The 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for rare Proof variants in perfect condition. Whether you found one in a drawer or inherited a collection, understanding the difference between a common “S” mint mark and a rare variety is key to determining its true market price.

Understanding the 1979 S Mint Mark Difference

When you look at a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, the first thing many people notice is the small “S” mint mark located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder. This “S” signifies that the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. While millions of these coins were minted for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint also produced special “Proof” versions intended specifically for collectors. If you are unsure exactly what version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard strike and a high-value proof.

For the everyday person, it’s important to know that most 1979-S dollars found in pocket change are “Business Strikes.” These were intended to be used at the grocery store or the bank. Because so many were made, their value remains close to their face value unless they are in pristine, uncirculated condition. However, if you have a coin that looks exceptionally shiny with mirror-like surfaces, you might be holding a Proof coin. To get an instant estimate of your collection, many collectors turn to the CoinKnow app to scan their coins and get live market data.

The Rare Type 1 vs Type 2 Varieties

The most exciting part of the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar story involves the “Filled S” and “Clear S” varieties, known in the hobby as Type 1 and Type 2. During the production process in 1979, the minting die for the “S” mint mark became worn down, resulting in a blob-like, filled-in “S.” This is known as the Type 1 variety. Later in the year, the Mint replaced the die with a much sharper, clearer “S,” creating the Type 2 variety.

The Type 2 “Clear S” is significantly rarer and more valuable than the Type 1. While a Type 1 Proof might sell for $10 to $15, a Type 2 Proof in high grade can fetch $50 to $100 or more. Identifying these subtle differences requires a steady hand and a good magnifying glass. If you want to see exactly how these variations impact the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar price guide, checking professional grading databases is a must. Many users find that the CoinKnow digital library makes it easy to compare their coin side-by-side with high-resolution images of both types.

1979-S Susan B Anthony Dollar Value Chart

To help you understand what your coin might be worth at a glance, we have compiled the following price guide based on recent auction results and coin dealer inventories. Please note that “MS” stands for Mint State (uncirculated) and “PR” stands for Proof.

Coin Condition/Variety	Estimated Market Value
1979-S Business Strike (Circulated)	$1.00 – $1.50
1979-S Business Strike (MS65 Uncirculated)	$15.00 – $30.00
1979-S Proof Type 1 (Filled S)	$8.00 – $12.00
1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S)	$45.00 – $110.00
1979-S Business Strike (MS67 High Grade)	$400.00 – $1,200.00

Grading and Condition Factors

The value of your 1979-S dollar is heavily dependent on its “grade.” Grade refers to the physical condition of the coin on a scale of 1 to 70. A coin that has been jingling in a pocket for years will likely grade as “Fine” or “Very Fine,” meaning it is only worth its face value ($1). However, coins that were saved in rolls or mint sets might be “Uncirculated.”

For the serious investor, the market prices for uncirculated 1979 dollars show that reaching the “MS67” or “MS68” level is where the real money is. At these levels, the coin must have no visible scratches, a strong strike, and original luster. Because Susan B. Anthony dollars were often bagged and shipped roughly, finding one without any “bag marks” is quite rare. Using the CoinKnow app can help you learn how to spot these tiny imperfections that make the difference between a $1 coin and a $1,000 coin.

Historical Context of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Launched in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was a historic milestone for the United States Mint, as it was the first time a real woman (rather than a mythological figure like Liberty) appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. The coin’s design was intended to replace the bulky Eisenhower dollar and facilitate use in vending machines. However, the coin faced immediate public backlash.

Many Americans complained that the coin was too similar in size and color to the Washington Quarter. Because of this “confusion factor,” the Susan B. Anthony dollar never gained widespread popularity and was largely pulled from circulation after only a few years of production. While this made the coin a failure in commerce, it created a unique opportunity for collectors. Many 1979-S coins were stored in bank vaults for decades, meaning you can still find them in relatively good condition today compared to other coins from the same era.

FAQ about 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollars

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-S is a Type 1 or a Type 2?

A: You will need a magnifying glass. The Type 1 “Filled S” looks like a solid blob or a very thick letter with almost no space inside the loops of the S. The Type 2 “Clear S” has very distinct, rounded ends and clear, open space within the top and bottom loops of the letter S.

Q: Is the 1979-S dollar made of silver?

A: No, the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar is made of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel). It does not contain any silver. Only special “Eisenhower Dollars” or “Morgan/Peace Dollars” from earlier eras contain silver content.

Q: Are these coins worth keeping?

A: If the coin is a Proof Type 2 or a very high-grade uncirculated business strike, it is definitely worth keeping or having professionally graded. If it is a common circulated 1979-S, it is worth $1, but many people keep them as a historical memento of the first woman on a U.S. coin.

Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar?

A: For high-value varieties like the Type 2 Proof, selling through a reputable coin dealer or an online auction site like eBay is best. For common versions, they can be spent just like any other dollar or taken to a local coin shop to see if they are buying in bulk.