Is a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Worth Anything?

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar coin often sparks curiosity regarding its potential value beyond face value. While a select few Susan B. Anthony dollars can command a significant premium, the vast majority of 1979 issues found in circulation are worth only their face value. Understanding the characteristics that differentiate common coins from valuable ones requires specific knowledge of numismatic principles.

Understanding the Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first introduced in 1979, intended to replace the larger Eisenhower dollar and become widely used in commerce. The coin features a portrait of Susan B. Anthony, a prominent women’s rights advocate, on the obverse, marking the first time a real woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. The reverse displays an eagle landing on the moon, a design carried over from the Eisenhower dollar.

Despite its historical significance, the Susan B. Anthony dollar faced public acceptance challenges due to its size and confusion with the quarter. This led to low usage and eventual suspension of production in 1981, with a final mintage in 1999.

Consequently, most Susan B. Anthony dollars, including those from 1979, are common and trade at face value. However, certain uncirculated examples or specific varieties can hold greater worth.

Factors Influencing Coin Value

Several factors determine a coin’s numismatic value. The condition, or grade, of a coin is paramount; coins with minimal wear and original luster fetch higher prices. A coin’s grade is assessed on a scale from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better preservation and greater value. Even minor imperfections can impact value.

Another significant factor is the mint mark, which identifies where a coin was produced. For Susan B. Anthony dollars, mint marks include “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco, located above Anthony’s shoulder on the obverse. Mintage figures, representing the total number of coins produced at a specific mint, also play a role, as lower mintage numbers often correlate with higher rarity and value. Furthermore, die varieties and errors, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or planchet errors, can significantly increase a coin’s desirability and price due to their scarcity.

Identifying Rare 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollars

For the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, a specific variety holds notable value: the “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety. This distinct type primarily applies to coins minted in Philadelphia, identifiable by the “P” mint mark. The key to identifying this variety lies in the spacing between the date and the coin’s rim.

On the valuable “Wide Rim” variety, the date “1979” appears very close to the edge of the coin, almost touching the rim. This contrasts with the more common “Narrow Rim” or “Far Date” variety, where there is a noticeable gap between the date and the rim. The “Wide Rim” was a result of a die modification, making these examples scarcer. It is important to note that this specific “Wide Rim” variety is not found on 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars from the Denver (“D”) or San Francisco (“S”) mints. While circulated examples of the “Wide Rim” can be worth around $1, uncirculated specimens, especially those in high grades, have sold for thousands of dollars.

Evaluating and Selling Your Coin

Proper handling and evaluation are crucial to preserving its condition and value. Always handle coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin, which can damage the surface over time. Store them in inert, archival-safe holders rather than in plastic that may contain harmful chemicals.

For a definitive assessment of a coin’s authenticity and grade, professional evaluation is recommended. Reputable third-party grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), offer expert authentication, grading, and encapsulation. These services assign a standardized grade, which provides confidence to potential buyers and can significantly impact the coin’s market value.

Once a coin is professionally graded, several avenues exist for selling it. Local coin dealers can offer immediate payment and expertise, often providing a convenient option. Online marketplaces or specialized numismatic platforms can reach a wider audience of collectors, potentially leading to competitive bidding. For exceptionally valuable coins, consignment to an auction house can be an effective way to achieve premium prices, though this often involves higher commissions and a longer waiting period for payment.