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The 1979-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $40 in standard Proof condition to over $1,500 for high-grade specimens. While most Susan B. Anthony dollars found in change are only worth face value, this specific “Clear S” mint mark variety is a prized find for collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Proof-65 (Standard) | $40 – $55 |
| Proof-67 (Choice) | $65 – $85 |
| Proof-69 (Near Perfect) | $100 – $150 |
| Proof-70 (Perfect) | $1,200+ |
Identifying the Rare 1979-S Type 2 Clear S Variety
If you’ve discovered an old dollar coin in a drawer, you might be wondering if you’ve struck gold. Specifically, the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar comes in two distinct versions: Type 1 and Type 2. The Type 2, often called the “Clear S,” is the version that holds significant value for everyday Americans. Using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two, but a close visual inspection is often enough.
The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder. On a Type 1 coin, the “S” looks like a blob—the loops are filled in and the shape is indistinct. On the much more valuable 1979-S Type 2, the “S” is sharply defined with clear, bulbous ends and a transparent center. This change occurred because the Mint replaced a worn-out punch midway through production, making the Type 2 significantly rarer than its “blobs” counterpart.
Many users find that the CoinKnow app is particularly helpful during this identification phase. By snapping a clear photo of the mint mark, you can get a better sense of whether your coin features the sharp relief necessary for the Type 2 designation. Because these coins were only issued in Proof sets for collectors, you won’t typically find them in “circulated” condition, though some have been broken out of sets and spent over the decades.
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Current Market Prices for the 1979-S Type 2 Dollar
The market for modern dollar coins can fluctuate, but the 1979-S Type 2 remains a stable investment. Unlike the common Philadelphia or Denver strikes, these San Francisco proofs were minted with high-quality planchets and polished dies. Most collectors look for a deep cameo (DCAM) finish, where the portrait of Susan B. Anthony appears frosted and white against a mirror-like background.
When evaluating your collection, it is helpful to check the current Susan B. Anthony dollar auction records to see what similar specimens have fetched recently. While a standard Type 1 might only sell for $5 to $10, the Type 2 regularly clears the $50 mark in basic Proof condition. If you believe your coin is a perfect PR70, the value skyrockets into the thousands.
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| Mint Mark Type | Rarity Level | Average Price (PR69) |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) | Common | $12.00 |
| 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) | Scarce | $115.00 |
Why Condition and Grading Matter for Susan B. Liberty Coins
Condition is king in the world of numismatics. For the 1979-S Type 2, even a small scratch or a fingerprint can drop the value by 50% or more. Because these coins were intended for sets, they are expected to be pristine. Collectors use a 70-point scale to grade these items, and the difference between a 69 and a 70 is often invisible to the naked eye.
Tools like CoinKnow allow you to compare your coin against high-resolution images of graded examples. This helps you decide if it’s worth the fee to send your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A raw, uncertified Type 2 is a harder sell than one encapsulated in a plastic slab with a verified grade.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you are curious about how other dates in the series compare, you can reference this comprehensive 1979 dollar price guide. Understanding the context of the entire Susan B. Anthony series helps you appreciate why the 1979-S Type 2 is such a standout. This was the first year of the series, and the production errors created a “treasure hunt” atmosphere that persists among hobbyists today.
Comparing 1979-S Type 2 with the 1981-S Clear S
Interestingly, the Mint repeated history in 1981. They again updated the mint mark punch, leading to a 1981-S Type 1 and a 1981-S Type 2. While both years are collectible, the 1979-S Type 2 is often considered the more iconic error because it signaled the transition in minting technology that collectors now look for in every modern series.
The 1981 Type 2 is actually rarer in terms of mintage numbers, but the 1979 version remains the most searched for by beginners who discover a forgotten collection. If you have a full Proof Set from either year, don’t break it open until you have verified the mint mark with a magnifying glass or a high-quality camera.
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| Year | Type 2 Value (PR69) | Mintage (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-S Type 2 | $110 | Approx. 500,000 |
| 1981-S Type 2 | $250 | Approx. 350,000 |
How to Sell Your 1979-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Once you’ve identified your coin as a genuine Clear S Type 2, the next step is determining where to sell it. Popular options include eBay, local coin shops, or specialized numismatic auctions. For a coin valued under $100, a local dealer or an online marketplace is usually the most efficient route.
Before selling, ensure the coin is protected in a PVC-free flip or capsule. Never attempt to clean the coin, as this will permanently damage the surface and destroy its collector value. Most buyers would rather have a slightly toned, original coin than one that has been scrubbed bright but bears microscratches from cleaning.
If you are unsure whether your “S” mark is truly a Type 2, CoinKnow can provide a community of experts and AI-driven comparisons to give you peace of course. Knowing exactly what you have before walking into a shop puts you in a much stronger negotiating position.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 1979-S Type 2 Dollar
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 2 in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely. The 1979-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar was only produced in Proof Sets intended for collectors. While some were occasionally spent as regular currency, they are rare to find in circulation and would likely be scratched, lowering their value significantly.
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Q: What is the easiest way to see the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
A: Use a 10x magnifying loupe or a high-resolution smartphone camera. Look at the two “loops” of the capital S. If the loops are filled with metal and look like a blob, it’s a Type 1. If the loops are open and you can see the flat field of the coin inside the loops, it is a Type 2.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Is there a 1979-P or 1979-D Type 2?
A: No. The Type 1 and Type 2 designations only apply to the San Francisco (S) mint marks because they resulted from a specific mint mark punch replacement at that facility. Philadelphia and Denver strikes do not have these varieties.
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Q: How many 1979-S Type 2 dollars were made?
A: While exact records for the variety are not kept by the Mint, experts estimate that roughly 15-20% of the 1979 proof production featured the redesigned Type 2 punch. With over 3.6 million total proof sets minted, there are likely around 500,000 to 700,000 Type 2 coins in existence.