The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar marks a significant but complicated chapter in the history of United States coinage. Introduced as a bold attempt to replace the bulky Eisenhower dollar and phase out the $1 paper note, this coin was the first time a real woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. Despite its historical weight, the public largely rejected it due to its physical similarity to the Washington quarter. However, what was once a commercial failure has evolved into a fascinating field for collectors. Identifying a standard 1979 dollar coin is easy, but spotting the specific varieties that command significant premiums requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the minting process.

The technical specifications of the 1979 issue

To understand the value of the 1979 dollar coin, one must first recognize its physical properties. These coins were composed of a copper-nickel clad material, specifically 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a pure copper core. They weigh exactly 8.1 grams and have a diameter of 26.5 millimeters. This size was intentionally chosen to be smaller and more convenient than the previous "large" dollars, though it ultimately led to the coin's downfall in daily commerce.

The design was executed by Frank Gasparro, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time. The obverse features a profile of Susan B. Anthony, a pivotal figure in the women’s suffrage movement. Surrounding her portrait are 13 stars, the word "LIBERTY," the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date. One of the most unique features of the coin is its eleven-sided inner border, which was intended to help the visually impaired distinguish it from other round coins by touch, although the outer edge of the coin remains perfectly round.

The reverse side of the coin carries forward the "Eagle landing on the moon" design originally created for the Eisenhower dollar. This design pays tribute to the Apollo 11 mission, showing an American eagle clutching an olive branch as it descends upon the lunar surface, with the Earth visible in the background sky.

Spotting the 1979-P Wide Rim variety

The most sought-after business strike from the first year of production is the 1979-P Wide Rim, often referred to by collectors as the "Near Date" variety. During the initial production run at the Philadelphia Mint, the U.S. Mint realized that the design appeared somewhat aestheticially unbalanced because the date was positioned too far from the rim. Late in 1979, the minting dies were modified to widen the border rim, which effectively moved the date closer to the edge.

To identify a Wide Rim 1979-P dollar, look closely at the numbers in the date. In the common "Narrow Rim" (Far Date) version, there is a clear, wide gap between the bottom of the numbers and the inner rim of the coin. In the rare "Wide Rim" version, the date appears almost to be touching the rim. Specifically, the "1" and the "9" at the ends of the date are positioned extremely close to the border line.

This variety is significantly scarcer than the standard version. While a typical circulated 1979-P dollar is generally worth only its face value of $1, a Wide Rim version in high-grade uncirculated condition can fetch hundreds of dollars. Even in circulated condition, the Wide Rim variety maintains a premium, making it one of the few coins from that era worth pulling out of pocket change for closer inspection.

The San Francisco Mint and the Type 2 Proof mystery

While Philadelphia and Denver (marked with a 'D') produced coins for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint (marked with an 'S') produced both business strikes and specially prepared proof coins for collectors. Among the 1979-S proof coins, two distinct mint mark varieties exist: Type 1 and Type 2.

Identification of these requires magnification. The 1979-S Type 1 mint mark is often called the "Filled S." Due to a worn punch, the "S" appears blob-like, with the center loops of the letter almost entirely filled with metal. This is the standard variety for the year and is relatively common in proof sets.

Later in the year, the Mint replaced the worn punch with a new, sharper one. This resulted in the 1979-S Type 2, or "Clear S" variety. On a Type 2 coin, the "S" is crisp and well-defined, with clear openings in the top and bottom loops of the letter. The serifs at the ends of the "S" are also more prominent and bulbous. The Type 2 Clear S is much rarer than the Type 1. Collectors specifically hunt for these in 1979 proof sets, as a high-grade Type 2 specimen in Deep Cameo condition is a cornerstone for any serious Susan B. Anthony collection.

Market values and the importance of grading

As of 2026, the market for 1979 dollar coins is heavily bifurcated. On one hand, the vast majority of the 750 million coins minted that year remain in existence, many in uncirculated condition because they were hoarded rather than spent. Consequently, a standard 1979-P, 1979-D, or 1979-S business strike in typical uncirculated condition (MS-63 to MS-65) usually sells for a modest premium above face value.

The real value emerges at the extreme ends of the Sheldon grading scale. Because these coins were struck in such high volumes using high-speed presses, specimens that managed to escape the minting process without any contact marks, scratches, or luster breaks are exceptionally rare. A 1979 dollar coin graded at MS-67 or higher by professional services like PCGS or NGC enters a different tier of valuation. At the MS-68 level, these coins become "registry set" candidates, where collectors compete to own the finest known examples. In such cases, a coin that looks identical to a $1 coin to the naked eye can sell for thousands at auction.

Rare errors and striking anomalies

Beyond the recognized die varieties, the 1979 dollar coin series is known for several spectacular mint errors. Because the coin was roughly the same size as a quarter, there were instances where dollar dies were accidentally used on quarter planchets, or vice versa. These "wrong planchet" errors are among the most valuable items in the entire series.

Other errors to look for include:

  • Off-center strikes: Where the coin was not properly centered in the press, leaving a portion of the planchet blank. Strikes that are more than 25% off-center and still show the date are highly prized.
  • Broadstrikes: Coins struck without the retaining collar, resulting in a flatter, wider appearance with no reeding on the edge.
  • Double dies: While no major "doubled die" on par with the 1955 penny exists for the 1979 dollar, minor doubling on the stars or the inscriptions can still attract specialist interest.
  • Clipped planchets: Coins that are missing a curved or straight segment because they were punched from the end or side of the metal strip.

Historical context: Why the 1979 dollar failed in circulation

Understanding why the 1979 dollar coin is common today requires looking at its failure in the late 20th century. The U.S. Treasury and the Mint, under the leadership of Director Stella Hackel, heavily promoted the coin as a cost-saving measure. It was estimated that because a coin lasts 15 years while a paper bill lasts only 18 months, switching to the dollar coin would save the government tens of millions of dollars annually.

However, the design choices proved fatal. The use of a copper-nickel clad composition made it look identical to a quarter. Its diameter (26.5mm) was only slightly larger than a quarter (24.3mm). In low-light environments, such as bars or taxis, people frequently confused the two, leading to frustration. Retailers also resisted the coin because cash registers did not have a dedicated slot for a small dollar, forcing them to mix the coins with quarters or half-dollars.

By 1981, production was suspended due to a massive surplus of coins sitting in Federal Reserve vaults. The coins were not minted again until 1999, when a sudden demand from vending machines and mass transit systems depleted the government's stockpile just before the introduction of the gold-colored Sacagawea dollar.

Tips for modern collectors

For those looking to evaluate a 1979 dollar coin today, the first step is to check the mint mark for an 'S' and determine if it is a proof or a business strike. If it is a Philadelphia strike (no mint mark or 'P'), the focus should immediately shift to the distance between the date and the rim to check for the Wide Rim variety.

Preservation is key. Even though these coins are not made of silver, they are susceptible to "milk spots" and environmental damage. Storing them in PVC-free flips or airtight capsules is essential for maintaining their luster. For those suspecting they have a high-grade MS-67 or a rare error, professional authentication is recommended, as the price difference between a raw coin and a certified one can be substantial.

While most 1979 dollar coins will never be worth more than their face value, the series remains a testament to a unique moment in American fiscal policy. The hunt for the elusive Wide Rim or a pristine MS-68 keeps the legacy of the Susan B. Anthony dollar alive in the numismatic community, proving that even a "failed" coin can have a very successful second life among collectors.