The recent headline-making auction of a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar has prompted collectors and dealers to reassess the value of late 20th-century U.S. coins. This article breaks down what drove the surprising result and what collectors should watch for when evaluating or selling a 1979 dollar.
What happened in the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar auction
An example coin from a high-profile auction drew attention when it hammered for far more than many expected. Experts say the sale was driven by a combination of exceptional grade, a scarce die variety, and competitive bidding from specialist collectors.
Auctions can produce outlier prices when rare characteristics line up with strong market demand. Understanding those characteristics helps collectors separate routine listings from truly valuable pieces.
Key factors behind the auction price
- High numerical grade from a major service (PCGS or NGC) indicating near-perfect strike and surfaces.
- Recognition as a known die variety or mint error that is scarce among surviving examples.
- Provenance and documented history, which build buyer confidence.
- Strong bidding from specialists during a focused sale or specialty auction.
1979 Susan B Anthony dollar: varieties and what to look for
The 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar was issued in business strike and proof forms across multiple mints. Not all 1979 dollars are the same; small differences can produce large valuation gaps.
Collectors should examine mintmarks, strike quality, and signs of die varieties. Common areas to inspect include the rim, date, and fields for doubling or die cracks.
Common and scarce features
- Mintmarks: Look for Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) marks where applicable.
- Proof vs business strike: Proof coins were struck differently and often show mirror-like fields.
- Die doubling and repunched dates: Some 1979 coins show subtle doubling that specialists value.
- Planchet or striking errors: Off-center strikes or clipped planchets are typically more collectible.
The Susan B Anthony dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical woman on circulation coinage. The series ran from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999 for a special strike.
How to authenticate and grade a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar
Authentication and third-party grading are crucial when you suspect a coin may be worth significantly more than face value. Major services like PCGS and NGC provide grading and encapsulation that buyers trust.
Steps to authenticate:
- Compare high-resolution images of your coin to reference examples from grading firms.
- Check for common counterfeit signs: inconsistent edge reeding, incorrect weight, or poor metal composition.
- Submit the coin to a reputable grading service for formal authentication if initial checks are promising.
When grading matters most
A one- or two-point grade difference in high numerical grades (MS65 vs MS66 or higher) can produce big price swings. For rare varieties, any grade confirmation from a top service increases buyer confidence and can multiply auction interest.
Practical tips for sellers and buyers
Whether you own a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar or are looking to buy, follow a careful process to avoid overpaying or underselling.
- Document condition: Take clear photos of both sides, the edge, and any notable flaws or markers.
- Research comparable auction results for the same date, mint, grade, and variety.
- Consider professional grading if the coin appears to be high grade or a known scarce variety.
- Choose the right selling channel: specialist auctions tend to attract serious bidders for rare coins.
- Watch fees and reserve settings; auction houses charge commissions that reduce net proceeds.
Checklist before listing a 1979 dollar
- Weight and diameter measured to verify planchet
- Photographic record and condition notes
- Any previous grading or provenance documentation
- Clear description of known varieties or errors
Real-world example: a case study in cautious selling
A regional collector found a 1979 dollar in a long-forgotten album and suspected it might be exceptional. After a careful initial inspection, they submitted the coin to a major grading service.
Graded at a high-level state by the service, the coin was consigned to a specialist auction rather than a general marketplace. Competitive bidding drove the final sale above common retail estimates, demonstrating the value of authentication and selecting the right sales venue.
Final considerations for collectors
Not every 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar will reach headline prices. Most circulate or sell for modest premiums depending on grade. However, well-documented exceptions happen when grade, rarity, and demand converge.
The smart approach is methodical: document, research, authenticate, and choose the appropriate market. This will help you maximize value as either a buyer or a seller.
If you believe you own a candidate coin, start with trusted references and consider professional grading before pursuing an auction listing. That process often turns surprising potential into realized value.
