Quick Answer: Most 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars are worth $1.25-$3. Uncirculated examples fetch $2-$8. The 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) is the key variety—worth $8-$25 uncirculated. 1979-S proof: $3-$12. All are copper-nickel clad; no silver content.
The 1979 dollar coin was the first year of the Susan B Anthony (SBA) dollar series. Smaller than the Eisenhower dollar that preceded it, the SBA was designed to circulate alongside—and eventually replace—the paper dollar. It didn't succeed with the public, but collectors value 1979 for its first-year status and the important Wide Rim variety.
1979 Dollar Coin Overview
The Susan B Anthony Dollar
The SBA dollar honored Susan B. Anthony, the pioneering women's suffrage leader. Congress authorized the coin in 1978; production began in 1979 at the U.S. Mint. The small size (26.5mm—same as a quarter) led to confusion and public rejection. The Mint produced the coin through 1981, then again in 1999.
1979 Production
| Mint | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Circulation (Narrow Rim) | ~360M |
| Philadelphia | Circulation (Wide Rim) | Scarce variety |
| Denver | Circulation | 288M |
| San Francisco | Proof | 109M |
1979 Dollar Coin Value Chart
Quick Reference Table
| Type | Circulated | Uncirculated | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Narrow Rim | $1.25-$2 | $2-$8 | Most common |
| 1979-P Wide Rim | $2-$4 | $8-$25 | Key variety |
| 1979-D | $1.25-$2 | $2-$7 | Common |
| 1979-S Proof | — | $3-$12 | Proof only |
Detailed Value Ranges
| Type | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P Narrow | $2-$3 | $2.50-$4 | $4-$8 | $15-$40 |
| 1979-P Wide Rim | $8-$12 | $10-$15 | $15-$25 | $50-$100 |
| 1979-D | $2-$3 | $2.50-$4 | $4-$7 | $12-$35 |
| 1979-S (Proof) | — | — | PR-65: $3-$5 | PR-70: $25-$75 |
Wide Rim vs. Narrow Rim: The Key Distinction
The 1979-P exists in two obverse varieties. Identifying which you have is essential for accurate value.
Wide Rim (Near Date)
- Date sits closer to the rim
- Rim appears wider
- Scarcer—commands premium
- Value: $8-$25 uncirculated
Narrow Rim (Far Date)
- Date sits farther from the rim
- Rim appears thinner
- Common—standard value
- Value: $2-$8 uncirculated
Visual Identification
Hold the coin with the date at the bottom. On the Wide Rim, there's minimal space between the bottom of the "9" and the inner edge of the rim. On the Narrow Rim, the gap is larger. When in doubt, compare to certified examples or reference images.
1979 Dollar Coin Composition
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad |
| Outer layers | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Core | Copper |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
No silver. The 1979 dollar has no precious metal content. Value is entirely numismatic.
Collecting 1979 Dollar Coins
Starter Set
- 1979-P (either variety)
- 1979-D
- 1979-S proof
Complete Set
- 1979-P Narrow Rim
- 1979-P Wide Rim
- 1979-D
- 1979-S proof
Budget
- Basic set (3 coins): $10-$20
- Complete set with Wide Rim: $25-$50
Grading 1979 SBA Dollars
Circulation Strikes
- Luster: Uncirculated coins show full cartwheel
- Marks: Bag marks reduce grade
- Strike: Generally sharp; check Anthony's hair and collar
- Surfaces: Clean coins grade higher
Proof
- Mirror fields: Deep reflectivity
- Cameo: Frosted devices vs. mirror = premium
- Hairlines: Avoid heavily hairlined proofs
Where to Find 1979 Dollar Coins
- Coin dealers - All types; specify Wide Rim if seeking
- eBay - Search "1979 SBA Wide Rim" or "1979 dollar coin"
- Coin shows - Examine before buying
- Banks - Dollar coin rolls (rare finds)
- Estate sales - Common in older collections
The CoinID app helps identify 1979 dollar coins and can distinguish the Wide Rim variety for accurate valuation when you're examining coins at a show or dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1979 dollar coin worth anything?
Yes. Even circulated 1979 SBA dollars sell for $1.25-$2. Uncirculated examples bring $2-$25 depending on type and variety. The Wide Rim 1979-P commands the highest prices.
Does the 1979 dollar have silver?
No. All Susan B Anthony dollars are copper-nickel clad. No silver content.
What's the most valuable 1979 dollar coin?
The 1979-P Wide Rim in high grade (MS-67 or MS-68) is the most valuable regular-issue 1979 dollar. Values can reach $50-$300+ for top grades.
Why did the Susan B Anthony dollar fail?
The coin was the same size as the quarter, causing confusion. The public preferred paper dollars. Vending machines weren't widely adapted. The Mint discontinued the design after 1981.
Conclusion
The 1979 dollar coin launched the Susan B Anthony series—a noble experiment that didn't succeed in circulation but remains collectible. Most 1979 SBAs are worth modest premiums over face value. The exception is the 1979-P Wide Rim, which offers meaningful value for variety collectors. If you have 1979 dollar coins, check for the Wide Rim variety—it could be worth 5-10x the common type.
Use CoinID to identify and value your 1979 dollar coins with confidence.
The History of the Susan B Anthony Dollar
Congress authorized the Susan B Anthony dollar in 1978 as a cost-saving measure. Paper dollars wear out quickly; coin dollars last decades. The Treasury hoped a small-size dollar would circulate more readily than the large Eisenhower dollar. Frank Gasparro adapted the Eisenhower reverse (eagle on moon) for the new coin and created the Anthony obverse. Production began in 1979 at all three mints. Despite extensive marketing, the public rejected the coin—its similarity to the quarter caused confusion. Vending machine manufacturers were slow to adapt. By 1981, the Mint had largely ceased production. The design was briefly revived in 1999 for collector demand, but no Susan B Anthony dollars have been struck for circulation since.
Error Coins and Varieties
While the Wide Rim is the primary 1979 variety, other minor variations exist. Doubled die obverse (DDO) and doubled die reverse (DDR) varieties have been reported. These are rare and require careful examination. If you suspect an error, compare to known examples and consider professional authentication. Error coins can command significant premiums when authenticated.
Preservation and Care
1979 dollar coins are base metal—they don't develop the same toning as silver. However, improper handling can still damage surfaces. Hold coins by the edge. Avoid touching obverse and reverse. Store in inert holders (no PVC). Climate control prevents corrosion. Even common 1979 SBAs in pristine condition can bring premiums over circulated examples, so proper care matters.
Completing the Susan B Anthony Dollar Series
A full SBA dollar set includes 1979, 1980, and 1981—plus 1999 when the design was briefly revived. Each year has its own varieties. For 1979, the Wide Rim is essential. For 1980 and 1981, look for the "Clear S" and "Filled S" mint mark varieties. A complete set with all key varieties is a satisfying goal for SBA collectors. PCGS and NGC both designate these varieties on certified holders. Budget $100-$200 for a complete basic set; add $50-$100 for variety coins.