1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value: are "P", "D", "S" mint mark worth money? (2024)

Are you a coin collector or just curious about the 1979 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar coin? Well, you’re in luck because this piece outlines all you need to know about this spectacular coin. Namely, it touches on its details, value chart, history, grading, and errors, among others.

So, let’s get started!

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Details

This part will examine what distinguishes this currency from other US coins.

Let’s begin with the coin’s front, or what’s referred to as the “heads” side. The well-known American social reformer and advocate for women’s rights, Susan B. Anthony, is depicted here in a right-facing bust profile.

The word “LIBERTY” is engraved all over and around the coin. Additionally, you can read the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” in reduced font size on Anthony’s chin’s opposite side. Around the coin’s bottom is engraved the year of issuance, 1979.

Let’s now discuss the edge of the coin. There are stars imprinted all over it, as you’ll see. The borders of the inner rim are reeded and form an 11-sided polygonal shape. On the left side of the coin, over Anthony’s shoulder, is the mint mark, which identifies the location where the currency was minted. In accordance with the mint from where the currency was produced, the 1979 dollar coins were either marked D (for Denver), P (for Philadelphia), or S (for San Francisco).

A sinistral-facing eagle holding a laurel in its talons is depicted on the coin’s “tails” side of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar. In an allusion to the moon landing of Apollo 11, the eagle is seen making a symbolic landing on the moon.

You could see Earth with a map of North America engraved on it if you look over the bald head of the eagle. And the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are etched over and around the coin’s edge. The Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is imprinted beneath that, in a smaller font; it was the first suggested motto for the US Great Seal and means ”One from Many.” It stands for the nation’s determination to unite its numerous states into one.

The denomination ‘ONE DOLLAR’ is engraved on the bottom of the coin and along the edge. Finally, thirteen stars surround the coin, enveloping the eagle. All of these peculiarities make it a thrilling and one-of-a-kind coin to add to your collection.

To the technicalities! The exterior layer of the coin is made up of 91.67% copper, and the rest is 8.33% nickel. However, it boasts an all-copper inner core, further distinguishing this coin as special.

Each coin weighs 8.1 g and measures 26.5 mm in diameter. Furthermore, some 1979 dollar coins feature blob mint markings that are typically invisible to the human eye. Learning about these blobs can help you identify valuable 1979-dollar coins. Overall, it’s worth looking for these distinguishing characteristics when looking for this coin — who knows; you might come across a valuable one someday!

Below is a summary of the coin’s information:

• Category: Anthony Dollars (1979–1999)
• Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
• Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (8.3% Nickel, balanced Copper)
• Weight: 8.1 g
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Edge: Reeded

Also Read: Top 21 Most Valuable 2000 P Sacagawea Dollar Coin Worth Money

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Value Chart

The table below summarizes the various values ascribed to different grades and mint marks:

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value and Varieties Guides

Here, we discuss in detail the corresponding values of the various 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar coin varieties:

The 1979 “D” Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value

• Category: Anthony Dollars (1979-1999)
• Mint: Denver
• Mint Mark: D
• Mintage: 288,015,744
• Face Value: 1 dollar
• $ Price: $2 to 1,950 (NGC)
• Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel Center — 100% Copper
• Weight: 8.1 g
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The Denver mint issued the 1979-D dollar coin, which bears a “D” mintmark. Numismatic experts believe it’s less valuable than other Susan B. Anthony dollar coins from the same year, owing to the lack of distinctive variants or mistakes. However, it’s still regarded as precious, with an exceedingly fine quality currently valued at around $2.

1979 “P” Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value

• Category: Anthony Dollars (1979–1999)
• Mint: Philadelphia
• Mintage: 360,222,000
• Face Value: 1 dollar
• $ Price: $2 to $1,450 (NGC)
• Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel Center — 100% Copper
• Weight: 8.1 g
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The 1979 P Susan B. Anthony dollar coin is a one-dollar coin minted by the United States Philadelphia Mint between 1979 and 1981 and again in 1999. It’s made of a copper-nickel alloy with a weight of 8.1 g and a diameter of 26.5 mm.

The value of the coin is primarily determined by its condition. An uncirculated coin can be worth $1,450, while a circulated coin is generally valued between $1.05 and $1.35. The value can also change based on factors such as rarity and demand.

The 1979 “S” Susan B. Anthony Value

• Category: Anthony Dollars (1979–1999)
• Mint: San Francisco
• Mintage: 109,576,000
• $ Price: $130 (NGC)
• Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center
• Weight: 8.1 g
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Edge: Reeded

Above Anthony’s right shoulder is the “S” mint mark on this special coin produced in the San Francisco Mint. Normally, this facility only produces proof coins, which are unique coins designed for collectors and struck using a superior minting technique.

However, it was not until 1979 that they introduced the commercial variety. The truth is, though not very common, it’s still possible to find a superb uncirculated coin in a mint set. You might also be interested to know that a 1979-S dollar coin in the uncirculated condition is presently worth $2.28.

The 1979 “P” Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Value

• Category: Anthony Dollars (1979–1999)
• Mint: Philadelphia
• Mintage: 360,222,000
• $ Price: $2,500 (NGC)
• Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure copper center
• Weight: 8.1 g
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The Philadelphia Mint committed an error in 1979, producing two types of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins, one of which is known as the “wide-rim” variation. It got its moniker from how the year 1979 is stamped — abnormally near the rim.

This coin is remarkable in that it was exclusively produced at the Philadelphia Mint rather than the Denver or San Francisco Mints. The US Mint also issued a collector set of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which featured a couple of the 1979 wide-rim versions.

Nonetheless, they’re deemed scarce, hence boasting more value. A circulating 1979-P wide-rim coin is worth between $6 and $10, depending on its condition. If you’re lucky enough to find an uncirculated one, it’s worth a tidy sum of $67.

The 1979 “S” Type 1 & 2 Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value

• Category: Anthony Dollars (1979–1999)
• Mint: San Francisco
• Mintage: 3,677,175
• Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure copper center
• Weight: 8.1 g
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The Susan B. Anthony dollar coin from 1979-S has a noteworthy past. Coin grading firms have designated the first set of coins struck as 1979-S proof type 1. Among collectors, it’s regarded as an “error coin” since the San Francisco Mint used an old die that caused the coin’s S mint mark to appear hazy.

Upon realization, the mint switched to a fresh die, resulting in coins with a clearer S mint mark. The new coin is known as the 1979-S proof type 2 and features pronounced serifs at the top and bottom of the S.

It’s unknown how many of these Susan B. Anthony type 2 proofs are in circulation, but what we know for sure is that they’re scarcer than Type 1 proofs and, as a result, are worth more. Due to its intriguing history and high value, the 1979-S proof type 2 coin, which has a market value of $55, is an interesting addition to any coin collector’s collection.

Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Morgan Dollars Worth Money

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar History

A dollar coin honoring Susan B. Anthony was produced in the United States from 1979 through 1981 and once more in 1999. It has an important place in history since it features Susan B. Anthony—a pioneer of the women’s suffrage movement—as the first real-life woman on a US coin.

When the coin was first introduced in 1979, it was meant to replace the small-sized dollar coin in circulation for over a century. The idea behind it was to create a coin that’d be more compact and better suited for vending machines and other coin-operated devices, which had difficulty accepting the larger and heavier Eisenhower dollar coin that had been in circulation since 1971.

Frank Gasparro, who was at the time the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, spearheaded the coin design. In an attempt to symbolize the power and unity of the country, he decided to depict Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an eagle and shield on the reverse.

Unfortunately, the coin didn’t gain much popularity among the public. Many found the coin’s design unattractive, and it was often mistaken for a quarter due to its similar size and color.

Additionally, many people were unaware of the coin’s significance of the coin and the subject portrayed on it. As a result, the coin didn’t see widespread use and soon disappeared from circulation. Interestingly, the US Mint continued to produce the coin through 1981, but it wasn’t put back into general circulation. In 1999, the coin was briefly reissued for collectors, but it wasn’t as popular as it was supposed to be.

Today, these coins are considered collectibles; their value depends on their condition and rarity. Coins in good condition or with errors, such as “mule” coins, are precious to collectors.

The Susan B. Anthony dollar coin may not have been successful when it was first introduced. However, it remains an integral part of American coinage history and is still sought-after by collectors. So, the next time you come across a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, take a moment to appreciate its history and significance.

1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Grading

Grading is a crucial aspect of coin collecting as it determines the condition of a coin and its value. Coins can come in different grades, like “uncirculated,” indicating the coin has never been used and is in the best condition, or “poor,” indicating the worst condition.

This video explains how to know the grade of your coin. This post also explains the concept of coin grading and the various existing grades in detail.

Lists of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Coin Errors

Have you ever found a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar with an error? While most of these coins were made without significant flaws, some errors are worth looking out for.

These notable errors include:

1. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Coin Clipped Planchet Error

These errors happen when a portion of the metal planchet from one side of the coin is missing before it’s struck. In case you weren’t aware, these errors are actually rather valuable and uncommon.

If there’s a clipped planchet error, a Susan B. Anthony dollar may be worth up to $25. Keep an eye out for these small gems, and you might just find one.

2. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Multiple Strikes Error

A multiple-strike error happens when several designs of the same type appear on a coin. These errors occur when a planchet becomes trapped in the press and is repeatedly struck.

Coins with this error are expensive; they cost at least $500. However, note that this isn’t a ”doubled die error,” which is produced during the die-making process due to the die sporting a double of the design that’s later imprinted on each coin it strikes.

3. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Blank Planchet Error

A Susan B. Anthony Dollar with an undesignated planchet is known as a blank planchet error. These errors are valued as being worth at least $100.

If you encounter a coin you’re unsure of, which happens to be a Susan B. Anthony dollar, it’s likely a blank planchet error. When purchasing such error coins, you must, however, make sure you’re doing so from a respectable coin dealer.

4. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Broadstrike Error

Broad strikes happen when the collar doesn’t contain the coin during striking, causing the coin to be flattened and not have a formed rim.

Susan B. Anthony dollar broad strikes generally lack a well-defined rim and don’t have reeded edges. These errors are considered valuable, costing $50 to $100.

5. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Off-Center Strikes

Off-center 1979 Susan B. Anthony coins are incredibly uncommon. Depending on how far off-center the strike is—most surfaces have at minimum a 5–10% off-center strike—it can cost anywhere from $150 to $500 or more.

6. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Wrong Planchet Errors

Wrong planchet errors occur when a design from a different denomination of a physically larger coin is used to strike a coin of a lower value. For the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, the design might have been struck on planchets from the Jefferson nickel, Lincoln cent, Roosevelt dime, Sacagawea dollar, or the Washington quarter.

Even though they don’t happen often, these errors can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For instance, a 1999-P Susan B. Anthony dollar minted on a Sacagawea dollar planchet sold in 2020 for $16,800, while a 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar struck on a dime planchet sold at auction in 2004 for $10,062.50.

1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value FAQ

How do you know if you have a rare 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar coin?

There are several ways to go about this. For example, You could check to see if the coin has a date very close to the edge and whether the width of the number “1” in the date is the same as the width of the rim. The former is known as the Near Date variety and is usually worth more. Additionally, the United States Mint made collector sets of the Susan B. Anthony dollar that include a Near Date variety, so you should be on the lookout for these.

Are there any valuable 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars?

Yes, there are.

Most 1979 Susan B. Anthony coins have little monetary value beyond their face value due to being circulated or having low condition grades. However, the proof coins from the 1978 dollar proofs sets from the San Franciso mint are worth slightly more at $67 due to being uncirculated.

Conclusion

So far, we’ve discussed in detail the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar coin and its peculiarities like mintage, and error coins, among others. So, the next time you come across some old US coins, be sure to be on the lookout for one, as this coin has become a favorite among numismatics. You may be lucky to auction it off at a great price.