1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value: Prices & Varieties

The 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for rare proof varieties. While most of these “small dollars” found in change are common, specific mint marks and proof finishes can significantly increase their market value for collectors today.

Understanding the History of the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar made its debut in 1979, marking a historic moment as the first time a non-mythical woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. The San Francisco Mint, designated by the “S” mint mark, produced both business strikes for circulation and special proof versions for collectors. If you’ve recently found one of these coins in a drawer or a piggy bank, you aren’t alone. Millions were struck, but the 1979-S holds a special place due to a mid-year design change.

For a quick way to check your change, you can use a free coin identifier app to see if your coin has the features that collectors look for. Many people confuse this coin with a quarter because of its size and color. This confusion actually led to the coin’s failure in general circulation, meaning many high-grade examples were tucked away and preserved.

When assessing your coin, remember that the “S” mark is located on the obverse (heads) side, just above Susan B. Anthony’s left shoulder. Using the CoinKnow app can help you zoom in on this area to determine the quality of the strike. Most “S” mint coins found in pocket change are standard business strikes, which are generally worth face value unless they are in pristine, uncirculated condition.

Determining the 1979-S Dollar Value by Condition

Condition, or “grade,” is the most important factor in determining the price of your coin. A 1979-S dollar that has been spent at the grocery store will rarely be worth more than one dollar. However, if the coin has a Sharp strike and no scratches, it is considered “Mint State” (MS). These uncirculated coins are the ones that fetch premiums in the collector market.

Collectors often look for “Gem” quality coins, which are graded MS65 or higher. At this level, the luster is full, and the surface is nearly flawless. If you want to see how these grades affect the market, you can check the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar price chart for comparisons between different mints and grades. High-grade 1979-S business strikes are relatively common, but once you reach MS67, the price jumps significantly.

The CoinKnow app is an excellent tool for beginners to compare their coin against high-resolution images of various grades. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is usually only worth the cost if the coin is in top-tier condition. For most of us, a simple visual inspection is enough to tell if we have a $1 coin or a $10 coin.

The 1979-S Proof Varieties: Type 1 vs. Type 2

This is where the real money is found. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint used two different “S” mint mark punches for proof coins. Proof coins are specially made for collectors and have a mirror-like finish. The “Type 1” mint mark is known as the “Blob S” or “Filled S” because the letter S is smudged and hard to see clearly.

Later in the year, the mint replaced the worn-out punch with a “Type 2” punch, known as the “Clear S.” This S is sharp, distinct, and has bulbous ends. The Type 2 is much rarer than the Type 1. Identifying which one you have can drastically change the 1979-S dollar value data you find online. Many collectors spend years looking for a perfect “Clear S” at a bargain price.

To tell them apart, look closely at the mint mark with a magnifying glass. If the “S” looks like a rounded blob of metal with almost no center hole, it’s a Type 1. If the “S” is crisp and the loops of the letter are wide open and clear, you’ve hit the jackpot with a Type 2. The CoinKnow app’s identification feature can help distinguish these tiny details which are hard to see with the naked eye.

How to Identify a Rare 1979-S Proof Dollar

Many people ask how to tell if their 1979-S is a “Proof” or a “Business Strike.” Business strikes were made for the public to spend and have a satin-like, matte finish. Proof coins were sold in plastic sets and have a deep, reflective, mirror-like background (the field) and frosty white details (the devices).

If your 1979-S dollar looks like a mirror and you can see your reflection in it, it is likely a proof coin. These were never intended to be spent, but sometimes they are taken out of their sets and used as regular money. These are called “Impaired Proofs.” Even if a proof coin has some scratches, a 1979-S Type 2 Clear S will still carry a significant premium over a standard dollar.

The rarity of the Type 2 comes from the fact that it was only used at the very end of the production cycle in 1979. While over 3 million Type 1 proofs were made, far fewer Type 2 specimens exist. This scarcity drives the price up for collectors who are trying to complete a “varieties” set of Susan B. Anthony dollars.

Collecting Susan B. Anthony Dollars Today

Is the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar a good investment? While it may not reach the astronomical prices of a 1794 flowing hair dollar, it is an accessible and fun coin for new hobbyists. The SBA dollar series only lasted four years (1979-1981 and 1999), making it one of the easiest sets to complete.

Most collectors focus on finding the 1979-S and 1981-S Type 2 varieties in the highest possible grade. Because the coins were poorly received when they were released, the US government sat on millions of them for decades. This means that while they are “old,” they are not necessarily “rare.” The value lies in the errors and the specific minting variations like the “Wide Rim” (found on Philadelphia strikes) or the “Clear S” (San Francisco strikes).

If you are just starting out, keeping an eye on your change and using tools like the CoinKnow app can help you build a collection without spending a fortune. For everyday Americans, finding a 1979-S Type 2 in a random lot of coins is like finding a $50 bill hidden in an old book—it’s a rewarding surprise that connects you to the history of American minting.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar made of silver?

A: No, these coins are composed of a copper-nickel clad “sandwich.” They do not contain any silver. The core is pure copper, and the outer layers are 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Q: Where is the mint mark on the 1979-S dollar?

A: You can find the “S” mint mark on the front of the coin, located in the small space just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder on the left-hand side (the observer’s left).

Q: Why is the 1979-S Type 2 worth more than the Type 1?

A: The Type 2 “Clear S” is worth more because the mint punch was only used toward the end of the year, resulting in a much lower mintage compared to the “Filled S” Type 1. Its rarity and the clarity of the design make it highly desirable for collectors.

Q: Can I spend a Susan B. Anthony dollar?

A: Yes, they are still legal tender in the United States and are worth exactly one dollar. However, because many people don’t recognize them, some vending machines or stores might not accept them easily. It is better to check if you have a rare variety before spending it!