1979 Dollar Coin Value, History, and Identification Guide

The 1979 dollar coin—better known as the Susan B. Anthony dollar—occupies a unique space in modern numismatics. Designed as a smaller, more cost-effective replacement for both the Eisenhower dollar and the one-dollar bill, it ultimately met with public resistance thanks to its close resemblance to the quarter—and today, that very rejection and scarcity in certain forms drive its collector appeal (coins-value.com). Beyond that, rare varieties and high-grade specimens command prices far above face value, creating hidden treasures for those who look closely enough.

Recognizing Value in Different Mint Marks and Varieties

Philadelphia (1979‑P): Narrow vs. Wide Rim

• The narrow‑rim (or "far date") is the common form—typically worth only face value in circulation, and a few dollars in uncirculated condition (coins-value.com).
• The rare Wide Rim (Near Date) variant has the date close to the coin’s edge. This variety can fetch significant premiums—even circulated examples sometimes sell for around $10‑$30, while top-grade (MS‑67+) coins soar into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars (coin-identifier.com).

Denver (1979‑D): Reliable but Common

• Denver strikes are plentiful and straightforward—circulated coins hold face value, with uncirculated ones occasionally climbing into the low tens of dollars (1979-dollar-coin.com).
• High‑grade specimens, however, still draw modest collector interest, especially with good luster and minimal wear (coinvalueapp.com).

San Francisco (1979‑S): Proof Varieties

• Two proof types were issued: Type 1 (“blobby S”) is most common, often valued around $5‑$15 depending on grade.
• Type 2 (“clear S / serifed S”) is much more collectible, priced around $30‑$100 in decent grades, and commanding high premiums in flawless examples (1979-dollar-coin.com).

Errors and Exceptional Finds: The Minting Oddities

Collecting isn’t just about mint marks—it’s also about mistakes that slipped through quality control. Several error types significantly boost value for the 1979 dollar:

• Double‑die errors, which show slight doubling on letters or dates, typically sell in the $50–$300+ range depending on visibility and grade (oldcoinonline.com).
• Off‑center strikes and clipped planchets—a rare charm for error‑coin aficionados—can reach into the $500–$1,000+ territory (oldcoinonline.com).
• Even rarer are overstrikes on earlier coin planchets, with astonishing premiums. For example, a 1979‑P SBA dollar overstruck on a 1978 quarter graded MS‑66 sold for over $14,000; other overstrike specimens have sold in the five- and six‑figure range (vipartfair.org).

Understanding Market Trends and Collector Behavior

Two forces propel the 1979 dollar coin’s modern market:

1. Scarcity by design: The Wide Rim and Type 2 Proof were produced during limited windows, making them rare from the outset. That rarity, paired with collector demand, sustains high values (coins-value.com).

2. Collector-driven pricing dynamics: Top-tier registry collectors chase high-grade specimens, especially Wide Rim and Type 2 proofs. Price guides show wide variance, reflecting volatility and niche appeal. As one expert noted:

“Market prices for top‑grade business strikes have experienced dramatic shifts, with auction records varying widely depending on registry demand and timing.” (coins-value.com)

This sentiment highlights how market timing and collector trends can shape value as much as rarity.

Quickly Identify Your 1979 Dollar Coin

Here’s a cheat‑sheet for coin spotting:

• Look closely at the rim and date: Narrow means common; wide means rare and collectible.
• Inspect the 'S' mint mark under magnification: Blurry or filled? That's Type 1 proof. Sharper with serifs? That's Type 2, and much more valuable.
• Check for striking oddities: Any doubling, misalignments, or clipped edges could be the key to a numismatic jackpot.
• Know your context: Heavy, circulated coins usually don’t exceed face value—most profit comes from rare variants or flawless specimens grade MS‑65 and above.

Conclusion

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar isn’t just “worth a buck.” It’s a dynamic story of design tweaks, collector psychology, and accidental rarity. Whether you’re casually digging through coin rolls or holding a potential gem, knowing the differences—Wide vs. Narrow rim, Type 1 vs. Type 2 proof, and spotting errors—can transform a coin from mundane to potentially thousands of dollars. Patience, sharp eyes, and a bit of luck can pay off.

FAQ

• Is the 1979 Susan B. Anthony coin still worth more than $1?
  Only in rare cases—most 1979 dollars remain at or near face value, unless they’re Wide Rim, Type 2 proof, or high-grade collectibles.

• How can I tell if my coin is the Wide Rim variety?
  Look at the date’s distance from the rim. If the digits are almost touching the edge, you’ve likely found the Near Date Wide Rim—worth inspecting further.

• What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 proof coins?
  Type 1 features a blob-like “S,” while Type 2’s “S” is sharp and serifed. Type 2 proofs are rarer and consequently more valuable.

• Could nearby overstrikes or minting errors make my coin valuable?
  Absolutely—off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and especially overstrikes on older coin planchets can bring outsized collector interest and big premiums.