The key to finding a valuable 1979 SBA dollar is to look beyond the surface and check for specific, subtle minting differences that classify it as a rare variety.
👑 The $6,995 Variety: 1979-P Wide Rim
The most famous and valuable variety for business strike (circulated) 1979 dollars is the Wide Rim or Near Date type from the Philadelphia Mint (“P” mint mark).
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The Difference: When the coin was first minted, two different obverse (front) dies were used, creating two distinct rim appearances.
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Narrow Rim (Common): The date is positioned farther away from the rim, which is a thinner border.
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Wide Rim (Rare): The date is positioned noticeably closer to the rim, making the rim border appear thicker. * Rarity and Value: The Wide Rim variety is scarcer because these dies were used only for a short time at the Philadelphia Mint. In circulated condition, they might sell for $10 to $20, but uncirculated, pristine examples have sold for up to $6,995.
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💎 Proof Rarity: 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S Mint Mark)
Proof coins are special high-quality coins produced for collectors and are typically identified by the “S” mint mark (San Francisco Mint). The 1979-S Proof has two varieties:
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Type 1 (Filled S/Blob Mint Mark): The “S” mint mark is worn or filled, making it look like a blob. This is the more common proof type.
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Type 2 (Clear S Mint Mark): A new punch was later used, resulting in a clear, sharply-formed “S” with well-defined serifs.
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Value: The Type 2 is less common and more sought after by collectors, with auction records for high-grade examples reaching $1,955.
💥 High-Value Mint Errors
While the varieties above are desirable, the true “fortune” coins are those with dramatic mint errors where the coin was struck on the wrong metal blank (planchet). These errors are incredibly rare:
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1979-P Struck on a Quarter Planchet: This stunning error occurred when a smaller quarter blank was accidentally fed into the dollar press. The resulting coin features an overlapping design and a reduced diameter. An example sold for $13,200.
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Struck on a Sacagawea Planchet (1999-P): Though technically a later issue, this related error involves a 1999 SBA dollar struck on the gold-toned planchet intended for the Sacagawea dollar. This error is worth up to $16,100.
🔍 How to Check Your 1979 SBA Dollar
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Check the Mint Mark: Locate the small letter near Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder/neck. Look for a “P” (Philadelphia) for the Wide Rim variety, or an “S” (San Francisco) for the rare Proof types.
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Inspect the Rim: If it’s a “P” mint mark, check the distance between the date (1979) and the rim. If the date is very close to a noticeably thick rim, you likely have the valuable Wide Rim variety.
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Condition is Key: The highest auction values are reserved for uncirculated (Mint State or MS) coins that have crisp details and no signs of wear.
While most 1979 dollars are worth their face value, checking for the Wide Rim variety or a major mint error could turn your dollar coin into a small fortune!
This video explains how to easily identify the most valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coins: How to find the valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coins!
