A family cleaning out an old purse discovered a rare 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth up to $15,000! Learn why some of these “failed” coins are now treasure, how to spot the valuable ones, and where to check your change today.
What Exactly Happened With This 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
In early 2025, a woman in Ohio was cleaning out her late mother’s belongings when she found a dusty purse from the early 80s. Inside a side pocket? One lonely 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar. She almost tossed it… until she Googled it. Turns out it was a super-rare Proof version with the coveted “Clear S” mint mark. Graded PR70, it later sold for $15,600!
A Quick History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Released in 1979, the SBA dollar was the U.S. Mint’s first attempt to replace the paper dollar. It honored women’s rights leader Susan B. Anthony and was supposed to save money. People hated it – too close in size to a quarter! Production stopped in 1981, then one weird year in 1999.
Why Some 1979 SBA Dollars Are Suddenly Worth a Fortune
Most circulated 1979 dollars are still worth $1–$3. But a tiny number of 1979-S Proof coins have two different mint marks:
- Type 1 (“Filled S”) – common
- Type 2 (“Clear S”) – ultra-rare
Only a handful of Clear S proofs escaped the Mint. Collectors go crazy for them!
How to Tell If YOUR Susan B. Anthony Dollar Is the Rare One
Grab a magnifying glass and look at the “S” mint mark (San Francisco):
- Filled S = blob-like, common
- Clear S = sharp, well-defined loops
Also check for mirror-like proof finish and no wear.
Value Comparison Table: Common vs Rare 1979 SBA Dollars
| Coin Type | Circulated Value | MS65–MS67 Value | Perfect PR70 Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P (Philadelphia) | $1–$3 | $8–$35 | N/A |
| 1979-D (Denver) | $1–$3 | $8–$40 | N/A |
| 1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) | $1–$5 | $10–$50 | $100–$400 |
| 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) Proof | — | — | $4,000–$15,600+ |
Real Recent Sale Prices (2024–2025)
- Jan 2025: PR70 Clear S – $15,600 (Heritage Auctions)
- Oct 2024: PR69 Clear S – $8,200
- June 2024: PR70 – $12,000
Expert Tips: Where to Look for Forgotten Rare Coins Today
- Old purses, wallets, and coat pockets
- Jar of “weird coins” on the dresser
- Safety deposit boxes
- Attics and storage units
- Casino change machines still occasionally spit them out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars valuable?
A: No – 99.9% are only worth face value or a few bucks.
Q: Where is the mint mark located?
A: Left side of Susan’s neck, above her shoulder.
Q: Should I get mine graded?
A: Only if it’s a proof with a crystal-clear “S”.
Final Thought – Your Next Big Find Could Be in a Drawer!
That “ugly” little dollar most people ignored for 40 years has turned ordinary families into five-figure winners overnight. Take five minutes today – dump out that old purse or junk drawer. You might just be holding the next viral rare coin discovery!