A knowledgeable coin dealer can estimate the value of your silver dollar by simply looking at it. A silver dollar’s origin, age, and condition will typically determine how much it is worth, and its variety will also play a role in this.
So, what is the value of a 1979 silver dollar? In this article, I’ll describe how to figure this out.
History of the 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Coin
The original Susan B. Anthony dollar design depicted the goddess Liberty. The image was featured on the obverse side of the coin. Legislators and other groups, however, resisted this and demanded that a real person, specifically a woman, be depicted on the dollar coin.
After submitted proposals for different women, Susan B. Anthony was chosen as the subject. However, the reverse of the dollar kept the design from the Dwight Eisenhower dollar, which featured the Apollo 11 mission’s insignia.
The United States Mint produced 1,500,000,000 coins in anticipation of a public rush, which did not occur. People initially mistook it for quarters, which impacted its popularity. However, as people started using it in vending machines and public transportation in the 1990s, its demand increased. The surplus was depleted as a result of this.
What is the Worth Of A 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar?
The silver dollar produced in the United States in 1979 is known as the Susan B. Anthony dollar. The US Mint issued the dollar coins intending to lower the cost of producing paper one-dollar notes.
A handful of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar coins are highly valuable, even though most are inexpensive due to their widespread circulation.
A chart depicting the value of a 1979 silver dollar is provided below:
| Date and Mint Type | Circulated Buy | Circulated Sell | Uncirculated Buy | Uncirculated Sell |
| 1979-S | $2 | $1.10 | $2.50 | $2 |
| 1979-D | $2 | $1.05 | $2.50 | $2 |
| 1979-P | $2 | $1.05 | $3 | $2.20 |
| 1979-P Wide Rim | $10 | $6 | $30 | $22 |
| 1979-S Type 1 Proof | – | – | $8 | $6.30 |
| 1979-S Type 2 Proof | – | – | $69 | $52 |
Because of the confusion they caused, the silver dollars had a short lifespan. As I mentioned earlier, the coins were intended to take the place of dollar bills to reduce costs. However, it was rejected because it was easily mistaken for quarters. The coins were created between 1979 and 1981 and then again in 1999. They bore the image of Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering women’s rights advocate.
How To Differentiate The 1979 Silver Dollar Coins
There are only a few physical differences between silver dollar coins. I’ll outline the variations so you can quickly determine which you possess and how much it is worth:
The Wide Rim Silver Dollar Coin
The US Mint produced two coin hubs in 1979. However, the minting produced two different obverse dies due to an error. The first one arrived with a broad rim. As a result, the date was too close to the coin’s rim. These obverse die types were only used by the government to produce silver dollar coins in Philadelphia Mint.
This explains why some pieces have the P mint mark on them. This variety is not found in any of the coins bearing the D or S mint marks. So, check the date on your silver dollar coin if you have one. The date would hang too close to the thick rim of the container.
This coin variety is uncommon and valuable; however, its value can be found when it is uncirculated. If it is the circulated variety, it is only marginally valuable.
The Narrow Rim Silver Dollar Coin
The value of the narrow-rimmed silver dollar coin is lower than that of the wide-rimmed variety. Even when it is uncirculated, this is true. If you have a coin from 1979 with the P mint mark, check the date just like you would with a wide-rim dollar. If it is not so near the rim, it has a narrow rim and is not very valuable.
The S Proof Type 1
The S mint mark on this type is illegible. It resembles a blob more than a specific letter. As a result, it’s known as the blob mint mark. This is because, in 1979, mint marks were punched into working obverse dies by hand. The mark was flawed due to the outdated punch used at the time.
This silver dollar with the sloppy mint mark is common and not worth much. Simply locating the mark and examining its clarity will allow you to determine if you have this type of coin. S-marked coins were produced in San Francisco.
The S Proof Type 2
A new punch for the mint marks was available as the 1979 silver dollar coin production ended. Thanks to the punch, the dollar coins now have more distinct S marks. So, those with a clearer S were classified as type 2. Because of the short time frame, only a few coins were produced. As a result, they are more valuable and scarce than type 1.
Check your coin. It is the more recent S-type coin if it has a clear S and a ball appears on both the bottom and top of the letter. This means that you own a valuable coin. It is, in fact, the most valuable and rarest silver dollar coin.
You can see how much it is worth in the table above. The 1979-D silver dollar coins were struck in Denver. They appear to be the least valuable. If you have one, look at the left side of the coin, just above SBA’s shoulder. The mint mark typically appears there.
Coin collectors do not like the Susan B. Anthony silver dollar. As a result, you’ll discover that they don’t have the same value as some other rare coins.
SEE: Kennedy Half Dollar Value
Other Factors Affecting The Value Of The Silver Dollar?
The condition of the silver dollar also influences how much you will receive for it. A coin that has been used will have signs of wear and tear. Coin collectors typically prefer to take completely new coins. The same can be said of other types of collectors. Therefore, the value decreases if your silver coin shows signs of widespread use. This is true regardless of the type of coin.
If you already have one that has a low value and has been around the block, is prepared to accept a few dollars for it. As an alternative, you could keep it to see if its value increases.
On the contrary, if the silver dollar you have is uncirculated, you may be able to sell it for a good price. Any coin collector would be willing to pay a higher price for this kind of silver dollar, particularly if it is the unique clear S type. It has not been used before, even though it is uncirculated. Simply put, it indicates that it has seen a lot of use. Therefore, it is barely or not at all worn.
Fun Facts
Did you know…
- The silver dollar is one of the first such coins issued in the United States. It was first used in the nation in 1794 and has been around ever since.
- The use of silver dollars has not always been consistent; at times, other denominations were used. In actuality, a silver shortage caused production to halt at some point. However, it is currently being produced once more, though not with silver and not for everyday use.
- Vending machines read the Susan B. Anthony silver dollar coin the same way a gold coin is read. This is a result of their electromagnetic signature. The machines read the signature, not the color. On top of that, the gold color of the coin is not a result of the precious metal. The color is produced by combining nickel, zinc, copper, and manganese.
- A gold dollar coin replaced the silver dollar coin introduced in 1999, honoring Susan B. Anthony. It was created in 2000 and featured the Native American woman Sacagawea.
Where To Sell Your 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Coins
You can sell your silver dollar coins for a lot of money at a few reputable places. They won’t take your word for it; they will undoubtedly verify their worth. But if you’re anything like me, you’d want to maximize the opportunity. So, if you want to market your coins, here are a few places I recommend:
A Local Coin Dealer
Although this should be obvious, you might not find one this close to your residence. This is particularly true for people who live in small towns. Another disadvantage is that some of them will not give you good value for your coin.
The coins will be valued after they’ve been melted down and the silver content has been measured. But if you find one, you can sell your coins for cash—no need to wait or accept a check. Additionally, you’ll be able to interact with them directly and pick their brains. If you have other coins to sell, you will know where to go next time.
An Online Coin Dealer
This is highly convenient. You don’t even need to meet the buyer in person if you’re a private person. You can locate many of these buyers—as well as trustworthy ones—online. So you have lots of options if one doesn’t work for you. But keep in mind that the exchange won’t be confidential. You’ll leave a digital financial trail.
Additionally, the dealer may hold your coins for days or even weeks while the payment clears. The coins must be transported safely as well. You might lose them, or it might be delayed. And transporting them might be expensive.
A Coin Show
At one coin show, you’ll find a lot of knowledgeable and trustworthy dealers. You usually receive a good coin valuation even if you don’t sell them right away. You must, however, pay to enter the show. Additionally, it only occurs occasionally—at most once every two months.
EBay
If your coins are sold in an auction-style sale on eBay, you will most likely receive a higher payout. The site typically has many serious buyers and collectors searching for such opportunities. If your coins are the rarest variety, your chances are even better. In the auction-style sale, there is a slight possibility of underselling. You will also need to pay for the services. Additionally, the cost of moving the coins could significantly reduce your profit.
Conclusion
To determine the value of a 1979 silver dollar, consider the following:
- Mint mark
- Condition
Your dollar coins’ value can change significantly depending on these two factors.