What Are 1979 Dollar Coins Worth?

The year 1979 holds a special place in the annals of American numismatics, not for a groundbreaking change in design or a particularly scarce mintage, but rather for the introduction of a coin that would become a cornerstone of modern dollar circulation: the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. While the question “What are 1979 dollar coins worth?” might initially seem straightforward, the reality is far more nuanced, encompassing factors far beyond the face value of a single coin. For collectors and casual observers alike, understanding the value of these coins requires a delve into their historical context, minting variations, condition, and the ever-present forces of supply and demand within the numismatic market.

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The Genesis of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony dollar, minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999, was intended to replace the less popular Eisenhower dollar. Its creation was spurred by a desire for a smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective dollar coin that could circulate widely in vending machines and the general public. The selection of Susan B. Anthony, a prominent leader of the women’s suffrage movement, as the coin’s effigy marked a significant symbolic moment, making it the first U.S. currency coin to feature a non-fictional woman.

The initial release in 1979 was met with mixed reactions. While the design was appreciated by some, its similarity in size and color to the quarter led to widespread confusion and rejection by the public, hindering its intended circulation. This practical issue, however, inadvertently contributes to the numismatic value of certain 1979 issues today.

Minting Locations and Key Differences

The U.S. Mint produced Susan B. Anthony dollars at two primary facilities in 1979: Philadelphia and Denver. Each facility is denoted by a mint mark: “P” for Philadelphia and “D” for Denver, typically found on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, below the date.

Philadelphia Mint: The Philadelphia Mint struck a significant number of Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979. These coins generally have a higher mintage compared to their Denver counterparts, which can influence their base value.
Denver Mint: The Denver Mint also produced a substantial quantity of 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars. While the mintage figures are high, Denver coins can sometimes command a slight premium due to perceived collector preference or variations in strike.

The fundamental design of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar is consistent across both mints. The obverse features a portrait of Susan B. Anthony designed by Frank Gasparro, while the reverse depicts an eagle in flight, also designed by Gasparro, a common motif from the earlier Eisenhower dollar series. The primary distinguishing feature for collectors examining a 1979 dollar coin is the presence or absence of the mint mark.

Factors Influencing 1979 Dollar Coin Value

The intrinsic value of a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar extends beyond its face value of one dollar. Several critical factors contribute to its worth in the numismatic market:

Condition (Grade)

The most significant determinant of a coin’s value is its condition, often referred to as its “grade.” Coins are graded on a standardized scale, typically from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70).

Circulated Grades (G-1 to AU-58): Coins that have been used in commerce will exhibit wear. Even minor wear on the high points of the design can significantly reduce a coin’s value. A heavily worn 1979 dollar coin, unless exceptionally rare due to other factors, will typically be worth little more than its silver melt value if it were a silver dollar, or its face value if it’s a base metal issue like the Susan B. Anthony. However, even circulated coins can hold some interest for collectors building date and mint mark sets.
Uncirculated Grades (MS-60 to MS-70): Uncirculated coins have no wear. Their value increases dramatically with progressively higher grades.
- Mint State 60-63 (MS-60 to MS-63): These are considered “average” uncirculated coins. They may have minor bag marks or hairlines visible under magnification, but the overall appearance is still bright and attractive.
- Mint State 64-66 (MS-64 to MS-66): These coins exhibit better eye appeal, with fewer and less distracting marks. They represent a good balance of quality and affordability for many collectors.
- Mint State 67-69 (MS-67 to MS-69): These are high-grade uncirculated coins, often referred to as “GEM” uncirculated. They possess exceptional luster and very few imperfections.
- Mint State 70 (MS-70): This is the perfect coin, with absolutely no imperfections visible even under 5x magnification. These coins are extremely rare and command significant premiums.

For 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars, circulated examples are quite common and generally worth only a few dollars each, if that, unless they possess unusual characteristics. Uncirculated examples, however, begin to show a more noticeable price increase. A “Gem” uncirculated coin (MS-65 or higher) can fetch anywhere from $10 to $30 or more, depending on its overall eye appeal and the specific mint.

Key Varieties and Errors

While the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar is not known for a multitude of rare “key” varieties in the same way older series might be, certain striking errors and die varieties can significantly boost a coin’s value.

Die Breaks and Clipped Planchets: Coins with dramatic die breaks (cracks in the die that create raised metal lines on the coin) or clipped planchets (where the metal blank was cut improperly, leaving a curved edge) are always of interest to error collectors. The value of such errors is highly dependent on the severity and visual impact of the error.
“Filled Dies” or “Weak Strikes”: Sometimes, the dies used to strike the coins can become clogged with debris, resulting in weak or incomplete design features. A 1979 dollar with particularly weak lettering or a flattened eagle on the reverse might be considered a weaker strike. Conversely, an exceptionally sharp and well-defined strike can also be desirable.
“Repunched Mint Marks” (RPMs): Although less common on this series, instances of repunched mint marks (where the mint mark was punched onto the die more than once, leaving overlapping impressions) can occur and are sought after by specialized collectors.

The most significant “variety” associated with the Susan B. Anthony dollar, though not specific to 1979, is the “near date” and “far date” issue that emerged later in its production run. While not a primary concern for most 1979 examples, it highlights how subtle die differences can create collector interest.

Rarity and Mintage

The mintage figures for the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar are quite high. The Philadelphia Mint produced over 100 million coins, and the Denver Mint struck over 55 million. These substantial numbers mean that, in their base uncirculated state, these coins are not rare. Their value is therefore primarily driven by their condition and any specific collector demand for exceptionally well-preserved examples or interesting errors.

However, for collectors building a complete set of Susan B. Anthony dollars by date, mint mark, and grade, even a common coin can become harder to find in its absolute highest grades. Finding a 1979-P or 1979-D dollar in a perfect MS-70 grade is exceptionally difficult and would command a premium reflecting that rarity.

Packaging and Presentation

Coins sold directly from the U.S. Mint in original government packaging (OGP) can sometimes hold a premium, especially if they are part of a special set or if the packaging itself is in pristine condition. Uncirculated rolls of 1979 dollar coins, typically containing 20 coins, can also be more desirable than individual loose coins, especially if they are tightly wrapped and show consistent quality.

Market Demand and Collector Interest

The numismatic market is subject to the ebb and flow of collector interest. While the Susan B. Anthony dollar is a modern coin, it has a dedicated following. Collectors often seek out these coins for various reasons:

Completing a Series: Many collectors aim to assemble complete sets of U.S. coinage, and the Susan B. Anthony dollar is part of that history.
Type Set Inclusion: For those building a U.S. “type set” (a collection representing different denominations or historical periods), an uncirculated 1979 dollar coin can serve as an affordable and representative example of the dollar denomination from that era.
Affordability: Compared to many earlier U.S. silver dollars, the Susan B. Anthony dollar offers a relatively accessible entry point into dollar coin collecting.
Symbolic Significance: The coin’s connection to Susan B. Anthony and the women’s suffrage movement provides a historical and cultural appeal for some collectors.

The demand for 1979 dollar coins in lower circulated grades remains low, often only slightly above face value for bulk purchases. However, demand for high-grade uncirculated examples, particularly those graded MS-65 and above by reputable third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC, can be significantly higher, reflecting the scarcity of truly pristine specimens.

Valuing Your 1979 Dollar Coins

When attempting to determine the value of your 1979 dollar coins, follow these steps:

Identify the Mint Mark: Examine the obverse side of the coin, below the date. If there is a “P,” it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a “D,” it was minted in Denver. Coins without a mint mark were typically minted in Philadelphia, but it is good practice to confirm for specific series.
Assess the Condition: Carefully examine the coin’s surface for wear. Look at the highest points of the design (Susan B. Anthony’s hair, cheek, and the eagle’s wingtips) for any signs of rubbing or flatness. Compare your coin to grading guides or online resources that illustrate different grades.
Look for Errors: Magnification can help reveal potential minting errors such as off-center strikes, doubled dies, die cracks, or clipped planchets.
Consult Reliable Sources:
- Price Guides: Numismatic price guides, such as the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins) or online guides from major grading services (PCGS, NGC), provide estimated retail values for coins based on their grade and mint mark. Remember that these are guide prices, and actual selling prices can vary.
- Auction Records: Checking recent auction results for comparable coins sold through major auction houses can offer a real-time indication of market value.
- Reputable Dealers: Consulting with established coin dealers can provide an expert opinion on the value of your specific coins. Be aware that a dealer’s offer will typically be lower than the retail value, as they need to make a profit on resale.

For the vast majority of 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars found in circulation, their value will be no more than a dollar or two above face value for uncirculated examples. However, for those who discover exceptionally well-preserved specimens, coins with striking errors, or are looking to complete a serious collection, the potential for a higher valuation exists. The 1979 dollar coin, while common, offers a tangible piece of recent American history and a fascinating subject for numismatic exploration.