What Is the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first released in 1979 as a tribute to the influential women’s rights advocate Susan B. Anthony. It marked a notable change in U.S. coinage by featuring an actual historical female figure instead of the traditional Liberty design.
The coin’s obverse showcases a profile of Susan B. Anthony, while the reverse depicts an eagle landing on the moon, inspired by the Apollo 11 mission patch. This coin has a reeded edge similar to a quarter and measures 26.5 millimeters in diameter, making it slightly larger than a quarter. It is composed of a copper-nickel clad material.
Is It Really Worth $5 Million?
Despite widespread rumors, no 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar has ever sold for $5 million. There is no credible auction record or expert appraisal to support such an extravagant value.
The buzz around this huge price tag often comes from misinformation, misleading headlines, or confusion surrounding rare mint errors and experimental coins. While some specific 1979 SBA dollars can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the collector market, a $5 million valuation is entirely unsubstantiated.
Rare and Valuable Versions of the 1979 SBA Dollar
The typical 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar holds a face value of one dollar, but certain versions are more valuable to collectors:
- The 1979-P “Wide Rim” (Near Date) variety is less common than the regular “Narrow Rim” version. Depending on the coin’s condition, it can be valued anywhere from $50 to over $1,000. This variety is identified by the date being positioned unusually close to the edge of the coin.
- Proof coins minted in 1979 at the San Francisco Mint come in two types: Type 1 features a filled “S” mint mark and is more common, while Type 2 has a clear “S” mint mark and is rarer. The rarer Type 2 proof coins may sell for $200 to $500 or more.
- Significant mint errors can also add value to these coins. Examples include off-center strikes, double strikes, or coins struck on incorrect planchets such as a quarter blank. Depending on the rarity and condition, some error coins have been known to sell for between $1,000 and $15,000.
Still, none of these variations approach the multimillion-dollar value sometimes claimed.
Could One Still Be in Circulation?
Technically, yes. The Susan B. Anthony dollar remains legal tender and can occasionally be found in circulation, often mistaken for a quarter due to its similar size. However, the more valuable varieties such as the Wide Rim or Type 2 proofs are extremely uncommon in everyday use. Most of these sought-after coins have already been collected or are stored securely in coin rolls and collections.
Final Verdict
ClaimRealityWorth $5 Million? The answer is a clear no. There are no verified sales or appraisals to back such a claim. Rare versions? Absolutely, especially the 1979-P Wide Rim and the Type 2 proof coins. Still circulating? Occasionally, but valuable examples are very scarce. Worth checking your coins? Definitely, especially if you have 1979-P dollars in your possession.
How to Spot a Valuable 1979 SBA Dollar
Pay close attention to the date—the 1979-P Wide Rim variety is particularly important. Look for the mint mark “S” which signifies proof coins from San Francisco.
Examine the edge carefully; a well-defined edge is a sign of a proof coin’s quality. Also, keep an eye out for errors like off-center strikes, double strikes, or coins made from the wrong metal. If you believe you have a valuable coin, it’s best to have it professionally graded by trusted organizations such as PCGS or NGC for an accurate evaluation.