How Much Is a 1979 Dollar Coin Worth?

The 1979 dollar coin, known as the Susan B. Anthony dollar, often prompts questions about its value beyond face value. While older coins can be valuable, the worth of a 1979 dollar coin depends on specific characteristics and market dynamics.

Identifying Your 1979 Dollar

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar is not composed of silver, a common misconception. Instead, it is a copper-nickel clad coin, with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. This coin has a diameter of 26.5 mm and weighs 8.1 grams, making it only slightly larger than a quarter.

You can identify your 1979 dollar by its distinctive eleven-sided inner border and the right-facing profile of Susan B. Anthony on the obverse. The reverse features an eagle clutching a laurel branch, based on the Apollo 11 mission insignia.

A small letter, the mint mark, is located on the obverse, just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder. This letter indicates where the coin was produced: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco.

Key Factors Influencing Value

The monetary worth of a 1979 dollar coin is heavily influenced by its condition, often referred to as its grade. Coins are categorized as either circulated, showing wear from everyday use, or uncirculated, meaning they have never been used in transactions and remain in pristine condition. Professional coin grading services use a numerical scale, such as the Sheldon scale, where uncirculated coins can range from MS-60 (Mint State) to MS-70 (perfect), with higher numbers indicating better preservation and typically higher value. Even within uncirculated grades, variations exist; an MS-65 coin will have only minor marks, while an MS-60 might show more noticeable deficiencies.

Mint mark variations also play a role in value, particularly for the 1979 “S” mint mark proof coins. There are two main types for these proof issues: Type I, which has a filled or “blob” mint mark, and the scarcer Type II, which features a clear “S” mint mark. The Type II proof coins are generally more sought after and can command a higher premium due to their rarity.

Beyond condition and specific varieties, scarcity and demand significantly contribute to market price. Lower mintage numbers for a specific year or variety generally translate to higher rarity and potentially increased value.

Determining Current Market Value

To ascertain the current market value of your 1979 dollar coin, several reliable resources are available. Reputable online coin price guides, such as those provided by major grading services like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), offer comprehensive pricing information based on documented transactions. These guides often list values for various grades, allowing for a detailed comparison based on your coin’s condition.

Online auction sites can also provide insight into current market trends by reviewing “sold” listings for 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars. This approach reveals what collectors are actively paying for similar coins.

Consulting with local coin dealers provides another avenue for valuation. Dealers possess expertise in the numismatic market and can offer professional assessments, often providing an estimated value or even making an offer to purchase.

Preserving Your Coin’s Value

Proper handling and storage are important for maintaining a coin’s condition and preserving its value over time. When handling coins, always hold them by their edges, between the thumb and forefinger, to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin to the coin’s surfaces. Wearing soft cotton gloves can further protect the coin from fingerprints and corrosive natural oils. It is also advisable to handle coins over a soft towel or surface to prevent damage if accidentally dropped.

Cleaning coins, especially older ones, is generally not recommended as it can significantly reduce their value. Cleaning can remove a coin’s natural patina or toning, create microscopic scratches, or discolor the metal, all of which are detrimental to its numismatic appeal and grade.

For long-term preservation, store your 1979 dollar coin in inert, archival-safe holders. Avoid materials containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as this can leach chemicals over time and damage the coin’s surface, potentially causing sticky green residue. Options such as 2×2 cardboard or plastic holders, plastic tubes, or slabs from professional grading services offer suitable protection.