Collecting the 1979 & 1980 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: What You Need to Know

You know that small, kinda-chunky dollar coin that looks like a quarter on a growth spurt? The one with Susan B. Anthony on it from 1979 or 1980? If you've ever found one in an old drawer or jar, you've probably had the same thought: "Is this thing worth anything, or is it just a dollar?"

Most of these coins are just worth a dollar. But a few are genuinely valuable. The trick is knowing how to spot them. This guide will cut through the noise. I'll give you a simple, step-by-step filter to sort your coins, show you the one key feature that matters, and help you understand what you've really got.

The 3-Minute Coin Sort: Find the Hidden Gem

Don't get overwhelmed by history or technical terms yet. If you have a few of these coins, grab them and follow these three easy steps. This quick sort will tell you almost everything you need to know.

Step 1: Check the Date.

Separate your coins into two piles: 1979 and 1980. (There's a rare 1999 version, but you likely won't find it in loose change). This matters because the valuable quirk only happens in one year.

Step 2: Find the Tiny Letter (The Mint Mark).

Look at the front ("heads" side) of the coin. Find the tiny letter to the left of Susan B. Anthony's neck, right above the date. It will be one of three:

P - Philadelphia

D - Denver

S - San Francisco (These were only made for special collector sets)

Step 3: The Big One: The 1979-P "Wide Rim" Test.

This is the most important step, but only for 1979 coins with a "P" mint mark.

Look at the date "1979" and the coin's raised edge. You're checking a coin. Wide Rim (or "Near Date"): The numbers are very close to the edge. There's hardly any flat space.

Narrow Rim (or "Far Date"): There's a wide, flat gap between the date and the edge.

Why does this tiny detail matter so much? Because the Wide Rim 1979-P is the only regular-issue Susan B. Anthony dollar that consistently sells for a big premium. While a normal one might be worth $2, a Wide Rim in nice condition can be worth $50 to hundreds of dollars. It's the needle in the haystack.

Why Most Aren't Worth Much: The "Bag Marks" Problem

So, you've sorted your coins. If you don't have a 1979-P Wide Rim, you might be wondering why your shiny, uncirculated-looking coins aren't worth more. The answer has a name: "bag marks."

These coins were stored by the thousands in giant cloth bags. As they jostled together, they got tiny nicks and scratches. Almost every Susan B. Anthony dollar has them, even ones that were never spent. These bag marks are the main reason truly pristine examples are rare—and why condition is everything.

A Special Note on "S" Mint Coins:

Coins with an "S" mint mark are called Proofs. They were made for collectors with special, mirror-like surfaces. If you have one of these, its value depends on the frosty contrast on the design. Strong contrast ("Cameo") means a more valuable coin.

What Should You Do With Your Coins?

Now you know what you have. So, what's the smart move?

If You Want to Sell:

For a pile of common, worn coins: Sell them in a batch for face value or a small premium. A local coin shop might take them.

If you found a 1979-P Wide Rim or a beautiful Proof: Sell these individually. Take good photos and list them on a site like eBay, or take them to a reputable dealer to get their true value.

If You Want to Start a Collection:

This is actually a great, affordable series for a new collector!

A Simple Starter Goal: Get one nice example from each mint (P, D, and S) for 1979 and 1980. Aim for coins in that "Nice Uncirculated" (MS-65) condition.

The Ultimate Challenge: Hunt for perfection. Look for that 1979-P Wide Rim in the highest grade you can find, or seek out Proof coins with stunning, frosty contrast.

A Word for Investors:

Be very careful. This is not a "get rich quick" series. Buying bulk rolls of these coins is almost always a bad investment.

The only Susan B. Anthony dollars with real investment potential are those that combine extreme rarity with perfect condition—like a 1979-P Wide Rim graded MS-67 or higher by PCGS or NGC. As the saying goes, "Quality remains long after the price is forgotten." In numismatics, that quality is everything.

The Takeaway: Look Closer

The Susan B. Anthony dollar teaches a perfect lesson for any collector: Don't judge a coin by its first glance. What seems like a box of forgotten clutter can contain a hidden prize for those who know what to look for.

You now have the simple filter: 1979-P, Wide Rim, and condition. Whether you decide to start a neat little collection, sell your find, or just appreciate the history in your hand, you're doing it with knowledge. And in the world of coins, that's the most valuable thing you can have.