1979-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value What Is It Worth and Why It Matters
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The 1979-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $2 in circulated condition to over $30 or more in pristine mint state — and if you’ve got a proof version, you might be sitting on something even more special. Whether you found one in a drawer or inherited a coin collection, this guide will walk you through exactly what affects its value and what to look for.
What Makes the 1979-S Type 1 Different from Other Susan B. Anthony Dollars
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999. The “S” in 1979-S tells you it was struck at the San Francisco Mint — and in 1979, San Francisco produced both proof and uncirculated coins.
The key detail here is the “Type 1” designation. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint used two different mintmark punches. The Type 1 mintmark has a blobby, filled-in appearance, sometimes called the “blob S.” Later in the year, the Mint switched to a cleaner, more defined mintmark — that’s the Type 2, or “Clear S.” This small difference can mean a big jump in value, which is why collectors pay close attention to the mintmark style.
If you want a quick way to identify which type you have, using a coin identifier and value app can save you a lot of squinting under a magnifying glass. Apps like CoinKnow let you scan your coin and instantly compare mintmark styles, condition grades, and estimated values — a great starting point for everyday collectors.
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1979-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value by Condition
Condition — or “grade” in collector terms — is one of the biggest factors in determining what your coin is worth. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, where 70 means perfect and uncirculated. Here’s a simple breakdown of typical values for the 1979-S Type 1:
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| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Fine to XF) | $2 – $5 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-64) | $5 – $15 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $20 – $35+ |
| Proof (PF-65 to PF-69) | $10 – $30+ |
| Deep Cameo Proof (PF-69 DCAM) | $40 – $100+ |
These figures reflect the general market. For the most current and detailed 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar price data across grades, it’s worth checking a reliable coin pricing resource that tracks live auction results.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is Type 1 or Type 2
This is the question most people have — and it’s a fair one, because the difference can look subtle to the naked eye. The Type 1 “blob S” mintmark looks thick and poorly defined. The loop of the “S” appears almost filled in, like the letter wasn’t fully punched into the die.
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The Type 2 “clear S” mintmark, by contrast, has a sharp, well-defined shape with clear open loops — it looks like a crisp, professional letter “S.” To spot the difference, you’ll want at least 5x magnification. A jeweler’s loupe works well, or you can use a smartphone macro lens attachment.
Here’s a helpful tip: if your coin was part of a 1979-S proof set purchased from the U.S. Mint, it’s more likely to be a Type 1 early in the year’s production. The Type 2 was introduced later, making it scarcer and more desirable to collectors. If you’re still unsure, CoinKnow offers a mintmark comparison feature that walks you through the difference step by step.
Factors That Affect the Value of Your 1979-S Type 1 Dollar
Beyond condition and mintmark type, a few other things can push the value up or down:
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Strike quality — Even among proof coins, some are sharper than others. A deep cameo proof (DCAM) has a mirror-like background with frosted devices, and these command premium prices.
Eye appeal — Collectors value coins that look attractive. Toning, spots, or cleaning can significantly reduce a coin’s desirability, even if the grade is technically high.
Third-party grading — Having your coin graded and encapsulated by PCGS or NGC adds credibility and usually boosts resale value. A raw (ungraded) coin in the same condition will typically sell for less than a slabbed coin.
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For a full breakdown of how these factors play into the complete value picture for 1979 dollar coins, including mintmark varieties and auction records, a dedicated coin value resource can give you the clearest picture.
Is the 1979-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth Keeping or Selling
For most circulated examples, the 1979-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony dollar has modest but real numismatic value — generally above face value, but not a life-changing find. However, if you have a gem-quality proof or an exceptionally well-struck coin, it could be worth getting it professionally graded.
The real excitement comes when collectors find high-grade examples they didn’t expect. A PF-69 Deep Cameo example can fetch serious premiums at auction, especially as the supply of top-grade coins stays limited.
If you’re not sure where to start, download CoinKnow to get an instant estimate and learn more about what you have. It’s one of the easiest ways for everyday people to go from curious to informed in just a few minutes.
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FAQ
Q: How many 1979-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony dollars were made?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced millions of proof Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1979, with the Type 1 mintmark representing the earlier part of the production run. Exact Type 1-specific mintage figures aren’t officially separated, but the Type 2 is generally considered scarcer.
Q: Can I spend a 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: Technically, yes — it’s still legal tender worth $1. But given that even circulated examples are worth $2–$5 to collectors, it’s usually better to hold on to it rather than spend it.
Q: What’s the best way to find out exactly what my coin is worth?
A: Start by checking its condition and confirming the mintmark type. Then consult a current price guide or use an app like CoinKnow to get an up-to-date valuation. For high-value specimens, consider submitting to PCGS or NGC for professional grading.
