1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin : The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, often overlooked in everyday circulation, has evolved into a significant collectible. While most of these coins remain common and modest in value, a few rare varieties and mint errors are now commanding six to seven-figure prices in the numismatic world. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how specific 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars can be worth up to—and even over—$135 million, and how collectors can identify them.
Overview of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Series
- First issued: 1979
- Designer: Frank Gasparro
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Mint locations: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
The Key 1979 SBA Dollar Types and Their Values
1. 1979-P Wide Rim / Near Date Dollar
- Estimated Value: $500 – $12,000+
- Defining Feature: The date is closer to the rim, unlike the more common “Narrow Rim” variety.
- Why It Matters:
- Considered a rare early die variety.
- Only a limited number produced before the U.S. Mint adjusted the design.
Value Table (Certified Mint State)
| Grade | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| MS63 | $500 |
| MS65 | $1,100 |
| MS67 | $4,000+ |
| MS68 | $10,000 – $12,000+ |
2. 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear “S”)
- Estimated Value: $250 – $4,000+
- Mint: San Francisco (Proof)
- Identifier: A sharply defined “S” mint mark, rather than the blob-like Type 1.
- Scarcity:
- Lower mintage of Type 2 makes it one of the most pursued proofs in the series.
- PF70 Examples:
- Ultra-rare in perfect condition, with values exceeding $3,500 at auction.
3. 1979-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar with Die Clash Error
- Estimated Value: $3,000 – $25,000+
- Error Type: Die clash—visible ghost-like outlines of the reverse on the obverse (and vice versa).
- How to Spot It:
- Look for doubled design elements or imprints where they shouldn’t exist.
- Collector Premium:
- These types of dramatic die clashes are extremely rare and highly prized.
4. 1979-P Off-Center Strike Error
- Estimated Value: $1,500 – $20,000+
- Defect: Part of the coin’s design is missing due to misalignment during minting.
- High Value Factors:
- The more dramatic the misalignment, the more valuable the coin.
- Coins retaining full date and mint mark command premium pricing.
5. 1979-S SBA Dollar Overstruck on a Foreign Planchet
- Estimated Value: $5,000 – $100,000+
- Ultra-Rare:
- Occurs when a U.S. coin is struck on a blank intended for another country’s coinage.
- Weight Differences:
- Often lighter or heavier than the standard 8.1g SBA dollar.
- Auction History:
- Unique examples have fetched five-figure sums.
6. 1979-P SBA Dollar Graded MS69 or Higher
- Estimated Value: $20,000 – $150,000+
- Extreme Grade Scarcity:
- Very few SBA dollars exist in MS69 or MS70, making them true trophy coins.
- Market Insight:
- High demand among registry set collectors continues to push prices higher.
7. 1979-S SBA Dollar Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- Estimated Value: $1,500 – $10,000+
- Error Characteristics:
- Doubling noticeable in the date, liberty, or “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Verification:
- Requires a 10x loupe or microscope to confirm.
- Collector Demand:
- DDOs remain one of the most exciting finds for error hunters.
Potential Million-Dollar Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
Some overstruck, experimental, or extremely high-grade specimens of the 1979 SBA dollar have sold for well into the six figures, and experts speculate that a perfect-condition, error-rarity hybrid could breach the $1 million mark in a future auction. These coins must meet one or more of the following:
- Perfect grade (MS70 or PF70)
- Rare error or die variety
- One-of-a-kind provenance
- Strong auction house backing (e.g., Heritage, Stack’s Bowers)
Rarity Flow of 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollars
graph TD
A[1979 SBA Dollars] --> B[Common Circulation Coins]
A --> C[Mint Errors]
A --> D[Proof Coins]
C --> E[Die Clash Errors]
C --> F[Off-Center Strikes]
C --> G[Foreign Planchet Overstrike]
D --> H[Type 1 - Blurry S]
D --> I[Type 2 - Clear S]
B --> J[Narrow Rim]
B --> K[Wide Rim / Near Date]
Authentication and Appraisal Tips
- Always use professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for high-value coins.
- Consider submitting error coins to ANACS for specialized classification.
- Weigh the coin on a precise digital scale (should be 8.1 grams) to detect planchet errors.
- Use strong magnification to spot die varieties or doubling.
Where to Buy or Sell High-Value SBA Dollars
Top Auction Houses
- Heritage Auctions
- GreatCollections
- Stack’s Bowers
Trusted Online Platforms
- eBay (with authentication)
- Numismatic auctions
- NGC/PCGS certified dealers
Coin Shows & Conventions
- Look for ANA-sponsored shows or regional expos for rare coin markets.
Hidden Fortune in a Small Coin
Though it started as a widely criticized design, the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar has proven its worth in the collecting world. With select coins commanding values up to $384,000—and the potential to surpass $1 million—this series offers a rare opportunity for numismatists and investors alike.