Face Value: 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The short-lived Susan B. Anthony Dollar provides many lessons about how not to introduce a new coin to the public. The dimensions, shape and color of the coin were about the same as the quarter, leading to confusion. The coin's namesake, a women's rights activist with a modest degree of popularity, was portrayed realistically, which invited criticism of the design. And the dollar bills that were much preferred by the public continued to be produced.

The coin's flop means that it is only available from four years: 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1999. The last of these was only to ensure that the government had enough dollar coins on hand as the Sacagawea Dollar was being prepared. However, numismatically, the coins have a following among collectors, and certain varieties of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar in particular are worth looking out for.

1979-S Proof Anthony Dollar

Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollars were minted with the 'S' mintmark of San Francisco from 1979 to 1981. An important factor determining the market value of Proof coins is whether they have earned the Cameo or Ultra Cameo designation. These designations describe the degree of frost present on the design elements, with Ultra Cameo being more desirable. NGC has certified nearly 10,000 1979-S Anthony Dollars, 99% of them with the desirable Ultra Cameo designation.

1979-S Type 1 Proof Dollar Click images to enlarge.

1979-S Type 2 Proof Dollar Click images to enlarge.

The 1979-S comes in two varieties. The Type 1 has a mintmark punch also known as the "Filled S," while the Type 2 has a mintmark known as a "Clear S." The Type 2 mintmark, which is sharp and distinct, is also rarer, resulting in a numismatic premium.

Close-ups of mintmarks on a Type 1 (left) and a Type 2 1979-S Proof Dollar Click images to enlarge.

According to the NGC Price Guide, here are the ranges in value of these two varieties:

• 1979-S Type 1: $10 in PF 65 Ultra Cameo to $70 in PF 70 Ultra Cameo
• 1979-S Type 2: $35 in PF 65 Ultra Cameo to $135 in PF 70 Ultra Cameo

1979-P Anthony Dollar Varieties

Initially, an 11-sided shape was considered for the new dollar in order to distinguish it from the circular quarter. In the end, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was struck as a circular coin with an 11-sided geometric design running near the edge of the obverse and reverse.

1979 Dollar - Narrow Rim Variety Click images to enlarge.

1979 Dollar - Wide Rim Variety Click images to enlarge.

A variation in the distance between the date and this geometric border creates another important variety. Business strike 1979 Anthony Dollars come in Narrow Rim (or Far Date) and Wide Rim (or Near Date) varieties. The Wide Rim variety is scarcer.

Close-ups of dates on Narrow Rim (left) and Wide Rim varieties of the 1979 Dollar Click images to enlarge.

According to the NGC Price Guide, here are the ranges in value of these two varieties:

• 1979-P Narrow Rim Variety: $5 in MS 63 to $165 in MS 67
• 1979-P Wide Rim Variety: $25 in MS 63 to $1,000 in MS 67

All values are based on the NGC Price Guide as of April 2023.

Related Links:

• NGC Coin Explorer: Susan B. Anthony Dollars
• More Face Value columns
• NGC Variety Plus