The 1979-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,200 in top-tier mint state. While most coins found in change are only worth their face value, certain high-grade specimens and errors can be quite a lucrative find for lucky collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F-AU) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $15.00 – $35.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS67+) | $150 – $1,200+ |
History and Development of the 1979-D SBA Dollar
The 1979-D Susan B. Anthony dollar holds a special place in American numismatic history as it represented a major shift in coin design and size. Before this, the Eisenhower dollar was the standard, a massive coin that many found cumbersome for daily use.
When you use the best coin identifier app to look up your change, you’ll see this was the first time a real woman—rather than the allegorical Lady Liberty—appeared on a circulating U.S. coin.
The “D” mint mark indicates that this specific coin was struck at the Denver Mint. In its first year of production, 1979, the Mint produced hundreds of millions of these coins, hoping they would replace the paper dollar bill. However, the public largely rejected them because they were too similar in size and color to the Washington Quarter.
If you have a collection of these, you might use CoinHix to keep track of their various conditions. While billions were made, the Denver strikes are often noted for having slightly better luster than their Philadelphia counterparts.
Determining the 1979-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value
To understand the 1979-D Susan B. Anthony dollar value, you must first look at the condition. Most of these coins were hoarded by people hoping they would become rare, which ironically meant that many stayed in “Uncirculated” condition.
For most casual hunters, the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar price guide for mint state coins shows that high-grade prices only start to climb once you reach the MS66 or MS67 levels.
A coin in average pocket change condition is usually just worth its face value of $1. If the coin looks brand new with no scratches and a bright shine, it might be worth a small premium to a collector.
| Grade (Sheldon Scale) | 1979-D SBA Value |
|---|---|
| MS63 (Typical Uncirculated) | $3 |
| MS65 (Choice Uncirculated) | $18 |
| MS66 (Near Gem) | $45 |
| MS67 (Gem Quality) | $350 |
Key Features and Identifying Denver Mint Marks
The most important step in verifying your coin is locating the mint mark. On the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, the “D” is located on the obverse side, just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (your left).
If the area is blank, it was minted in Philadelphia. If it has an “S,” it’s from San Francisco. The Denver mint marks are generally clear, but some can be slightly filled due to aging dies.
Identifying these small details is where CoinHix becomes an essential tool for the everyday hobbyist. By taking a clear photo, you can zoom in to see if the “D” is clearly defined or if it shows signs of a “Repunched Mint Mark” (RPM).
While RPMs are not common for the 1979-D, they do exist and can add a small premium. Most collectors prioritize the “Near Date” (Wide Rim) or “Far Date” (Narrow Rim) varieties, though the 1979-D is consistently the “Far Date” type.
Comparing the 1979-D with Philadelphia and San Francisco Strikes
When looking at 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar value information, it’s helpful to see how the Denver mint compares to others. Denver produced 288,015,744 Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979.
This was slightly less than Philadelphia but still a massive number. Because Denver strikes often had better quality control than Philly, the 1979-D is often found with fewer “bag marks”—those tiny scratches that occur when coins hit each other in large transport bags.
| Mint Branch | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Status |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | 360,222,000 | Very Common |
| Denver (D) | 288,015,744 | Common |
| San Francisco (S) | 109,576,000 | Less Common |
Rare Errors to Look For in 1979-D Coins
Even though most 1979-D dollars aren’t expensive, error coins are the exception to the rule. Error collectors often use CoinHix to research strange-looking coins they find in rolls.
One common error for this era is the “Clipped Planchet,” where a piece of the coin appears to have been bitten off. Another is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the image isn’t centered perfectly, leaving a crescent shape of blank metal.
There are also “Die Cracks,” which look like tiny raised veins of metal on the surface. While a minor die crack doesn’t add much value, a major one can push the value to $50 or $100.
Always check the edge of your coin as well. The 1979-D should have a reeded (ridged) edge. If you find one that is smooth like a nickel but the size of a dollar, it could be a rare “Experimental Planchet” or an error, though these are extremely rare.
Grading Your Susan B. Anthony Dollar at Home
You don’t always need a professional to tell you if your coin is worth more than a dollar. Use a magnifying glass or a high-quality smartphone camera to inspect the high points of the design.
For the 1979-D SBA dollar, check Susan B. Anthony’s cheek and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. If you see wear (smoothing of the metal), the coin is circulated.
If those areas are sharp and frosty, you might have an uncirculated coin. High-eye-appeal coins with original mint luster can sell for $10 to $20 on auction sites even if they aren’t professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.
Remember that cleaning a coin actually ruins its value. If you find a dirty 1979-D, leave it as is. Collectors prefer “original skin” or patina over a shiny, scrubbed surface every time.
Selling and Collecting Strategy
If you discover you have a 1979-D Susan B. Anthony dollar in spectacular condition (MS67 or higher), your best bet is to have it professionally graded. For average coins, selling them individually on eBay might not be worth the shipping costs.
Many people choose to collect the entire SBA set, which only ran for a few years (1979, 1980, 1981, and 1999). It is one of the most affordable sets to complete for a beginning collector.
Keeping your coins in “flips” or archival-safe plastic holders will prevent them from tarnishing or getting scratched. This preserves their future value for the next generation of collectors.
Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or someone who just found a silver-colored coin in the laundry, understanding the history and value of the 1979-D SBA dollar is a great entry point into the world of coin collecting.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1979-D Susan B. Anthony dollar made of silver?
A: No, it is not. The 1979-D Susan B. Anthony dollar is a “clad” coin, consisting of a pure copper core sandwiched between layers of cupro-nickel (75% copper and 25% nickel). It has no silver content.
Q: How can I tell if my 1979-D is a “Wide Rim” variety?
A: Actually, the famous “Wide Rim” (or Near Date) variety is primarily associated with the 1979-P (Philadelphia) mint. Almost all 1979-D Susan B. Anthony dollars are the “Narrow Rim” (Far Date) variety.
Q: Why is my 1979 dollar coin smaller than other silver dollars?
A: The U.S. Mint intentionally made the Susan B. Anthony dollar smaller to make it more convenient for use in vending machines and as a replacement for the $1 bill. Unfortunately, its similar size to the quarter led to its unpopularity.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1979-D SBA Dollar?
A: High-grade specimens in MS68 condition have been known to sell for over $1,200 at major auctions. Most coins found today, however, are only worth $1 to $5.