Quick Answer: Circulated 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars are worth $1.25-$2. Uncirculated 1979 SBA dollars fetch $2-$5. The key variety is the 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date)—worth $8-$25 in uncirculated. 1979-D and 1979-S are common. All are copper-nickel clad with no silver.
The Susan B Anthony dollar, introduced in 1979, was the first small-size dollar coin produced by the U.S. Mint since the silver dollars of the 1930s. Despite its historical significance—honoring the women's suffrage leader—the SBA dollar was widely confused with the quarter and failed to circulate. For collectors, 1979 offers the key variety: the Wide Rim (Near Date), which commands significant premiums over the common Narrow Rim.
1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Overview
Design and Specifications
- Obverse: Portrait of Susan B. Anthony by Frank Gasparro
- Reverse: Eagle landing on moon (adapted from Eisenhower dollar)
- Composition: Copper-nickel clad (no silver)
- Weight: 8.1 grams
- Diameter: 26.5 mm (same as quarter—a design flaw that caused confusion)
Mintage Summary
| Mint | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 (P) | 360,222,000 | Wide Rim variety exists |
| 1979-D | 288,015,744 | Narrow Rim only |
| 1979-S | 109,576,000 | Proof; Narrow Rim only |
1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value by Type
1979-P Narrow Rim (Far Date) Value
The common 1979-P. The date is farther from the rim; the rim is narrower.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $1.25-$2 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $2-$3 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2.50-$4 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $4-$8 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $15-$40 |
1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) Value
The key 1979 SBA variety. The date is closer to the rim; the rim is wider. Created when the Mint used a different obverse die. Scarcer than Narrow Rim.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $8-$12 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $10-$15 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $15-$25 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $50-$100 |
| MS-68 | $150-$300+ |
1979-D Value
All 1979-D are Narrow Rim. No Wide Rim variety exists for Denver.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $1.25-$2 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $2-$3 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2.50-$4 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $4-$7 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $12-$35 |
1979-S Proof Value
The 1979-S was sold in proof sets. Mirror-like finish. All are Narrow Rim.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR-65) | $3-$5 |
| Cameo (PR-65 CAM) | $4-$7 |
| Deep Cameo (PR-65 DCAM) | $6-$12 |
| Perfect (PR-70) | $25-$75 |
How to Identify Wide Rim vs. Narrow Rim
Wide Rim (Near Date) - 1979-P Only
- Date position: The date is closer to the rim; there's less space between the bottom of the date and the rim
- Rim width: The rim appears wider and more substantial
- "9" in 1979: The 9 may appear slightly different
- Comparison: Side-by-side with Narrow Rim makes the difference obvious
Narrow Rim (Far Date)
- Date position: The date sits farther from the rim
- Rim width: The rim appears thinner
- All 1979-D and 1979-S are Narrow Rim
The CoinID app can help identify your 1979 SBA dollar and distinguish Wide Rim from Narrow Rim for accurate valuation.
1979 SBA Dollar Composition
All Susan B Anthony dollars are copper-nickel clad:
- Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Core: Pure copper
- Total: No silver content
The SBA dollar was intended to replace the paper dollar in circulation. It failed—Americans preferred paper—and the design was discontinued after 1981 (with a brief revival in 1999).
Collecting 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollars
Basic Set
- 1979-P Narrow Rim
- 1979-P Wide Rim (key variety)
- 1979-D
- 1979-S (proof)
Budget
- Narrow Rim set (P, D, S): $8-$15
- Add Wide Rim: +$10-$25 for nice uncirculated
Why Collect 1979
- First year of design - Historical significance
- Wide Rim variety - Key SBA dollar variety
- Affordable - Most coins under $25
- Complete set possible - All four types obtainable
Grading 1979 SBA Dollars
Circulation Strikes
- Luster: Full cartwheel on uncirculated
- Marks: Bag marks common on MS-60 to MS-64
- Strike: Generally sharp
- Eye appeal: Clean coins grade higher
Proof Coins
- Mirror fields: Should be deeply reflective
- Cameo: Frosted devices add value
- Hairlines: Common on proofs; minimize for higher grade
Where to Find 1979 SBA Dollars
- Coin dealers - All types available; ask for Wide Rim specifically
- eBay - Search "1979 SBA Wide Rim" or "1979-P Near Date"
- Coin shows - Examine in person
- Bank rolls - Rare but possible (dollar coin boxes)
- Estate sales - Common in 1980s collections
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 1979-P Wide Rim valuable?
Scarcity. The Wide Rim (Near Date) was produced in smaller quantities than the Narrow Rim. Collectors completing SBA dollar sets need both varieties, driving demand.
How do I tell Wide Rim from Narrow Rim?
Look at the date and the rim. On the Wide Rim, the date is closer to the rim and the rim appears wider. The Narrow Rim has the date farther from the rim. Compare to reference images or use a variety guide.
Do 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars have silver?
No. All SBA dollars are copper-nickel clad. No silver content.
Are 1979 SBA dollars rare?
The 1979-P Narrow Rim, 1979-D, and 1979-S are common. The 1979-P Wide Rim is the scarce variety—worth 5-10x the Narrow Rim in uncirculated grades.
Conclusion
The 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar launched a short-lived but collectible series. While most 1979 SBAs are worth little more than face value, the Wide Rim variety offers meaningful collector premiums. If you have a 1979-P, take a close look at the date and rim—you may have the key variety worth $8-$25 or more in uncirculated condition.
Use CoinID to identify your 1979 SBA dollar and determine whether you have the common Narrow Rim or the valuable Wide Rim variety.
The Susan B Anthony Dollar Design
Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was a pioneering women's rights activist who played a crucial role in the suffrage movement. Honoring her on a circulating dollar was a historic first. Frank Gasparro's portrait shows Anthony in profile, facing right, with her name and "LIBERTY" above. The reverse, adapted from the Eisenhower dollar, features an eagle landing on the moon—a nod to the Apollo 11 mission. The small diameter (26.5mm) was chosen to fit vending machines and reduce production cost. Unfortunately, it also made the coin easy to confuse with the quarter, contributing to the design's failure in circulation. Today, collectors appreciate the historical significance and the connection to both the women's rights movement and the space program.
1980 and 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollars
The SBA dollar was also struck in 1980 and 1981. Values are similar to 1979 for common varieties. Key varieties exist for those years as well—1980-P and 1981-P have scarce "Clear S" and "Filled S" mint mark varieties. Completing a full SBA set (1979-1981, plus 1999) requires attention to these varieties. The 1999-P was struck for collector demand only; it's worth $2-$5 in uncirculated condition.
Selling Your 1979 SBA Dollars
When selling, separate Wide Rim from Narrow Rim. Dealers and collectors pay more for correctly identified varieties. If you have bulk 1979-P coins, sort through them—finding even one Wide Rim in a lot can significantly increase the lot's value. For certified coins, PCGS and NGC designate the variety on the holder. Raw coins should be clearly labeled when listing for sale.