General Overview of the 1979 Dollar Coin

Before we delve deeper into the 1979 one dollar coin value, it is vital to define the main characteristics of the instance. The coin of Susan B. Anthony initially served two main purposes, i.e., the commemoration of such a significant figure and the replacement of the larger Eisenhower dollar with a smaller, more useful size. However, the public was at first confused because of this alteration. 

Despite the public's mixed viewpoints, the 1979 dollar coin is still a decent collectible that honors one of America's most significant leaders in the battle for equality. Power is in detail.

Mintage Figures and Types by Mint

1979 P Susan B Anthony Dollar

Produced by: Philadelphia Mint

Mintage: 360,222,000

Auction Record: $6,995 for MS67+ (Wide Rim variety)

This was the first of the series, a heavily circulated creation of two main rim types: the Narrow Rim (Far Date) and the Wide Rim (Near Date). The Narrow Rim is more common, while the Wide Rim variety, where the date appears closer to the rim, is considerably scarcer and more valuable, especially in higher mint state grades.

1979 D Susan B Anthony Dollar

Produced by: Denver Mint

Mintage: 288,015,744

Auction Record: $12,250 for MS68

The Denver Mint’s 1979 issue is among the most common in the series in circulated grades. However, finding examples that are graded MS67 or higher is a challenge. Coins with exceptional luster, clean surfaces, and sharp strikes can achieve high prices at auction, making top-grade specimens especially desirable to registry collectors.

1979 S Susan B Anthony Dollar

Produced by: San Francisco Mint

Mintage: 109,576,000

Auction Record: $5,550 for MS68

Although San Francisco is known for striking proof coins, it also produced a large number of regular-strike Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979. These entered general circulation, and while lower-grade examples are common, high-grade uncirculated pieces with strong strikes and minimal marks can be surprisingly valuable and somewhat harder to locate.

1979 S Susan B Anthony Dollar DCAM (Proof)

Produced by: San Francisco Mint

Mintage: 3,677,175

Auction Record: $1,955 for PR70

At first, the most reputable auction platforms may present more or less unpleasant information for numismatists. This proof coin was specifically minted for collectors and exhibits strong Deep Cameo contrast between mirrored fields and frosted devices. It comes in two subtypes, i.e., Type 1, which features a blob-like or filled S mintmark, and Type 2, which displays a clearer and more sharply defined S. 

The Type 2 proof is notably scarce and represents one of the most sought-after coins in the entire Susan B. Anthony series, though its price is not extremely high.

What About Susan B Anthony Coin Errors? 

In fact, the 1979 SBA1$ coins involve a few more noteworthy flaws that draw the attention of collectors to these instances. These include clipped planchets, which happen when an area of the coin's edge is absent or "clipped", and off-center strikes when the design seems to be misaligned as a result of a minting error. Each 1979 one dollar coin error can boost the appeal of this series.

1979 SBA$1 – Coin Blob Error

Auction Record: $2,299

This error features an unusual blob-like deformity on the coin's surface, often caused by excessive die wear or debris on the die. To be more precise, these can obscure parts of the design or lettering, creating a distorted appearance. While visually striking, the rarity and severity of the deformity greatly influence value. 

1979-P SBA$1 – Narrow Rim Far Date Struck Through Grease

Action Record: Approx. $300

The reason for such a deviation can be as follows: grease or debris fills the die, causing parts of the design to appear weak or missing. Combined with the Narrow Rim (Far Date) variety, this specific coin presents a double point of interest: a common rim type paired with a minting flaw. Though not rare at all, examples in good condition can attract attention and modest premiums from collectors of error coins.

Note: Auction records listed here represent the highest known sale prices, which often result from bidding wars between collectors. While they display the potential value of a coin in a competitive market, they should not be viewed as standard or typical prices. Real-world value tends to be lower and depends on factors like condition, demand, and timing.

How Much Is a 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Worth?

The most intriguing part is one dollar coin 1979 value. So, how much is a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar worth? As a rule, the 1979 SBA$1 typically has a moderate value when in circulation, and the majority of coins in circulation are usually given the price of $1 and $3. On the other hand, the value of uncirculated (mint) condition can be significantly increased and equal anywhere from $5 to $15.

As for the error values, the scarcity of these instances plays a crucial role. Additional value is also associated with San Francisco Mint (S) proof coins, especially the “Clear S” variant, which may range in price from $50 to $150, depending on their state.

Commemoration of Women’s Suffrage at Its Best

Sometimes, coins serve as the most efficient and artful way to commemorate historical figures and invest. Although the Susan B Anthony Coin 1979 value is usually low, high-grade coins and exceptional variants make this series a fascinating collectible. 

For those who wish to learn even more about this coin, we recommend that they pay special attention to the Coin ID Scanner app, i.e., an excellent resource for collectors who are eager to identify or learn more about peculiar numismatic creations, e.g., silver dimes, etc. Take a photo of your coin or type in its name in the app's search bar, detect coin attributes, and study the distinctive qualities with ease from now on.

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