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The 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.05 in circulated condition to over $15,000 for rare “Clear S” varieties in high grades. Most coins found in change are common, but specific mint marks and frosting details determine if you have a lucky find.
| Condition/Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Grade) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63 to MS-65) | $3.00 – $15.00 |
| 1979-S Proof Type 1 (Filled S) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| 1979-S Proof Type 2 (Clear S) | $40.00 – $100.00+ |
Understanding the History of the 1979-S Dollar
If you just looked into your coin jar and saw a small, silver-colored coin with a woman’s profile, you likely have a Susan B. Anthony dollar. First released in 1979, this coin replaced the large Eisenhower dollar to create a more convenient currency. However, it was immediately unpopular because it felt too similar to a quarter. This confusion meant that many were saved in jars rather than spent, leaving us with many “uncirculated” examples today.
When you look at the “S” mint mark, you are seeing a coin minted in San Francisco. While Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins were made for general spending, the San Francisco Mint produced both business-strike coins and special Proof versions for collectors. If you aren’t sure which version you have, utilizing a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard strike and a collector-grade Proof in seconds.
Most people use the CoinKnow app to quickly scan the obverse and reverse of their coins. This is particularly helpful for the 1979-S, as the “mint luster” on business strikes can sometimes look like the mirror finishes of Proofs to an untrained eye. Checking the date and mint mark is your first step toward determining if you have a common dollar or a rare variety.
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The Big Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Varieties
The most exciting part of the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony series is the presence of two distinct mint mark varieties: Type 1 and Type 2. During the 1979 production run, the minting punch for the letter “S” became worn down. This resulted in the “Type 1” mark, often called the “Filled S.” In this version, the “S” looks like a blobby, indistinct shape with very little space inside the loops.
Later in 1979, the Mint replaced the punch with a crisp, clear design. This is known as the “Type 2” or “Clear S.” These are significantly rarer and more valuable to collectors. Finding a Type 2 in a vintage Proof set can be a major win. Professional grading services often award higher prices to Type 2 coins because of their aesthetic appeal and limited mintage.
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To see how these visual differences impact the market, you can check the latest high-grade SBA dollar prices. Collectors are always on the lookout for the clear, sharp outlines of the Type 2 punch, as these represent the last few batches of the year and are harder to find in pristine condition.
| Variety Type | Visual Description | Typical Value (PR69) |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 “Filled S” | Indistinct, blurred S-mark | $10 – $15 |
| Type 2 “Clear S” | Sharp, distinct S-mark | $50 – $110 |
How Condition Influences the 1979-S Value
Condition, or “Grade,” is everything in the world of numismatics. A 1979-S dollar that has been clinking around in a pocket for years is considered “Circulated.” These coins generally only carry their face value or a very small premium. However, if your coin was never spent and retains its original “breath” from the mint, it is “Uncirculated” or “Mint State.”
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Surface marks, scratches, and signs of wear on Susan B. Anthony’s cheek or the eagle’s wings on the reverse will lower the grade. If you possess a coin that looks perfect to the naked eye, you might want to use CoinKnow to zoom in on the details. Professional collectors look for “MS-67” or higher grades, which can command hundreds of dollars at auction.
Even for coins that aren’t the rare Proof variety, the 1979 dollar coin auction data shows that “MS-68” business-strike coins (regular coins meant for spending) can sell for incredibly high premiums because they are so difficult to find without microscopic scratches from the mint’s own processing bins.
The Allure of Proof Coins and Cameo Finishes
The San Francisco Mint is famous for its Proof coins, which are made using polished dies and specially prepared blanks. These coins have a “mirrored” background and “frosted” details on the portrait and eagle. When the contrast between the shiny background and the white frosting is extreme, the coin is labeled as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo.”
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For the 1979-S, a Type 2 Clear S with a Deep Cameo finish is the holy grail. Most 1979-S Proofs are Type 1, so when you stumble upon a Type 2, the price jump is significant. If you are looking through an old collection, look for the coins that look like they have a black mirror background—those are the Proofs.
Using CoinKnow can help you determine if the frosting on your coin is thick enough to qualify as a Deep Cameo. High-grade specimens from this year are staples in complete sets, and because the SBA dollar series was so short-lived, the demand for high-quality 1979-S coins remains surprisingly steady among enthusiasts.
| Grade (Proof) | Type 1 Filled S Value | Type 2 Clear S Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 (Average Proof) | $5 | $35 |
| PR69 (Near Perfect) | $15 | $90 |
| PR70 (Perfect) | $150 | $1,500+ |
Are Heavily Circulated 1979-S Dollars Worth Keeping?
Many people find these coins in “estate” boxes or as change from vending machines. If the coin has scratches, dirt, or is dull, it is likely worth exactly one dollar. Unlike older silver dollars from the early 1900s, Susan B. Anthony dollars contain no silver. They are made of a copper-nickel alloy (the same as a modern quarter).
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While they might not make you rich, they are great “starter” coins for kids or new hobbyists. The 1979-S is particularly fun because it teaches collectors how to look for mint marks and small die variations. If you find a heap of them, it is worth sorting through to check for the S mark, but don’t be disappointed if most are only worth their face value.
The market for these coins is mostly driven by “Registry Set” collectors—people trying to find the highest-graded example of every single coin produced. For the average person, a circulated 1979-S is a cool piece of history, but not a financial windfall. Always keep your eye out for the “S” though, as the San Francisco business strikes are slightly less common than the P or D versions found in the Midwest or East Coast.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar made of silver?
A: No, it is not. Like modern quarters and dimes, these coins are made of a “cladding” of copper-nickel over a pure copper core. They do not contain any precious metals, which is why their value is mostly determined by their rarity and condition rather than the material.
Q: How can I tell if I have a Type 2 “Clear S”?
A: You’ll need a magnifying glass or a high-quality coin app. A Type 2 Clear S has very well-defined “bulbous” ends on the letter S, and the field (the flat background) is visible inside the loops of the S. The Type 1 “Filled S” looks like the letter is blurred or flat against the coin’s surface.
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Q: Why are some 1979 dollars worth thousands of dollars?
A: The Extremely high prices (over $10,000) are reserved for coins that are graded MS-68 or higher by professional services like PCGS or NGC. These coins are essentially “perfect” and are incredibly rare because most specimens were scratched during production or transit.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 1979-S dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (heads) side of the coin. Look just above the shoulder of Susan B. Anthony, near the border on the left-hand side. If you see an “S,” it was minted in San Francisco.
Q: Should I clean my 1979-S dollar to make it worth more?
A: Absolutely not! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes will create micro-scratches that ruin its numismatic value. A dirty, uncleaned coin is almost always worth more to a collector than a shiny, “scrubbed” coin.