1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Found in Coat Pocket: Imagine reaching into an old coat pocket, only to discover a coin you don’t remember ever having seen before. That’s exactly what happened to one lucky individual who recently found a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar in pristine condition. While this coin may seem like a simple piece of currency to the untrained eye, it turns out to be far more valuable than anyone could have expected. As the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar was initially released with mixed reception, few people realize just how rare certain varieties of this coin have become. In this article, we’ll explore why a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar might be worth a small fortune and what makes certain versions of the coin so special.
The History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first introduced in 1979 by the U.S. Mint to replace the Eisenhower Dollar. It was the first time the U.S. had minted a dollar coin since the Eisenhower series was discontinued in 1978. The coin was designed by artist Frank Gasparro and features a profile of the suffragist Susan B. Anthony on the obverse, with an eagle landing on the moon depicted on the reverse, meant to celebrate the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Despite its historical significance, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was not an immediate success. The coin was often confused with the quarter due to its similar size and appearance. This led to a lack of circulation and low demand, with the coin being largely unpopular among the public. In fact, production of the coin was discontinued after just three years, from 1979 to 1981, with a brief revival in 1999. As a result, many of these coins were stored away, and they have since become highly prized by collectors.
The Discovery of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
While the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar may not have had a long life in circulation, certain versions of the coin have become incredibly valuable due to their rarity and the circumstances surrounding their minting. In 2025, a person discovered a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar in an old coat pocket an item that had clearly been forgotten over the years. Little did they know, this coin could potentially be worth a fortune. What made this particular find so special?
The Rare Varieties of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
While the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar was struck in large quantities, there are several key factors that can make specific coins from that year worth far more than their face value. The value of a coin is primarily determined by factors such as rarity, condition, and the existence of any unique characteristics or minting errors. In the case of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, there are a few distinct varieties that have driven up its value in recent years.
The 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar
One of the most sought-after varieties of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is the “Wide Rim” version. This coin features a larger gap between the rim of the coin and the stars surrounding the obverse. The difference in design was a result of a production error at the Philadelphia Mint, where the dies used to strike the coins were not perfectly aligned. While this error was not immediately noticed, it later became clear that the Wide Rim coins were far rarer than their “Close Rim” counterparts.
The 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar is considered one of the most valuable of the series, with some examples selling for more than $10,000 in high-grade condition. The rarity of the Wide Rim variety, combined with its historical context and the public’s newfound interest in the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, has made it a highly coveted piece among collectors.
The 1979-S Proof Coin
Another valuable variety of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is the 1979-S Proof Coin. Proof coins are specially made for collectors and are struck multiple times to create a sharp, mirror-like finish. The 1979-S Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar was minted at the San Francisco Mint and, while it was produced in large numbers, many of these coins have been well-preserved over the years. This has resulted in a strong demand for high-quality examples of the 1979-S Proof, with coins in pristine condition fetching several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the grade.
The 1979-D Double Die Obverse
One of the most exciting finds for collectors of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is the “Double Die Obverse” variety. This occurs when the dies used to strike the coins are misaligned, causing the coin’s obverse design to appear doubled, particularly around the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The doubling effect is subtle, but noticeable under magnification. The 1979-D Double Die Obverse is one of the rarest and most sought-after varieties of this coin.
A high-grade example of the 1979-D Double Die Obverse has been known to sell for upwards of $5,000, depending on its condition and the extent of the doubling. It’s a unique coin that stands out in the collection, making it a highly desirable item for numismatists.
How to Determine the Value of Your 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you’ve found a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, whether in a coat pocket, an old coin jar, or somewhere else, it’s important to determine its value. While some of these coins may only be worth a few dollars above their face value, others could fetch much higher prices. Here are some tips for evaluating the potential value of your coin:
- Check the Mint Mark: The mint mark on the coin indicates where it was produced. Coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint are marked with a “P,” while coins from the Denver Mint carry a “D,” and those from the San Francisco Mint have an “S.”
- Examine the Condition: The condition of the coin is one of the most important factors in determining its value. Coins in uncirculated or mint state condition are worth significantly more than those that have been heavily circulated.
- Look for Minting Errors: As discussed, certain varieties of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, such as the Wide Rim, Double Die Obverse, or Proof coins, can be extremely valuable. If you spot one of these errors, it’s worth having the coin professionally graded by a numismatist.
- Consult a Professional: If you believe you’ve found a rare or valuable 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, it’s a good idea to take it to a certified coin dealer or numismatist for a professional appraisal.
Conclusion
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, once overlooked and undervalued, has become a prized collector’s item. While many of these coins are still fairly common, certain varieties such as the Wide Rim, Proof, and Double Die Obverse have risen in value over time. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare coins in your possession, you could be holding a piece of history worth a small fortune. Whether you decide to sell or hold onto your discovery, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar continues to be a fascinating coin that’s capturing the attention of collectors across the globe.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or investment advice. The value of coins can fluctuate based on market conditions, rarity, condition, and other factors. Always consult with a professional numismatist or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding coin collection or investment.