1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Explained: History, Design, and Collector Value

When people ask about the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar value, they often expect a simple number. The truth is more interesting, as this coin is not just about dollars and cents — it represents a turning point in U.S. history, as well as in the coinage. For the first time ever, the United States Mint featured a real woman, Susan B. Anthony, an activist for women’s rights. This feature alone makes the coin a thing for conversation starters, be you an experienced collector or someone who just found one in their change.

What makes this dollar unique is how it blends symbolism, practicality, and controversy. From the moment it entered circulation, it faced mixed reviews: many people confused it with the quarter, others didn’t like the smaller size, yet over time, it became an object of curiosity and a collectible with certain varieties worth more than face value. To understand its place in numismatics, we need to look at how it came in mass use in 1979.

A Brief History of the Coin

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was created in response to practical needs, while also carrying symbolic value. These were the main reasons behind its release in the late 1970s.

• Replacing the Eisenhower Dollar: The Eisenhower dollar, introduced in 1971, was large and heavy. It didn’t circulate well, and many people found it inconvenient to carry. The government wanted something smaller and easier to use.

• Shrinking the size: Officials believed that a smaller dollar coin would increase circulation and reduce reliance on the one-dollar bill. The new coin had a diameter of just 26.5 millimeters — very close to the quarter.

• Honoring a historic figure: For the design, the Mint chose Susan B. Anthony, a pioneer of women’s suffrage and equal rights. Featuring her portrait was groundbreaking, as she became the first real woman to appear on a U.S. coin in circulation.

• Public confusion: Unfortunately, the smaller size backfired. Because the Susan B. Anthony dollar looked and felt so much like a quarter, many people mistook one for the other. This confusion limited its popularity in everyday commerce.

Despite its rocky start, the coin still carved out a unique niche. It was issued in 1979, 1980, 1981, and briefly revived in 1999 before the Sacagawea dollar took its place.

Collector’s tip: Even today, these coins occasionally show up in pocket change, coin rolls, or even in vending machines. If you come across one, take a closer look — you might just find a variety that’s worth more than you think.

Design and Key Features

The design of the Susan B. Anthony dollar is one of its unique features. The artwork came from Frank Gasparro, the U.S. Mint’s Chief Engraver at the time, who was also responsible for the Lincoln Memorial cent and the Eisenhower dollar. Gasparro faced the challenge of creating a smaller dollar that still carried a symbolic value.

Key elements of the coin include:

• The obverse shows the portrait of Susan B. Anthony, stern and determined, surrounded by eleven stars along with the word Liberty and the motto In God We Trust

• The reverse carries the eagle landing on the Moon, holding an olive branch, with Earth in the background, a design borrowed from the Apollo 11 mission emblem used earlier on the Eisenhower dollar

• The size is just 26.5 millimeters, only slightly larger than a quarter, and the composition is copper-nickel clad

• The rim and edge design give the coin a distinct feel in hand, though many people still confused it with a quarter in daily use

A quick collector’s hack is simple—if your dollar feels heavy and large, it’s an Eisenhower, if it’s compact and almost quarter-like, it’s Susan B. Anthony.

Varieties of 1979

Like most coins, the first year of issue came with a few twists that collectors now value. The 1979 dollar was struck at three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Each has its own mintmark, but Philadelphia’s coins are especially interesting because they include two rim varieties.

Tip: To see the difference between wide and narrow rims, you’ll need a magnifier. The wide rim variety has the date pushed closer to the edge, while the narrow rim leaves more space.

Real Market Value

So what are these coins really worth today? For most 1979 dollars, the answer is just face value — but certain varieties and conditions make all the difference.

One fun fact is that even though Susan B. Anthony dollar was not loved by the public, it quickly became a cult favorite among collectors. Its unusual history, short run, and design features give it lasting charm.

Collector’s Advice: Don’t be fooled by shine alone. Professional grading standards matter far more than how bright the coin looks to the naked eye. So, always compare against known grades before assuming you’ve struck gold.

Smart Tips for Storing and Evaluating Your Coin

Even though the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar isn’t always worth more than face value, the way you store and evaluate it can make a big difference if you happen to have a scarcer variety or a high-grade piece. Here are some less obvious but very practical tips:

Choose holders without PVC
Ordinary plastic flips may look fine, but many contain PVC, a chemical that slowly reacts with the coin’s surface. This can leave an ugly green residue that permanently damages the metal. Instead, use archival-quality holders or clear acrylic capsules.

Never polish or clean your coin
It’s tempting to shine a coin to make it look “new”, but collectors can immediately spot cleaned surfaces, and the value drops dramatically. Even a coin with honest wear is worth more in its natural state than one that’s been scrubbed.

Rely on trusted references
If you’re not sure whether your dollar is the common narrow rim or the more valuable wide rim, compare it against images in reliable catalogs like the Red Book or online grading resources. Professional grading services can also authenticate and encapsulate your coin for long-term safety.

Use modern tools to your advantage
A handy shortcut for beginners and advanced collectors alike is to try apps like Coin ID Scanner. Just by snapping a quick photo, you can instantly identify the variety and get an estimate of its potential market value. While the app cannot replace professional grading, it’s a perfect and quick way to know of what you’re holding.

Final Thoughts

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar is far more than just pocket change. The coin became a milestone in American history, honoring a woman fighting for equality and rights. For collectors, the coin’s real appeal lies in the details — varieties, conditions, and the occasional surprise proof issue.

Most examples may still only trade for one dollar, but armed with the right knowledge, you can find a piece worth significantly more. Thus, Susan B. Anthony dollar reminds us that history often hides in plain sight.