The 1979 Dollar Coin: An Investor's Guide to the Susan B. Anthony Dollar

.The 1979 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar represents a unique intersection of numismatic history and modern coinage. As the first U.S. circulating dollar coin to feature a real woman, it carries historical significance—but from an investment perspective, its value is more nuanced. 

This analysis breaks down the 1979 dollar coin's market performance, key varieties, and long-term potential for collectors and investors.

Why the 1979 Dollar Was Minted

The U.S. Treasury introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979 to:

  • Replace the bulky Eisenhower dollar (which saw little circulation)

  • Honor women's suffrage ahead of the 1980 election year

  • Promote dollar coin usage (though its similarity to quarters led to public confusion)

The coin's small size (26.5mm) and copper-nickel composition made it cost-effective but unpopular in commerce.

many coins on a wet ground with a dark blurred background

Key Investment Varieties

1. 1979-P (Philadelphia Mint)

  • Business Strike: Common; worth $1–$3 in uncirculated condition

  • Wide Rim Variety: Date sits closer to the edge; $50–$300+ in MS-65 or higher

2. 1979-D (Denver Mint)

  • Slightly scarcer than Philly issues

  • MS-65 specimens: $10–$25

  • Top-grade MS-67: $150–$400

3. 1979-S (San Francisco Proof)

  • Type I Proof (Clear "S"): $5–$15

  • Type II Proof (Filled "S"): $20–$50

  • PR-70 Ultra Cameo: $100+

Market Performance & Trends

Factor

Impact on Value

Low Bullion Value

Minimal intrinsic worth (clad composition)

Condition Rarity

MS-67+ specimens command 10–20x premiums

Registry Demand

Set collectors compete for top-graded coins

Error Coins

Off-center strikes or clipped planchets fetch $50–$500

The 1979-S Type II proof was initially overlooked but has gained 30% in value since 2020 (NGC data).

Investment Strategies

1. Short-Term Plays

  • Target RAW 1979-P Wide Rim coins in AU/MS condition ($20–$80), then submit for grading.

  • Buy 1979-S Type II proofs under $30; they’re undervalued vs. Type I.

2. Long-Term Holds

  • MS-66/67 coins (PCGS/NGC): Population reports show <500 in these grades.

  • CAC-approved examples: Green stickers add 15–20% resale value.

3. Risks to Consider

  • Liquidity: Common dates trade slowly below MS-65.

  • Counterfeits: Altered mint marks exist—buy certified.

Why Collectors Care

Despite its rocky circulation history, the 1979 dollar has:

✅ First-mover status (paved the way for Sacagawea/Presidential dollars)

✅ Political symbolism (women's rights iconography)

✅ Error potential (transitional years often have striking oddities)

Verdict: Niche but Noteworthy

While not a high-growth asset like classic silver dollars, the 1979 SBA offers:

  • Low-barrier entry for new collectors

  • Conditional opportunities in top-tier grades

  • Historical relevance for thematic collections

Pair with 1980/1981 proofs to build a complete "small dollar" set.

For auction records or population data, consult PCGS CoinFacts or Heritage Archives.

three persons researching statistics, schemes and other investment data

FAQs

1. What makes the 1979 dollar coin special?

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar was:

  • The first U.S. circulating coin to honor a real woman

  • A transitional coin between large Eisenhower dollars and modern small dollars

  • Minted during a period of significant social change regarding women's rights

2. Is my 1979 dollar coin worth more than face value?

Most circulated examples are worth $1-$2, but:

  • Uncirculated coins: $2-$10

  • Rare varieties: $50-$500+

  • Top-graded specimens: Up to $2,300

3. Which mint mark is most valuable?

Value hierarchy:

  1. 1979-S Proof (San Francisco)

  2. 1979-P Wide Rim (Philadelphia)

  3. 1979-D (Denver)

  4. Regular 1979-P

4. How can I identify a 1979-P Wide Rim variety?

Key characteristics:

  • Date is closer to the rim

  • Thicker border around the edge

  • Only about 10% of 1979-P coins have this variety

5. What grade should I buy for investment?

Recommended investment grades:

  • MS-66 or higher for business strikes

  • PR-69 or PR-70 for proofs

  • CAC-approved coins preferred

6. Are proof coins better investments than business strikes?

Type

Pros

Cons

Proofs

More consistent quality, attractive to collectors

Limited upside potential

Business Strikes

Higher upside for top grades

More condition variability

7. What's the current market trend for these coins?

2024 market observations:

  • +15% increase for MS-67 examples since 2020

  • Stable demand for proof sets

  • Growing interest in women's history-themed numismatics

8. Where's the best place to buy/sell these coins?

Recommended venues:

  • Buy: Heritage Auctions, PCGS/NGC-certified dealer networks

  • Sell: Coin shows, specialized dollar coin dealers, eBay (for raw coins)

9. How can I spot counterfeit 1979 dollars?

Red flags:

  • Wrong color (should be nickel-copper clad)

  • Incorrect weight (should be 8.1g)

  • Fuzzy details on Anthony's portrait

  • Unnatural-looking mint marks

10. Should I get my coin graded?

Grading makes sense when:

  • You suspect it's a Wide Rim variety

  • The coin appears Mint State

  • You're considering selling for over $100

11. Why did the 1979 dollar fail in circulation?

Three main reasons:

  1. Similar size to quarters caused confusion

  2. Public resistance to dollar coins

  3. Lack of vending machine compatibility

12. How many 1979 dollars were minted?

Total mintage:

  • Philadelphia: 360,222,000

  • Denver: 288,015,744

  • San Francisco: 3,677,175 (proof)

13. Will these coins appreciate in value?

Projections:

  • Common dates: 2-3% annual growth

  • Key varieties: 5-7% potential growth

  • Registry-quality coins: 8-10% possible

14. Are there any upcoming anniversaries that might boost value?

Potential value catalysts:

  • 2026: 50th anniversary of women on U.S. currency

  • 2030: Susan B. Anthony's 210th birthday

For serious investing, focus on certified coins with solid numismatic pedigrees rather than raw specimens.