For many Americans, the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin is a forgotten piece of pocket change. But for collectors and curious minds alike, the 1979 dollar coin tells a story of cultural progress, minting innovation, and surprising collectability. This coin, although often dismissed due to its misunderstood debut, marked several firsts in U.S. numismatic history and still holds untapped value—both historically and monetarily.
The Story Behind the 1979 Dollar Coin
Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was a bold attempt to modernize American coinage. The Eisenhower dollar, issued from 1971 to 1978, was bulky and inconvenient for daily use. The U.S. Mint sought to replace it with a smaller, lighter coin that would encourage broader public use. Their solution: a coin just slightly larger than a quarter, clad in a copper-nickel composition, and weighing 8.1 grams.
But it wasn’t just about practicality. The most groundbreaking element was the portrait on the obverse: Susan B. Anthony, the famed suffragette and pioneer of women’s rights. This was the first time a real woman—rather than a symbolic figure like Lady Liberty—appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. It was a major milestone in American numismatic representation.
Despite its noble intentions, the coin’s initial reception was lukewarm. Many Americans confused it with the quarter due to its similar size and silver-like color. This design flaw led to resistance from the public, and the coin saw limited circulation despite multiple production years (1979–1981, then again in 1999). Yet for numismatists, this short-lived production span has made certain variants extremely desirable.
Key Features of the 1979 Dollar Coin
Let’s break down the defining attributes of this historical coin for better recognition and appraisal:
| Attribute | Detail |
| Obverse | Susan B. Anthony profile |
| Reverse | Apollo 11 eagle emblem (adapted from Ike dollar) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Years Minted | 1979–1981, 1999 |
These specifications are essential for identification and authentication. But more importantly, knowing the design and mint traits allows collectors to spot high-value varieties—especially those with minor but significant differences.
Identifying Valuable Varieties: Narrow Rim vs. Wide Rim
One of the most compelling aspects of the 1979 dollar coin lies in its subtle variations—tiny details that can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars in value.
The most discussed distinction is between the Narrow Rim (Far Date) and Wide Rim (Near Date) varieties, both minted in Philadelphia and bearing the “P” mintmark:
- Narrow Rim (Common): The date appears farther from the coin’s rim. These coins were mass-produced and hold mostly face value unless in high mint state.
- Wide Rim (Scarcer): The date is closer to the rim, creating a thicker border around the digits. This version is notably more sought after by collectors and commands a significantly higher price—especially in mint condition.
In addition to the P-mint coins, proof coins minted in San Francisco offer another layer of intrigue:
- Type 1 “Filled S”: This version has a less distinct “S” mintmark, appearing somewhat blobby or filled in. These are more common and affordable.
- Type 2 “Clear S”: Featuring a sharp and well-defined mintmark, these coins are considerably rarer and can reach $100+ in pristine condition.
Understanding these distinctions is not just for numismatic purists—it directly impacts market value and can turn a common coin into a collectible prize.
What Is Your 1979 Dollar Coin Worth?
While the average 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar might only fetch face value in everyday use, certain varieties and conditions can push the worth of these coins far beyond a single dollar. Understanding this value comes down to identifying your coin’s type, condition, and rarity.
Let’s explore how the market evaluates different 1979 dollar coins based on their mint origin, rim variety, and proof status:
Value Table: 1979 Dollar Coin by Type & Condition
| Coin Variety / Type | Circulated | Uncirculated | Premiums & Notes |
| 1979-P Narrow Rim (Far Date) | $1–$2 | $5–$10 | Common; often found in mint sets |
| 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) | $10–$20 | $30–$60 (up to $1,000+) | Scarce; desirable due to low mintage |
| 1979-D (Denver Mint) | $1–$2 | $5–$10 | Abundant; easily found in circulated condition |
| 1979-S Business Strike | $1–$2 | $5–$10 | San Francisco strike; same specs as Denver coins |
| 1979-S Proof, Type 1 (“Filled S”) | N/A | $10–$40 | Common proof; noticeable “blobby” mintmark |
| 1979-S Proof, Type 2 (“Clear S”) | N/A | $50–$150 | Scarce and collectible; sharp mintmark |
MS67 and higher-graded coins, as well as mint errors or original government packaging, can fetch even more at auction.
Market Insights: What Makes Certain Coins More Valuable?
Several key factors influence the price of a 1979 dollar coin:
- Variety Rarity
The 1979-P Wide Rim and the 1979-S Type 2 Proof are notably harder to find in circulation or in raw rolls. These varieties tend to attract collector interest and sell at a premium. - Condition (Grade)
Coins graded by PCGS or NGC as Mint State (MS) 65, 66, or 67+ or Proof 69/70 Deep Cameo dramatically increase in value. For instance, an MS67 1979-P Wide Rim has sold for over $1,000. - Errors and Unique Traits
Errors like double strikes, off-center strikes, or incorrect planchets (such as Susan B. Anthony dollars struck on quarter planchets) are highly collectible and can reach hundreds or even thousands depending on severity and eye appeal. - Historical and Emotional Value
For collectors focusing on milestones in U.S. coinage—such as coins featuring real women or those linked to space exploration (Apollo 11 reverse)—the Susan B. Anthony dollar carries cultural weight that adds to its appeal.
Pro Tip: Look Closer Before You Spend
If you’re casually holding onto 1979 dollar coins, take a moment to examine them under bright lighting or with a loupe. Focus on the date placement, mintmark sharpness, and overall surface condition. Many people unknowingly spend Wide Rim or Type 2 Proof coins that could be worth 30 to 100 times face value.
A Collector’s Guide to Authentication, Organization & Smart Tools
You’ve identified the date and mint mark—but how can you be sure if your 1979 dollar coin is the valuable Wide Rim or the more common Narrow Rim? Is that “S” mintmark a rare Clear S or a filled one? This is where proper authentication and smart organization become essential.
How to Spot Key Varieties
Identifying rare variants of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar requires close inspection, and sometimes even magnification.
Narrow Rim vs. Wide Rim (1979-P):
- Narrow Rim (Far Date): Noticeable space between the date and the coin’s edge. Very common.
- Wide Rim (Near Date): Date appears much closer to the rim, giving the coin a thicker border—this is the one you want to look out for.
Proof Type 1 vs. Type 2 (1979-S):
- Type 1 (“Filled S”): The mintmark looks soft, less defined, and sometimes blob-like under magnification.
- Type 2 (“Clear S”): A sharp, clean, and clearly separated “S.” Much scarcer, especially in Proof 69–70.
If you’re uncertain, submitting the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC can help determine authenticity, assign a grade, and boost resale value. However, in the modern age, many collectors are turning to powerful mobile tools for faster analysis.
Modern Solutions: How Coin ID Scanner Empowers Collectors
Gone are the days when identifying coins required lugging around a loupe and a stack of reference books. With tools like Coin ID Scanner, collectors can confidently detect varieties, document their coins, and even monitor market trends—all from a smartphone.
Key Benefits of Using Coin ID Scanner:
| Feature | What It Does |
| Coin Identification by Photo | Upload or snap a picture—get minting years, mintmark, variety (e.g., Narrow vs. Wide Rim), dimensions, composition, and estimated market value. |
| Collection Management | Digitally organize your coins by category, year, or mint—track duplicates, wishlists, and value changes over time. |
| 187,000+ Coin Database | Access global coin data, including U.S. and world issues—perfect for cross-checking rare 1979 dollar types. |
| Smart Filters & AI Helper | Advanced search tools and an AI assistant help identify obscure varieties and answer collector questions instantly. |
Whether you’re holding a single Susan B. Anthony coin or building a full U.S. dollar set, Coin ID Scanner removes the guesswork and replaces it with expert-grade precision in seconds.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Underestimate Your 1979 Dollar Coin
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar isn’t just a curious coin—it’s a slice of history with untapped potential. With subtle varieties like the Wide Rim and Clear S Proofs commanding strong market value, it pays to be vigilant. What looks like a basic $1 could actually be a $150 collectible—or more.
Armed with the right knowledge and supported by powerful identification tools like Coin ID Scanner, you can take your collecting hobby from casual to confident. Whether you’re just getting started or reassessing an old stash of coins, always approach with curiosity, verification, and smart digital support.
Remember: the more you know, the more your coins are worth.