1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Is your 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth more than $1? Expert guide covers the Wide Rim variety ($5–$2,500+), Type 2 Clear S Proof ($50–$175+), wrong planchet errors ($350–$1,500+), and the $14,100 double denomination record. Values updated January 2026.
Most 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth $1.00 face value — but the rare 1979-P Wide Rim variety is worth $5–$2,500+, and major mint errors like wrong-planchet coins and double denominations can reach $350–$15,000+.
- 💡 Wide Rim (Near Date): Date nearly touches the 11-sided rim — $5–$8 circulated, $50–$65 in MS65, $2,500+ in MS67+
- 💡 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S): Sharp serif “S” mintmark on Proof coins — $50–$175+
- 💡 Wrong Planchet Error: Coin weighs ~5.67g or ~5.00g instead of 8.10g — $350–$1,500+ certified
- 🏆 Auction Record:$14,100 for a Double Denomination (SBA over 1978 Quarter, MS66)
⚠️ Biggest trap: Gold-plated SBA dollars and flat “machine doubling” on the date look unusual but are worth only $1.00.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, and market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for any coin valued over $50.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is NOT a valuable Doubled Die error.
Gold-plated 1979 SBA dollars are post-mint alterations with no numismatic premium — they are worth $1.00.
Wide Rim (Near Date) values in MS67+ grades are volatile and subject to Registry Set bidding wars.
Raw coins on unverified marketplaces have a high rate of Wide Rim misattribution (estimated >40% false positives). Rely on TPG certification for coins valued over $50.
In 1979, the U.S. Mint launched the Susan B. Anthony dollar — a smaller, cost-saving replacement for the Eisenhower dollar, with more than 750 million struck in a single year. Most are worth exactly $1.00. But two mid-year tooling changes created real, findable varieties: the Philadelphia Wide Rim (Near Date) and the San Francisco Type 2 Clear S Proof. Add dramatic wrong-planchet and double-denomination mint errors to the mix, and 1979 becomes one of the most rewarding modern dollar years for variety hunters. See standard pricing at our 1979 SBA Dollar Value Guide.
Key locations to check on a 1979 SBA dollar: mintmark, date-to-rim gap, and edge.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Specs, Mintage & Baseline Values
Designed by Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro, the SBA dollar’s specifications were engineered to work in vending machines already calibrated for clad dimes and quarters. Unfortunately, its near-identical size and color to the Washington Quarter made it widely unpopular. There is no silver in a 1979 SBA dollar — it carries no precious-metal melt value above face.
| Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad (75% Cu / 25% Ni outer layers; pure copper core) |
| Weight | 8.10 grams |
| Diameter | 26.50 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Rim Shape | 11-sided polygonal inner border |
| Designer | Frank Gasparro (obverse & reverse) |
| Silver Content | None — no melt value above face |
1979 Mintage by Mint & Issue
| Mint | Type / Variety | Mintage | Circulated | MS65 / PF69 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | Business Strike — Narrow Rim (common) | 360,222,000 total | $1.00 | $10–$15 |
| Philadelphia (P) | Business Strike — Wide Rim ★ | Included above | $5–$8 | $50–$65 |
| Denver (D) | Business Strike — Narrow Rim | 288,015,744 | $1.00 | $10–$15 |
| San Francisco (S) | Business Strike | 109,576,000 | $1.00 | $10–$15 |
| San Francisco (S) | Proof — Type 1 “Blob S” (common) | 3,677,175 total | N/A | $15–$20 |
| San Francisco (S) | Proof — Type 2 “Clear S” ★ | Included above | N/A | $50–$60 |
ℹ️ No Mintmark = Philadelphia (Not an Error)
A 1979 SBA dollar with no mintmark is perfectly normal. Philadelphia did not use the “P” mintmark that year. All 360+ million Philadelphia coins lack a mintmark — this is not a valuable error. Compare this to the 1982 No-P Dime, where a missing mintmark was a genuine Mint mistake.
For full grade-by-grade pricing on standard issues, see the 1979 SBA Dollar Value Guide.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Quick Checks — Do You Have Something Valuable?
Work through these four checks in order. The first two are die variety checks you can do with a 10x loupe (a small magnifying glass used by coin collectors). The third requires a digital scale. The fourth tells you what to stop getting excited about.
Check 1: Wide Rim / Near Date — Philadelphia Only
On the obverse (front), find the date “1979.” Look at the gap between the top of the digits and the 11-sided polygonal border (rim) that runs around the coin’s edge. Focus on the “1” at the left end and the “9” at the right end of the date.
On the Wide Rim (Near Date), the date sits extremely close to the rim — the tops of the “1” and final “9” almost touch the inner border. The rim itself is noticeably thicker and more pronounced. Virtually no flat strip of metal exists between the date and the polygon. The coin looks like the date was pushed toward the rim during design.
The Narrow Rim (Far Date) is the common coin. It shows clear “breathing room” between the date and the rim — a distinct flat field of metal you can easily see. If you can slide a credit card edge into the gap between the top of the “9” and the rim, it is NOT a Wide Rim. Also: Denver and San Francisco business strikes do not have the true Wide Rim hub — only Philadelphia.
Check 2: 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S) — San Francisco Proof Only
On a Proof coin only (mirror-like background with frosted raised design — these came in 1979 Proof Sets, not circulation). Find the “S” mintmark on the obverse, just to the left of Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder. Use a 10x loupe.
Type 2 (Clear S): The letter “S” is sharp with distinct, pointy serifs (small horizontal strokes at the top and bottom). The inside loops of the “S” are open — you can see the mirror field through them. The overall shape is a clean, typographic “S.” This is the scarce variety.
Type 1 (Blob S) is the common Proof variety. The “S” looks mushy and rounded — the loops are partly filled with metal, creating a blob or rounded-rectangle shape. Serifs are blended into the letter body, not crisp. Also: do NOT apply this check to regular business-strike coins, even if they look shiny — only genuine Proofs with deep mirror fields qualify.
Check 3: Weight Check for Wrong Planchet — All Mints
Place the coin on a digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams. A standard 1979 SBA dollar weighs exactly 8.10g. A significantly lighter reading is a red flag for a major error.
A reading near 5.67g indicates the coin was struck on a Washington Quarter planchet (blank disk). A reading near 5.00g points to a Jefferson Nickel planchet. Both are major errors worth hundreds to over a thousand dollars certified.
Normal wear or minor corrosion will not reduce a coin’s weight enough to trigger this. Only a reading significantly below 8.10g — within ~0.10g of 5.67g or 5.00g — indicates a genuine wrong-planchet error. A kitchen scale is not accurate enough; you need a jeweler’s or lab scale.
Check 4: Common False Alarms — Stop Here If You See These
Overall coin color; the date “1979”; the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Gold or yellow color means post-mint gold plating — worth $1.00. Flat, shelf-like doubling on the date or motto is machine doubling — worth $1.00. Faint or missing letters (e.g., “IN GOD WE TR_ST”) are grease-filled die strike-throughs — essentially no premium on modern coins.
Genuine Doubled Dies have rounded, three-dimensional separation between two images. Machine doubling is flat and shelf-like — the extra image looks smeared, not raised. If the coin is gold-colored, the Mint never produced gold 1979 SBA dollars; it is a private novelty alteration.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Complete Error & Variety Value Table
This table covers all significant varieties, errors, and standard issues. High-value errors link to their detailed write-ups below. Values are retail estimates for certified (PCGS/NGC) examples as of January 2026. Raw (uncertified) coins typically sell for less.
| Error / Variety Type | Category | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Denomination (SBA over Quarter) | Striking Error | P | Ultra Rare | $10,000–$15,000+ | $14,100 (MS66) |
| Wide Rim / Near Date | Die Variety | P | Scarce–Rare | $5–$2,500+ | $6,995 (MS67+) |
| SBA on Nickel Planchet | Wrong Planchet | P/D/S | Very Rare | $500–$1,500+ | — |
| SBA on Quarter Planchet | Wrong Planchet | P/D/S | Rare | $350–$1,000+ | $382 (MS63) |
| Off-Center Strike (>50%, date visible) | Striking Error | P/D | Rare | $200–$500+ | — |
| 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S) | Die Variety (Proof) | S | Uncommon | $50–$175+ | $1,955 (PR70) |
| Off-Center Strike (20–50%, date visible) | Striking Error | P/D | Uncommon | $50–$200 | — |
| Broadstrike (Out of Collar) | Collar Error | P/D | Uncommon | $20–$50 | — |
| 1979-P / D / S Narrow Rim (standard) | Standard Business Strike | P / D / S | Very Common | $1.00 / $10–$15 (MS65) | — |
| 1979-S Proof Type 1 (Blob S) | Standard Proof | S | Common | $15–$20 (PF69) | — |
Values are estimates for certified examples (PCGS/NGC). Raw coins typically sell at a discount. Auction records from Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and PCGS Auction Archives.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Valuable Errors & Varieties Explained
1979-P Wide Rim / Near Date (FS-301)
Left: Narrow Rim (common) with clear space between date and rim. Right: Wide Rim with date nearly touching the border.
Origin & Background
Mid-year 1979, the Philadelphia Mint modified its master hub under direction from Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro. The original “Narrow Rim” design had a thin border that caused die-life problems and inconsistent metal flow during mass production. Widening the rim — which shrank the field between the rim and the design elements — addressed those issues. The result was two distinct obverse types within the same year. Because the hub change happened mid-run, the Wide Rim is far scarcer than the Narrow Rim, which accounts for the vast majority of the 360 million Philadelphia coins.
How to Identify
- The date “1979” sits extremely close to the 11-sided polygonal inner border — the tops of the digits nearly touch it.
- Focus on the digit “1” (left end of date) and the final “9” (right end of date): on the Wide Rim, virtually no flat strip of field metal separates them from the rim polygon.
- The polygonal rim itself appears noticeably thicker and more pronounced than on the Narrow Rim — this is your secondary diagnostic.
- If a standard credit card edge fits comfortably between the top of the “9” and the rim, you have a Narrow Rim.
False Positives to Avoid
Strike pressure variance can push the date slightly closer to the rim on some Narrow Rim dies — always confirm with the thicker rim width as a secondary check. Denver and San Francisco business strikes do not have the true Wide Rim hub; any apparent “Near Date” appearance on a D or S coin is a die state anomaly, not the genuine variety. Raw coin listings on unverified marketplaces show an estimated >40% false-positive rate for “Wide Rim” attributions.
Market Values
- 🔘 Circulated (AG–VF): $5–$8
- 🔘 Mint State MS63–64: $20–$35
- 🔘 Gem MS65: $50–$65
- ⭐ MS66: $150–$400
- 🏆 MS67+: $2,500+ (Registry Set premium; volatile)
Auction Record
$6,995 for a MS67+ example (Heritage Auctions). Prices in MS67+ are volatile due to Registry Set competition, where bidders may pay significant premiums to out-rank rivals.
1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S)
Left: Type 1 “Blob S” with filled loops and mushy serifs. Right: Type 2 “Clear S” with open loops and sharp serifs.
Origin & Background
The San Francisco Mint produced all 1979 Proof coins for collector sets. Proof coins (“Proof” = a special striking method producing mirror-like fields and frosted raised designs) require individual mintmark punches applied to each working die. By 1979, the “S” punch had been used so many times it degraded severely — the loops of the “S” filled in with metal, creating the Type 1 “Blob S.” Late in the year, a new, sharply cut punch was introduced: the Type 2 “Clear S,” which shows crisp serifs and open loops. The Type 2 is the minority variety and carries a significant premium, especially in top grades where Registry Set collectors compete for the finest examples.
How to Identify
- First confirm the coin is a genuine Proof: it must have deep, mirror-like fields (the flat areas of the coin surface) and frosted, satiny raised design elements. If the coin doesn’t have this appearance, this check doesn’t apply.
- Type 2 (Clear S): Under 10x magnification, the “S” mintmark has sharp, pointy serifs (small horizontal strokes) at its top and bottom terminals. The upper and lower loops of the “S” are open — you can see the mirror field of the coin through them. The overall letter looks like a precise, well-cut typographic “S.”
- Type 1 (Blob S) comparison: The loops appear closed or nearly closed by metal fill. Serifs are rounded and blended. The mintmark looks like a rounded blob or rectangle with an “S” shape barely visible.
False Positives to Avoid
Do not apply this check to shiny business-strike coins that are merely Proof-like (coins with an incidental sheen from fresh dies). Only genuine Proofs with deep mirror fields qualify. Also avoid confusing a slightly better-struck Type 1 with the genuinely crisp Type 2 — under 10x magnification, the difference in serif sharpness and loop openness should be unambiguous.
Market Values
- 🔘 PF67 DCAM (Deep Cameo): $50–$75
- 🔘 PF68 DCAM: $60–$100
- ⭐ PF69 DCAM: $50–$60 (higher supply in this grade keeps price moderate)
- 🏆 PF70 DCAM: $175+
Auction Record
$1,955 for a PR70 Deep Cameo example. The “Deep Cameo” designation (DCAM) refers to the maximum contrast between mirror fields and frosted devices — the highest-quality Proof coins.
1979 SBA Dollar on Wrong Planchet (Quarter or Nickel)
SBA dollar struck on a quarter planchet (left) next to a standard SBA dollar (right). The error coin is undersized with weak outer legends.
What a Planchet Error Is
A planchet is the blank metal disk that gets struck by the dies to become a coin. A wrong-planchet error occurs when a blank intended for a different denomination — in this case, a quarter or nickel — accidentally enters the dollar press. Because the SBA dollar is 26.5mm but a quarter blank is only 24.3mm (and a nickel blank is 21.2mm), the metal spreads outward in all directions when struck, creating an undersized, distorted coin with an irregular edge and missing outer legend detail.
How to Identify
- Weigh it: A digital scale is the primary diagnostic. Quarter planchet = ~5.67g; nickel planchet = ~5.00g. Standard SBA = 8.10g.
- Measure it: A quarter-planchet error may measure closer to 24.3mm in diameter (vs. 26.5mm normal). A nickel-planchet error measures closer to 21.2mm.
- Look for spreading: The design spreads toward the edges and is incomplete at the periphery. Outer legends may be weak or entirely missing due to incomplete metal flow into the larger collar.
- Color: The color will appear normal (silver-grey with copper edge) since both the SBA and the quarter/nickel use copper-nickel clad composition.
False Positives to Avoid
A worn or corroded coin may weigh slightly below 8.10g, but will still be within a few tenths of a gram. Only a reading near 5.67g or 5.00g is meaningful. Damage such as gouges or filing can reduce weight and should be visible under magnification as tool marks. The “SBA on Quarter Planchet” is the more common of the two wrong-planchet types because SBA and quarter production lines shared the same copper-nickel clad alloy.
A digital scale showing ~5.67g confirms a quarter planchet error; 8.10g is normal.
Market Values (Certified)
- 🔘 Quarter Planchet, MS63: ~$382 (documented auction)
- ⭐ Quarter Planchet, MS65+: $800–$1,000+ (eye appeal dependent)
- 🏆 Nickel Planchet, MS63: $500–$800+
- 🏆 Nickel Planchet, MS65+: $1,200–$1,500+
Auction Records
$382 for a MS63 SBA on Quarter Planchet (PCGS Auction Prices). A nickel-planchet example graded MS63 has been offered through Sullivan Numismatics.
1979-P Double Denomination (SBA Dollar Over 1978 Quarter)
Double denomination coin showing the ghost of the Washington Quarter design beneath the SBA dollar design.
Origin & Background
A double denomination is one of the rarest and most dramatic errors in U.S. coinage. It occurs when an already-struck finished coin is accidentally fed back into a press loaded with different denomination dies and struck a second time. In this case, a 1978 Washington Quarter somehow migrated into the 1979 SBA dollar production hopper and received a full dollar strike. The result shows two distinct coin designs overlapping on the same planchet, with both dates potentially visible. The 1979-P SBA over 1978 Washington Quarter was featured at the Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) convention and reported by Coin World.
How to Identify
- Look for ghost images of the Washington Quarter’s eagle reverse and Washington obverse beneath the SBA dollar design.
- The 1978 quarter date may be faintly visible beneath the 1979 dollar date.
- The coin will have an unusual appearance and surface texture due to two complete strikes from different die sets.
- If you suspect this error, seek immediate professional authentication — do not clean, polish, or attempt further examination that could damage the coin.
False Positives to Avoid
Die clash marks (where obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a coin between them) can leave ghost-like impressions of the opposing die, but these are flat and repetitive, not the fully formed design of a different coin type. Machine doubling is flat and shelf-like. A genuine double denomination shows two completely different coin designs overlapping on a single planchet. Post-mint damage or counterfeits can mimic unusual surface anomalies but lack the clear design layering of a true double denomination.
Market Value & Auction Record
$14,100 for a MS66 1979-P SBA Dollar over 1978 Washington Quarter (Coin World). These are virtually non-existent in the wild and represent the pinnacle of 1979 SBA error collecting.
1979 SBA Off-Center Strike (>20%)
A 1979 SBA dollar struck approximately 40% off-center, showing a crescent of blank planchet at left.
How to Identify
- A crescent-shaped area of blank, unstruck planchet metal is visible on one side of the coin.
- Estimate the off-center percentage: a coin struck 50% off-center shows roughly half as blank, unstruck metal.
- Date visibility is the primary value driver. A dramatic off-center strike with the full date “1979” visible is worth significantly more than one where the date is missing.
- A 1979-D struck 65% off-center in MS64 is a documented rarity at the top of the value scale.
Value by Severity
- 1–10% off-center (full date): $5–$20
- 10–20% (full date): $20–$50
- 20–50% (full date): $50–$200
- 50–70% (full or partial date): $200–$500+
- >70% (no date): $20–$50 (generic error premium only)
False Positives to Avoid
A misaligned die (MAD) coin shows a slight off-center appearance but is fully struck within the collar with no blank planchet visible. True off-center strikes always show unstruck blank metal. Damaged, bent, or clipped coins that are missing metal on one side are post-mint damage — worth face value only.
1979 SBA Broadstrike (Out of Collar)
A broadstruck SBA dollar showing the expanded diameter and absence of the characteristic 11-sided polygonal rim.
How to Identify
- The coin is slightly larger than the standard 26.5mm diameter — measure with calipers to confirm.
- The distinctive 11-sided polygonal rim is absent or heavily distorted; the edge may appear smooth or irregular rather than properly reeded.
- Design elements near the rim may appear stretched or flattened from metal spreading outward without collar restraint.
False Positives to Avoid
Coins tumbled in clothes dryers or run through commercial rolling machines can show rim damage that superficially resembles a broadstrike. Look for the even, symmetrical spread of design elements that characterizes a genuine broadstrike, versus the uneven, localized damage from post-mint tumbling. A genuine broadstrike will also be larger than 26.5mm; a damaged coin will usually not be.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Common Traps Worth Only Face Value
These are the most frequent false alarms for 1979 SBA dollars. Save yourself time and disappointment by ruling these out first.
⚠️ Machine Doubling on the Date or Motto
A doubled or shadowed appearance on the digits “1979” or the words “IN GOD WE TRUST,” as if the design was pressed twice.
The coin die shifts slightly during the retraction stroke after striking, dragging the design across the planchet surface. This is a mechanical artifact of the press, not a deliberate doubled hub design.
- Machine doubling appears flat and shelf-like — it looks like the design was smeared sideways.
- A genuine Doubled Die (DDO/DDR) shows rounded, three-dimensional separation with two distinct, fully formed images.
- Under a 10x loupe, machine doubling has no depth; genuine doubling has raised relief on both images.
Value: Face value only ($1.00). See NGC’s guide on Machine Doubling vs. Doubled Dies for side-by-side images.
Machine doubling (left) appears flat and smeared. A genuine doubled die (right) shows two fully raised, separated images.
⚠️ Gold-Plated “Gold Edition” 1979 SBA Dollars
A 1979 SBA dollar with a gold or yellow color, sometimes sold in a velvet box or certificate. Online listings may claim “Rare 1979 Gold Edition”.
Private third-party companies (not the U.S. Mint) electroplated standard SBA dollars with a thin gold coating in the late 1970s and 1980s to sell as novelty gift sets to non-collectors. Thousands exist.
- The U.S. Mint never produced a gold 1979 SBA dollar. Any gold-colored example was plated after leaving the Mint.
- Third-Party Graders (PCGS, NGC) classify gold-plated coins as “Altered Surfaces” and will not grade them.
- Numismatists consider plating to be damage that permanently destroys the coin’s collectible value.
Value: Face value only ($1.00).
A gold-plated 1979 SBA dollar. The gold color is a post-mint alteration with no numismatic value.
⚠️ Grease-Filled Die (Faint or Missing Letters)
A letter or digit that appears faint, partially missing, or completely absent — for example, “IN GOD WE TR_ST” with a missing “U.”
Die lubricating grease accumulates in the recessed letter cavities of the die, blocking metal from flowing into those areas during the strike. The result is a weakly struck or absent design element.
- On modern high-mintage coins like the 1979 SBA dollar, minor grease-filled die strikes carry essentially no market premium.
- Compare to the famous “1982 No-P” Roosevelt dime, where a missing mintmark was a true design error with significant value — that is a completely different situation.
- The missing element on a grease strike is in a recessed area of the coin (where a letter or digit normally rises up); the field around it will be normal.
Value: Face value only ($1.00).
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: How Condition Affects Value
Coin grading uses the Sheldon 70-point scale: grades 1–60 are “Circulated” (worn), grades 60–70 are “Mint State” (uncirculated). For the 1979 SBA dollar, grade has an outsized impact on the Wide Rim variety specifically — the jump from MS65 to MS67 is not incremental; it is exponential, driven by Registry Set competition.
- AG–F (1–12)Heavily to moderately worn. Narrow Rim = $1.00. Wide Rim = $5–$6.
- VF–EF (20–45)Light to moderate wear. Narrow Rim = $1.00. Wide Rim = $6–$8.
- AU (50–58)Near uncirculated, slight wear on high points. Wide Rim starts earning a meaningful premium.
- MS63–64Uncirculated with moderate bag marks. Narrow Rim = $10–$15. Wide Rim = $20–$35.
- MS65 (Gem)Few minor blemishes, strong luster. Narrow Rim = $10–$15. Wide Rim = $50–$65.
- MS66Near-perfect surfaces. Wide Rim = $150–$400.
- MS67+Registry-grade condition rarity. Wide Rim = $2,500+ (volatile; auction record $6,995).
⚠️ Cost-Benefit Check Before Grading
Professional grading fees typically start at $30–$50+ per coin (varies by service level and tier). A standard Narrow Rim in any grade is worth $1.00–$15. Submitting a standard coin for grading will cost you money. Only submit if you have a confirmed Wide Rim with strong Mint State surfaces (MS65 potential or better), a verified wrong-planchet error, or a Proof Type 2 Clear S.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: When & How to Get Certified
When to Submit for Grading
Third-Party Grading (TPG) by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) provides an independent grade, authenticates the coin, and seals it in a tamper-evident holder (“slab”). For 1979 SBA dollars, submit if:
- You have a confirmed 1979-P Wide Rim with essentially no wear and strong luster (MS65 potential or better).
- Your coin weighs significantly below 8.10g (~5.67g or ~5.00g), indicating a wrong-planchet error.
- You have a 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S) in pristine condition targeting a PF69 or PF70 grade.
- You believe you have a double denomination or dramatic off-center strike (>20% off-center).
When NOT to Submit
- Standard Narrow Rim in any grade (value $1.00–$15; grading cost exceeds value).
- Gold-plated coins — TPGs will not grade altered surfaces.
- Machine-doubled coins — these are not errors worth certifying.
Authentication Strategy
For a suspected Wide Rim, raw coins on unverified marketplaces carry an estimated >40% false-positive attribution rate. PCGS and NGC will correctly attribute the Wide Rim variety and note it on the label, making the coin far easier to sell and commanding a meaningful premium over raw examples. For any coin valued over $50, professional authentication is strongly recommended before buying or selling.
Dealer referral information coming soon. For now, consult PCGS- or NGC-authorized dealers via their official dealer directories.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Frequently Asked Questions
Is my 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth anything?
Most 1979 SBA dollars are worth exactly $1.00 (face value). The coin had a massive mintage of over 750 million business strikes, and uncirculated bags still exist, keeping common-variety prices at or near face. The exceptions are the 1979-P Wide Rim variety ($5+ in any condition) and major mint errors like wrong-planchet coins and double denominations.
How do I tell a Wide Rim from a Narrow Rim?
Look at the gap between the date “1979” and the 11-sided polygonal border running around the coin. On the Wide Rim, virtually no flat metal strip exists between the tops of the digits and the rim — the date nearly touches it. The rim is also noticeably thicker. On the common Narrow Rim, there is clear “breathing room” between the date and the rim. This check only applies to Philadelphia (no mintmark) coins.
What is the most valuable 1979 SBA dollar error?
The most valuable documented 1979 SBA error is the Double Denomination (SBA dollar struck over a 1978 Washington Quarter), which sold for $14,100 in MS66. The top-grade Wide Rim auction record is $6,995 for an MS67+ example. For errors that might actually be findable, wrong-planchet coins can reach $1,500+ certified.
Is a gold-colored 1979 SBA dollar valuable?
No. The U.S. Mint never produced a gold 1979 SBA dollar. Gold or yellow-colored coins were electroplated after leaving the Mint by private companies selling novelty gift sets. Numismatists consider this “altered surfaces” — damage that permanently destroys the coin’s collectible value. PCGS and NGC will not grade them. They are worth $1.00.
What’s the difference between a 1979-S Type 1 and Type 2 Proof?
Both are San Francisco Proof coins, but the mintmark punches differ. Type 1 (Blob S): The “S” looks mushy — its loops are filled with metal from an overused punch, creating a rounded-rectangle blob shape. Worth $15–$20. Type 2 (Clear S): A new, sharp punch produces a crisp “S” with distinct serifs and open loops. Worth $50–$175+. Use a 10x loupe to compare the mintmark under magnification.
Do Denver or San Francisco business strikes have valuable varieties?
No major die varieties are known for 1979-D or 1979-S business strikes equivalent to the Philadelphia Wide Rim. The Wide Rim hub change was primarily implemented at Philadelphia; any apparent “close date” appearance on a D or S business strike is a die state anomaly or strike pressure variance, not the genuine Wide Rim variety. Denver and San Francisco coins are worth $1.00 circulated and $10–$15 in MS65.
Should I get my Wide Rim coin certified?
Yes, if the coin grades MS65 or better. A certified Wide Rim commands a meaningful premium over a raw example and is far easier to sell at full value. Raw Wide Rim coins on unverified marketplaces have an estimated >40% false-positive attribution rate, which suppresses buyer confidence and prices. PCGS and NGC certification resolves the attribution question definitively. For circulated Wide Rim coins worth $5–$8, grading fees likely exceed the value premium.
My coin has a missing letter in “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Is it valuable?
Probably not. Faint or missing letters on 1979 SBA dollars are almost always caused by grease-filled dies — lubricating grease packed into the die cavity blocked metal from filling that letter area during striking. On a high-mintage modern coin, this carries essentially no market premium. Do not confuse this with the famous 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime (a true Mint error with significant value) — that was an entirely different situation.
Sources & Methodology
Prices and diagnostics in this guide are drawn from verified auction records and major Third-Party Grading census data current as of January 2026. Primary sources include:
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-P Wide Rim SBA Dollar
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-P SBA Dollar (Standard)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-S Type 2 DCAM Proof
- NGC Coin Explorer — 1979-P Wide Rim
- NGC Face Value: 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
- NGC — Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling (Educational)
- Heritage Auctions — 1979-D Off-Center MS64 Lot
- Coin World — 1979 Double Denomination at CSNS
- Sullivan Numismatics — 1979-S SBA on Nickel Planchet MS63
Values for extreme rarities (MS67+ Wide Rim, double denominations) are volatile and subject to Registry Set bidding premiums. No eBay prices were used. All auction records from Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, and PCGS Auction Archives.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
