The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from its face value of $1 in worn condition to over $3,500 in rare mint states. While millions of these coins were minted, finding a high-grade specimen or a specific variety can lead to a significant payday for everyday collectors.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Near Date Variety (Wide Rim) | $20.00 – $50.00 |
| High Grade (MS67+) | $500.00 – $3,500+ |
A Brief History of the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar represents a historic shift in American coinage. Introduced in 1979, it was the first time a non-mythical woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. This small dollar replaced the large Eisenhower dollar, intended to be more convenient for vending machines and mass transit. However, due to its size and color being similar to a quarter, the public often confused the two, leading to widespread unpopularity.
If you have just discovered one of these in a jar of change, you might wonder if it’s a hidden treasure. To get an instant answer, you can use the best coin identifier app to scan your coin and determine its exact variety. Most of the 757 million pennies struck at the Philadelphia mint (signified by the “P” mint mark) are only worth face value.
Because these coins were minted in such massive quantities, they are not inherently “rare” in the traditional sense. However, the condition of the coin—what collectors call the “grade”—is everything. Using a modern tool like CoinHix can help you track these nuances and see how your specific coin stacks up against professional grading standards without needing to visit a coin shop immediately.
Understanding the 1979-P Wide Rim vs. Narrow Rim
The most important factor in determining the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar value is identifying the “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety. Early in 1979, the mint realized the design looked a bit unbalanced, so they widened the rim. This pushed the date closer to the edge. The “Wide Rim” (Near Date) is much rarer than the “Narrow Rim” (Far Date) version.
To tell the difference, look at the distance between the number “1979” and the raised edge of the coin. If the numbers are almost touching the rim, you have the more valuable Wide Rim variety. If there is a clear, wide gap between the numbers and the rim, it is the common Narrow Rim version.
| Feature | Narrow Rim (Far Date) | Wide Rim (Near Date) |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Very Common | Scarce |
| Date Placement | Far from the edge | Very close to the edge |
| Value (Uncirculated) | $3 – $10 | $40 – $100+ |
Determining Value Based on Condition and Grade
In the world of coin collecting, the “Mint State” (MS) grade determines the premium. Most 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollars found in change are “circulated,” meaning they have scratches and dullness from being handled. These are rarely worth more than $1. However, coins that were saved in mint sets or rolls can fetch surprising prices.
Professional graders use a scale from 1 to 70. A coin with an MS65 grade is considered high quality. When you look at the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar MS prices, you will notice that the jump from MS66 to MS67 is where the real money is. An MS67 specimen can sell for hundreds of dollars, while an elusive MS68 can break the $3,000 barrier at auction.
If you think your coin looks “perfect”—meaning no scratches and a bright, satin-like luster—it might be worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. Before spending money on grading fees, check CoinHix to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of graded examples to see if yours has a realistic chance of a high grade.
The “P” Mint Mark and Production Quality
The “P” on the 1979 dollar stands for the Philadelphia Mint. While San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) also produced these coins, the Philadelphia versions are often the focus of variety hunters. Interestingly, 1979 was the first year that the “P” mint mark appeared on the dollar coin; previously, Philadelphia coins usually had no mint mark at all.
Generally, the strike quality at Philadelphia in 1979 was inconsistent. Many coins left the mint with “planchet chatter” or small nicks because they were tossed into large bins. This makes finding a flawless 1979-P very difficult. For a deeper look at the historical market trends, you can review this 1979 dollar coin worth and variety guide.
Keep an eye out for “Proof-like” surfaces. Although Philadelphia didn’t officially strike proofs for the SBA dollar in 1979, some early business strikes were so sharp and mirror-like that they resemble proofs. These semi-reflective coins are highly sought after by specialists who want the best-looking examples for their albums.
How to Sell Your 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you’ve identified that you have a Wide Rim or a high-grade uncirculated coin, your next step is selling it. For average circulated coins, your local bank or a grocery store vending machine is the best place, as they are only worth $1. However, for the rarer varieties, you have several options.
Online marketplaces like eBay are popular for selling “Raw” (ungraded) Wide Rim varieties. If you have a coin that you believe is in the MS67 range, professional auction houses like Heritage Auctions are the preferred venue. Using an app like CoinHix can help you determine the best time to sell by tracking recent sales data and market demand.
| Selling Platform | Best For | Potential Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Quick cash, common pieces | Lower payout (Wholesale) |
| eBay | Wide Rim varieties, MS63-MS65 | 10-15% + Shipping |
| Auction Houses | Rare varieties (MS67+) | Consignment fees (Variable) |
Summary of Key Takeaways
The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a fascinating piece of American history that bridges the gap between old-world coinage and modern utility. While the majority of these coins won’t make you rich, the thrill of the hunt lies in the details. By checking the rim thickness and the date’s proximity to the edge, you might just find a coin worth 50 times its face value.
Remember to keep your coins in a cool, dry place and handle them by the edges to prevent skin oils from damaging the surface. Whether you are a casual hobbyist or an aspiring numismatist, tools like CoinHix make it easier than ever to turn a pocket change discovery into a valuable collection.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar gold colored?
A: If your 1979 dollar is gold in color, it has likely been “plated” by a third-party company or exposed to chemicals. The U.S. Mint did not produce gold Susan B. Anthony dollars. These are considered “altered” and generally carry no extra value to collectors.
Q: Is there a 1979 silver Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: No, there were no silver 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars produced for circulation or as proofs. They are made of a copper-nickel clad composition (the same as modern quarters and dimes).
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1979-P SBA Dollar?
A: A 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) Susan B. Anthony Dollar graded MS67+ by PCGS once sold for over $3,500 at auction. High-grade specimens are extremely rare because the coins were handled roughly during production.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on the 1979 dollar?
A: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (your left side when looking at the coin).