.There’s a distinct kind of thrill in holding a coin that might be worth more than it seems. It’s not just about face value—it’s about history, rarity, and sometimes, a curious design decision that turned an ordinary coin into a collector’s pursuit. 

The 1979 dollar coin value is a perfect case in point. Known today as the Susan B. Anthony dollar, this short-lived coin encapsulates a moment in American currency where progress, practicality, and public confusion all collided.

Production Timeline: A Brief Run with a Later Revival

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981 and then again in 1999 due to a temporary shortage of dollar coins before the Sacagawea dollar was introduced in 2000. This short mintage window, along with a few notable varieties, gave the 1979 dollar coin its unique collectible edge.

Here’s a quick look at its key specifications:

The inclusion of multiple mint marks and subtle design changes has made the 1979 dollar coin especially intriguing to collectors—many of whom now scour through old rolls or inherited stashes in hopes of finding the rarer variants.

At first glance, most 1979 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar coins seem mundane—readily available in circulated condition, and often worth little more than face value. But a deeper look reveals a surprisingly dynamic market. A few subtle design differences, proof variations, and minting errors have turned select coins from this series into true collectibles. Here’s how to tell the ordinary from the exceptional.

Key Varieties That Define Value

The standout value drivers of the 1979 SBA dollar revolve around mint marks, die variations, and strike quality. While many versions are common, some are significantly more desirable and can command impressive premiums on the collector’s market.

1. 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date)

Perhaps the most famous variety of this coin is the 1979-P Wide Rim, also known as the Near Date. This version features the date positioned closer to the rim compared to the more common Narrow Rim (Far Date) variant.

• Why It Matters: The U.S. Mint modified the die to create a broader rim, but only a limited number of these were struck before switching back to the standard narrow rim.

• Value: In circulated condition, it may fetch $10–$30, while high-grade uncirculated examples (MS66–MS67) can reach $300–$1,000+, depending on the market.

2. 1979-S Proof Type 2 (“Clear S”)

Proof coins from the San Francisco Mint in 1979 came in two types:

• Type 1: Features a blurry or filled “S” mint mark.

• Type 2: Known as the “Clear S”, with a sharply defined mint mark.

• Why It Matters: Type 2 was a correction of the earlier die and is scarcer. Collectors prize the clarity and precision.

• Value: Type 2 proof coins can sell for $50–$150+, especially when graded PR69DCAM or higher.

3. 1979-P or D Mint Error Coins

Error coins are always a hit with serious numismatists, and the 1979 SBA dollar has a few stunning examples:

• Wrong Planchet Errors: One standout is a 1979-P dollar struck on a quarter planchet. These errors are instantly recognizable due to their smaller size and missing edge details.

• Off-Center Strikes, Double Strikes: Less common but fascinating to collectors, with some errors bringing in $100–$300+ depending on severity and visibility.

4. High-Grade Uncirculated Coins

Even common variants can be valuable in pristine condition. Coins graded MS67 or higher by professional grading services (PCGS, NGC) often outperform lower-grade specimens significantly in value due to their rarity in such perfect states.

Value Comparison Table

Here’s a concise reference table to help collectors understand the relative worth of each major variety:

What Drives the Value?

Understanding what makes a coin valuable isn’t just about rarity—it’s about demand, condition, and visibility of distinguishing features. The 1979 dollar’s value spikes when collectors can confirm certain traits, like:

• Wide vs. Narrow Rim spacing

• Clear “S” proof varieties

• Evidence of striking errors or unusual planchets

• Exceptional preservation (no wear, strong luster, full strike)

This is where many hobbyists hit a wall—how to detect these subtle features reliably? Especially when thousands of coins can look nearly identical to the naked eye.

From Guesswork to Certainty: Why Tools Like Coin ID Scanner Matter

The Coin ID Scanner app is one of the most advanced digital tools in the numismatic space today. It helps hobbyists—whether beginners or experts—streamline the process of verifying and evaluating coins like the 1979 dollar. Let’s take a closer look at the features that make this app a must-have for modern collectors.

Coin Identification by Photo

• Upload a coin image from your camera or gallery.

• Instantly receive a complete digital coin card with specs like:

• Year and mint

• Country and denomination

• Edge, diameter, weight, metal composition

• Current market value estimates

Collection Management

• Keep a personal digital archive of your coins.

• Add new finds, log acquisition details, record estimated value and condition.

• Track market trends for coins in your collection over time.

This is especially useful for organizing multiple SBA dollars with small differences in mint marks or proof types. With built-in fields and tags, you can avoid re-checking the same coins repeatedly.

Extensive Global Coin Database

• Access a database with over 187,000 coins from different eras and countries.

• Use smart filters to narrow results by year, design elements, errors, or mints.

• Identify even obscure errors and proof types with confidence.

Collectors of the 1979 dollar benefit here by searching specifically for “1979-P Wide Rim” or “1979-S Proof Type 2”and instantly comparing their coins to verified catalog entries.

AI Coin Helper

• The built-in AI assistant provides:

• Historical context for the coin

• Investment insights

• Warnings about fakes or low-value replicas

• Explanations of grading terms and strike types

Need help understanding what MS67 means for your Susan B. Anthony dollar or whether a quarter-planchet strike is legitimate? The AI assistant can guide you in real time, making research faster and more reliable.

A Hobby Reborn: Why the 1979 Dollar Still Matters

Despite its brief circulation life, the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar continues to be an exciting entry point for collectors. Its relatively low barrier to entry and high potential upside—thanks to a few standout varieties—make it ideal for anyone starting or expanding a U.S. coin collection.

These coins are still accessible in bank rolls, inherited collections, or flea markets. What was once passed over as confusing or “too similar to a quarter” now holds newfound appeal, particularly among collectors who know what to look for.

Final Takeaway: Don’t Let Hidden Value Slip By

The 1979 dollar coin isn’t just a footnote in U.S. Mint history—it’s a reminder that even modern coins can hold serious value when rarity, condition, and technology intersect. What separates a common coin from a collectible gem often comes down to subtle details, and tools like Coin ID Scanner give collectors the confidence to spot those nuances.

So, whether you’re sorting through a jar of change, curating a professional collection, or simply fascinated by American numismatics, the Susan B. Anthony dollar teaches one enduring truth:

Sometimes, old coins become valuable not by age alone—but by the stories, errors, and innovations they carry with them.

Let curiosity lead the way—and let technology back it up.