The 1979 dollar coin is a Susan B. Anthony dollar, the first small-sized dollar coin issued by the United States Mint . It features a portrait of suffragette Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an eagle landing on the moon (adapted from the Apollo 11 insignia) on the reverse.
Here’s some information about the 1979 dollar coin:
There are two main varieties of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar:
- Narrow Rim (Far Date): The digits in the date are further from the rim, with a noticeable gap. This is the more common variety.
- Wide Rim (Near Date): The date appears closer to the rim, almost touching the edge. This variety is scarcer and more valuable due to its limited production run.
The value of a 1979 dollar coin depends on its variety, condition, and any errors or special characteristics:
- Narrow Rim: In circulated condition, these coins are typically worth around face value, [according to Benzinga] . Uncirculated examples can be worth slightly more, with high-grade examples potentially fetching around $165.
- Wide Rim: These are more valuable due to their scarcity. Even circulated examples can be worth $10-$30, while high-grade uncirculated coins can reach upwards of $1,000. A 1979-P Wide Rim dollar graded MS67+ sold for $6,995 in 2021.
- Proof Coins: Proof coins were specially minted for collectors and have a mirror-like finish.
– Type 1 (Blob S): The mint mark appears indistinct. These typically sell for around $8-$12.
– Type 2 (Clear S): The mint mark is sharper and more defined. These are rarer and considered key proof varieties, valued at around $50-$80, with higher grades fetching more.
- Mint Errors: Coins with errors, like off-center strikes or double strikes, can also be highly sought after by collectors. For instance, a Susan B. Anthony dollar struck on a nickel planchet realized $15,275 at auction. Another example is the 1979 D Susan B Anthony Dollar with a “Filled D” error which is listed on eBay for $1350.
Note: The Susan B. Anthony dollar coin was unpopular at the time of its release due to its similarity in size and appearance to the quarter. Production was suspended after 1981, resuming briefly in 1999 to meet vending machine demand before the introduction of the Sacagawea dollar. This limited production run makes certain varieties, like the 1979 Wide Rim, more valuable to collectors.
- Mint Mark: Look for a small letter on the obverse, to the right of Anthony’s portrait, which indicates the mint where it was struck: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco).
- Rim: Examine the spacing between the date and the rim to determine if it’s a Wide Rim or Narrow Rim variety.
- Condition: Coins in excellent, uncirculated condition with minimal wear or damage are more desirable.
- Mint Errors: Check for any anomalies or irregularities in the design that might indicate an error.
If you believe you have a valuable 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, consider having it professionally graded to determine its authenticity and precise value.
Are 1979 silver dollars silver?
Thanks for asking. Up and we pull the trigger. And in just about a second we’re able to see that 25% nickel. And 75% copper in no time but how about the material that’s in the middle of this alloy.