The 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $2 in average circulated condition to over $50 or more in pristine mint state, with certain proof varieties commanding even higher prices. If you’ve got one sitting in a drawer or came across it in an old coin collection, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it’s worth and why.

If you’re not sure how to identify your coin or which mint mark it carries, using a free coin identifier app can save you a lot of guesswork. These tools let you scan your coin and instantly pull up key details like mint mark, grade estimates, and current market values — a great starting point before you dig deeper.

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What Is the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar?

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was introduced in 1979 as the United States Mint’s first attempt at a small-sized dollar coin. The “S” mint mark tells you it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and this particular year produced two distinct proof versions that make it especially interesting to collectors.

The 1979-S was not released into general circulation. Instead, it was primarily sold in proof sets directly to collectors. That means most examples you’ll encounter are in excellent condition — but not all proof coins are created equal, and that’s where the value gets interesting.

The San Francisco Mint produced two varieties: the Type 1 (Filled S) and the more desirable Type 2 (Clear S). This distinction alone can be the difference between a $5 coin and a $50+ coin, so knowing which one you have really matters.

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1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value by Condition and Variety

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay or receive for this coin depending on its condition and variety:

If you want to dig deeper into current market pricing and auction results for Susan B. Anthony Dollar coins, checking a live pricing resource is always a smart move before buying or selling.

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How to Tell the Type 1 and Type 2 Apart

This is the question every collector and casual finder needs to answer first. The difference lies entirely in the mint mark itself — the small “S” on the obverse (front) of the coin near Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.

On the Type 1 (Filled S), the “S” looks slightly blobby or filled in, almost like the punch wasn’t clean. This was the standard die used throughout most of 1979-S production, and these are far more common.

On the Type 2 (Clear S), the “S” is sharply defined and crisp — almost elegant-looking by comparison. The U.S. Mint introduced a new punch die later in the year, and coins struck with this revised punch are significantly rarer and much more sought after.

You’ll need a loupe or magnifying glass to see the difference clearly. CoinKnow is a popular app among hobbyists for exactly this kind of detailed coin inspection — it helps you zoom in on key features and cross-reference what you’re seeing with known die varieties.

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Where to Find Reliable 1979-S Dollar Coin Values

Coin values change all the time based on collector demand, recent auction results, and overall precious metals market trends. What a coin sold for two years ago may not reflect today’s reality.

For a solid overview of the 1979 dollar coin’s value across different grades and mint marks, specialized coin value resources give you detailed breakdowns that general auction sites simply don’t offer.

You should also consider getting your coin professionally graded if you believe it’s a Type 2 (Clear S). A coin certified by PCGS or NGC carries far more credibility with buyers and can significantly increase what you’re able to sell it for. An ungraded Type 2 might fetch $40; a certified PR67 DCAM example could go for several hundred dollars.

CoinKnow also provides a handy grading reference guide within the app, making it easier to understand where your coin might fall on the official grading scale before you invest in professional certification.

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Should You Hold or Sell Your 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar?

If you have a Type 1, it’s a cool piece of history but not a major financial windfall — you’re likely looking at face value to about $10 depending on condition. It’s still a fun coin to keep in a collection.

If you have a Type 2, think carefully before you sell quickly. These coins have maintained steady collector interest for decades, and in top grades they can be genuinely valuable. Getting it authenticated is almost always worth the small certification fee.

Either way, the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a fascinating piece of American coinage history. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone who just found an old coin in grandma’s jewelry box, knowing what you have is always the first step. Apps like CoinKnow make that initial identification fast and approachable, even if you’ve never thought about coin collecting before.

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FAQ

Q: Is my 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar worth anything?
A: Yes, it likely has some collector value. Type 1 (Filled S) proof coins typically sell for $5–$10, while the rarer Type 2 (Clear S) can be worth $40 to several hundred dollars in high grades.

Q: How do I know if I have a Type 1 or Type 2 1979-S dollar?
A: Look closely at the “S” mint mark on the front of the coin with a magnifying glass. A blurry or filled-in “S” is Type 1; a sharp, clearly defined “S” is the more valuable Type 2.

Q: Where can I sell a 1979-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
A: You can sell through online platforms like eBay, at local coin dealers, or at coin shows. For higher-value Type 2 specimens, having the coin professionally graded by PCGS or NGC before selling is strongly recommended.