The Susan B. Anthony dollar is an iconic U.S. coin that faced its own unique challenges in circulation. Originally, the U.S. Mint considered featuring Lady Liberty, a design that had been a tradition on dollar coins. However, the final decision was to honor Susan B. Anthony, a trailblazer for women’s rights, instead.
Despite the significance of the coin, it was unpopular with the public. Many confused it with the quarter due to its similar size and color. As a result, production was halted after 1981. A special batch was minted in 1999 in response to a request from the U.S. Postal Service, but overall, the dollar didn’t meet expectations.
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How to Identify a Silver Dollar Coin?
While the name may imply that the Susan B. Anthony dollar contains silver, it actually doesn’t. The “silver” refers to the color of the coin’s cladding, not its composition. Before 1965, U.S. dollar coins did have silver, but the Anthony dollar was made primarily of copper and nickel.
If you’re trying to identify a silver coin, inspect the edge. If you see a solid silver stripe, then the coin is made of silver. If there’s a copper stripe, the coin is clad. Some coins might have a duller silver stripe, indicating a lower silver content.
However, this method isn’t necessary for Susan B. Anthony dollars, as they all have the same copper-nickel makeup.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Varieties
Here’s a look at some varieties of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar:
- 1979-P Silver Dollar (Philadelphia Mint): Over 360 million were produced, with the coin consisting of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. A notable variety is the “Narrow Rim,” where the date on the coin is further from the rim, giving it a different appearance compared to the more common “Wide Rim” version.
- 1979-S Silver Dollar (San Francisco Mint): There are two types of proofs. The Type 1 Filled S Proof features a filled “S” mintmark, while the Type 2 Clear S Proof has a distinct and clear “S.”
- 1979-D Silver Dollar (Denver Mint): Nearly 288 million were produced here, with the same composition as the Philadelphia coins.
List of Errors That Increase Value
Some Susan B. Anthony dollars have rare errors that increase their value:
- Clipped Planchets: These coins have a straight or crescent-shaped edge due to a production error. They are valued at $25 or more.
- Multiple Strikes: When a coin gets struck more than once, it creates an overlap of designs. These are rare and can be worth $500 or more.
- Off-Center Strikes: Coins struck off-center are uncommon and can be valued between $150 and $500, depending on how off-center they are.
- Broadstrikes: These occur when a coin is struck outside its collar, resulting in a wider coin with no clear edges. They’re valued between $50 and $100.
- Wrong Planchet: This error happens when a coin design is mistakenly struck on a different planchet, such as one intended for another denomination. These coins are extremely rare and valuable, with one example selling for $16,800 in 2020.
What Is a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth Today?
For circulated 1979-P or 1979-D Susan B. Anthony dollars, they are typically worth their face value.
However, uncirculated examples can fetch between $2 and $20. Proof coins, especially those from San Francisco with the “Clear S” mintmark, can be worth $25 or more. Error coins, as mentioned earlier, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Grading Susan B. Anthony Dollars
The value of a coin depends heavily on its grade. Coin collectors use the Sheldon Scale to grade coins from poor (P-1) to perfect mint state (MS-70). Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Poor (P-1): The coin is nearly unrecognizable.
- Fair (FR-2): Slightly more detail but still heavily worn.
- Very Good (VG-8): The design is visible, but most details are faint.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Minimal wear, with most design details sharp and visible.
- Mint State (MS-60 and above): Uncirculated coins with little to no wear. The higher the number, the better the condition.
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Where to Buy or Sell a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
You can easily find common Susan B. Anthony dollars at flea markets or online platforms like eBay.
However, if you believe you have an error coin or one in excellent condition, it’s wise to consult a coin expert or auction house to avoid being scammed.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.