1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Errors List with Pictures & Value
The 1979 susan b anthony dollar errors represent some of the most collectible modern coin varieties. From Wide AM errors to dramatic off-center strikes, these coins offer collectors excellent opportunities to find valuable errors. Learn about 1979 susan b anthony dollar Value and how to identify each error type with our comprehensive guide.
1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Wide AM Error
The Wide AM error is one of the most sought-after varieties in the 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar series. This error occurs on the reverse of the coin, where the letters A and M in the word AMERICA show increased spacing compared to normal strikes. On standard coins, the left leg of the A nearly touches or slightly touches the right leg of the M, while Wide AM varieties display a noticeable gap between these letters.
Identification Tips: Use a magnifying glass or loupe to examine the word AMERICA on the reverse. Compare your coin to reference images of both normal and Wide AM varieties. The spacing difference is subtle but distinct once you know what to look for. Wide AM varieties are more commonly found on Philadelphia and Denver mint coins.
View Wide AM Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Near Date Error
The Near Date variety on 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars is characterized by the date being positioned closer to the rim of the coin than normal. This variety resulted from die variations during production, creating a measurable difference in the spacing between the date and the bust of Susan B Anthony. Collectors prize this variety for its distinctiveness and relative scarcity.
Identification Tips: Compare the distance between the bottom of the 1 in the date and Susan B Anthony's shoulder to reference images. Near Date varieties will show noticeably less space in this area. Measure the distance from the date to the rim edge and compare with normal date positioning. This variety is most easily identified on well-struck examples.
View Near Date Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is not properly positioned in the collar die during striking, resulting in a portion of the design missing and a corresponding blank crescent visible on the coin. The value of off-center errors increases dramatically with the percentage of off-center striking, with coins showing 30% or more misalignment being particularly desirable. The date must remain visible for the coin to command premium prices.
Identification Tips: Look for a blank crescent area on either the obverse or reverse where no design appears. The opposite side should show design elements pushed toward one edge. Measure the percentage of off-center striking from rim to rim. Coins with centered dates and clear mint marks are more valuable. Authentic off-center strikes will show raised edges on the unstruck portion.
View Off-Center Strike Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Doubled Die Obverse Error
Doubled die obverse errors result from the die manufacturing process when the master hub impresses the working die multiple times in slightly different positions. On 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars, this creates visible doubling on elements such as the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and details of Susan B Anthony's profile. Several die varieties exist, each with varying degrees of doubling strength and value.
Identification Tips: Examine the date, lettering, and portrait details under magnification looking for doubled or notched edges on design elements. Strong doubling will be visible to the naked eye, while minor varieties require 5x to 10x magnification. Focus on the date numerals, especially the 9 in 1979, and the letters in LIBERTY. True doubled dies show a shelf-like doubling, not flat spreading or mechanical doubling.
View Doubled Die Obverse Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Doubled Die Reverse Error
Doubled die reverse varieties on 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars show doubling on the reverse design elements, most notably on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, the eagle, and the moon landing imagery. These varieties are created during the die manufacturing process through the same mechanism as doubled die obverse errors but affect the reverse die instead.
Identification Tips: Check the lettering around the rim on the reverse, particularly UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR. Look for notched or doubled edges on letters under magnification. The eagle's features may also show doubling, especially on the wing details and talons. Compare suspect coins to confirmed doubled die reverse images to verify the variety matches known examples.
View Doubled Die Reverse Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Wrong Planchet Error
Wrong planchet errors occur when a Susan B Anthony dollar design is struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination. The most notable examples include 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars struck on quarter planchets or cent planchets. These are among the most dramatic and valuable errors in the series, as they represent major mint mistakes that rarely escape quality control.
Identification Tips: Weigh the coin accurately and compare to standard specifications. A normal Susan B Anthony dollar weighs 8.1 grams, while quarters weigh 5.67 grams. Check the diameter with calipers. Wrong planchet errors will show the complete design but with incorrect weight, diameter, or metal composition. The coin will typically appear too small or too large for the design elements. Color differences may also be apparent if struck on a different alloy.
View Wrong Planchet Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Clipped Planchet Error
Clipped planchet errors happen when the metal strip from which planchets are punched shifts slightly between strikes, causing the punch to overlap a previous hole. This results in a coin with a missing segment along the edge. Clips can be straight, curved, or irregular depending on how the overlap occurred. The size and type of clip significantly affect the coin's value.
Identification Tips: Examine the edge of the coin for a missing portion. Straight clips show a straight edge along the missing area, while curved clips follow the round shape of the punch. The missing area should extend from the rim inward, affecting both the rim and design elements. Larger clips that remove significant portions of the design are more valuable. Check that the clip affects both sides of the coin equally, as this confirms it occurred before striking rather than post-mint damage.
View Clipped Planchet Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Struck Through Error
Struck through errors occur when foreign material becomes trapped between the die and planchet during striking. This can include grease, cloth fibers, wire fragments, or other debris. The material prevents the die from fully striking the planchet in that area, leaving a weak or missing design in the shape of the obstruction. The value depends on the size, shape, and clarity of the struck through area.
Identification Tips: Look for areas of weak or missing design that show a consistent pattern or shape. The affected area should be raised slightly compared to normal coin surfaces and show no metal flow. Struck through grease appears as smooth, featureless raised areas. Wire struck throughs show linear patterns. The reverse side will typically show normal striking opposite the affected obverse area. Use magnification to examine the texture of the weak area, which should differ from worn surfaces.
View Struck Through Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Die Crack Error
Die cracks form when stress fractures develop in the die during extended use. These cracks fill with metal during striking, creating raised lines on the finished coins. Die cracks can range from thin hairlines to major cracks that cross significant portions of the coin. Some dramatic die cracks create distinctive varieties known as cud errors, where a piece of the die has actually broken away.
Identification Tips: Examine the coin's surface for raised lines that don't correspond to intentional design elements. Die cracks appear as irregular raised lines and may extend from one design element to another or from rim to rim. Major cud errors show a raised blank area along the rim where die metal has broken away. The crack should appear raised on the coin, as it fills the depression in the broken die. Multiple die cracks on a single coin increase value.
View Die Crack Error Picture1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Broadstrike Error
A broadstrike error happens when a coin is struck without the restraining collar that normally holds the planchet in place and forms the reeded edge. Without this collar, the metal spreads outward during striking, creating a coin that is larger in diameter than normal and lacks the standard edge design. The entire design still appears on the coin but is spread across a larger surface.
Identification Tips: Measure the diameter of the coin with calipers. Normal Susan B Anthony dollars measure 26.5mm, while broadstrikes will be noticeably larger. The edge will be smooth rather than showing the standard reeding. All design elements should be present but spread over a larger area. The coin will appear thinner than normal specimens and may show flow lines radiating from the center. Both obverse and reverse should show full designs that are uniformly expanded.
View Broadstrike Error PictureHow Much is 1979 susan b anthony dollar errors Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
CoinValueChecker
CoinValueChecker is a comprehensive coin identification and valuation application designed for both novice collectors and experienced numismatists. This app excels at helping users identify 1979 susan b anthony dollar errors through its extensive image database and advanced recognition technology. Users can simply photograph their coins, and the app analyzes key features to identify varieties and errors. The valuation feature provides real-time market prices based on current auction results and dealer listings, making it invaluable for understanding what your error coins are actually worth in today's market. CoinValueChecker includes detailed guides for each error type, with high-resolution reference images showing exactly what to look for when examining your coins. The app also features a grading estimator that helps determine condition, which is crucial for accurate valuation. Additional tools include a magnification feature for examining fine details, a rarity index for each variety, and historical price tracking to see how values have changed over time.
CoinKnow
CoinKnow specializes in educational content and variety identification for collectors seeking to deepen their knowledge of error coins. This application stands out for its comprehensive learning modules that explain the minting process and how different errors occur, providing context that helps collectors understand what makes each 1979 susan b anthony dollar error unique and valuable. CoinKnow features an interactive comparison tool that allows users to place their coin images side-by-side with confirmed error examples, making identification much more straightforward. The app includes a community forum where collectors can share finds, ask questions, and learn from experienced numismatists who specialize in Susan B Anthony dollar varieties. CoinKnow's detailed attribution guides walk users through the step-by-step process of identifying specific die varieties and error types. The app also maintains a database of auction results and provides market analysis tools to help collectors make informed buying and selling decisions. For those interested in building a collection of 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar errors, CoinKnow offers portfolio management features that track your collection's value over time and suggest varieties to complete your set based on your budget and collecting goals.
Summary
The 1979 susan b anthony dollar errors encompass a fascinating array of varieties ranging from subtle die differences to dramatic striking errors. The most valuable errors include Wide AM varieties, wrong planchet strikes, and significant off-center strikes with visible dates. Collectors should focus on learning proper identification techniques for each error type, as accurate attribution is essential for determining value. Values range from $10 for minor die cracks to over $2,000 for rare wrong planchet strikes. Condition plays a crucial role in valuation, with uncirculated examples commanding significant premiums over circulated specimens. Both Philadelphia and Denver mints produced error coins, though certain varieties are more common from specific facilities. Whether you are searching pocket change or building a specialized error collection, understanding these ten major varieties and their distinguishing characteristics will enhance your numismatic knowledge and help you recognize valuable finds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most valuable 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar errors?
The most valuable 1979 susan b anthony dollar errors include the Wide AM variety, which can fetch $50-$150 in uncirculated condition, and major off-center strikes that can reach $200-$500 depending on the percentage of missing design. For accurate identification and valuation of your coins, the CoinValueChecker App provides instant pricing and detailed error analysis.
How can I identify a 1979 Wide AM Susan B Anthony dollar?
To identify a 1979 Wide AM Susan B Anthony dollar, examine the reverse side closely and look at the spacing between the 'A' and 'M' in 'AMERICA'. On Wide AM varieties, there is a noticeable gap between these letters, while normal strikes have the letters nearly touching. The CoinKnow App features visual comparison tools that make identifying this variety much easier for collectors.
What is a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar Near Date error worth?
A 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar Near Date error typically ranges from $15 to $75 depending on condition and the degree of the variety. This variety shows the date positioned closer to the rim than normal strikes. Use the CoinValueChecker App to get current market values based on your coin's specific grade and characteristics.
Are off-center 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars rare?
Off-center 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars are relatively uncommon and their rarity increases with the percentage of off-center striking. Minor off-center errors of 5-10% are worth $20-$50, while dramatic 30-50% off-center strikes can command $200-$500 or more. The CoinKnow App includes a rarity index that helps you understand how scarce your specific error coin is in the marketplace.
What is a doubled die obverse on a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar?
A doubled die obverse on a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar occurs when the die used to strike the coin was hubbed multiple times in slightly different positions, creating visible doubling on design elements like the date, lettering, or Liberty's profile. Values range from $30 to $200 depending on the strength of doubling. CoinValueChecker App offers magnification features and doubling detection tools to help identify these errors.
How do I spot a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar struck on wrong planchet?
A 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar struck on the wrong planchet will have incorrect weight, size, or metal composition compared to standard specifications. These dramatic errors can be worth $500-$2,000 or more depending on what planchet was used. The CoinKnow App includes a weight calculator and metal composition guide to help verify wrong planchet errors.
What causes clipped planchet errors on 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars?
Clipped planchet errors occur when the metal blank is improperly punched from the metal strip, resulting in a coin missing part of its edge. On 1979 Susan B Anthony dollars, these clips can be straight, curved, or irregular and are worth $25-$150 depending on size and type. For detailed error analysis and valuation, the CoinValueChecker App provides comprehensive clipped planchet identification guides.
What is a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar struck through error?
Struck through errors occur when foreign material becomes trapped between the die and planchet during striking, leaving weak or missing design in the shape of the obstruction. These errors are worth $15-$100 depending on size and clarity. The CoinKnow App helps identify different types of struck through errors including grease, cloth, and wire varieties.
What is a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar die crack error?
Die crack errors form when stress fractures develop in the die, creating raised lines on finished coins. These can range from thin hairlines worth $10-$40 to major cracks and cud errors worth $50-$200 or more. CoinValueChecker App provides detailed die crack identification guides with visual examples of various crack types.
How much is a 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar broadstrike error worth?
A 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar broadstrike error, struck without the restraining collar, typically measures larger than the standard 26.5mm diameter and lacks reeded edges. These errors are worth $40-$150 depending on how much larger the coin is and its overall condition. The CoinKnow App includes measurement tools and valuation guides for broadstrike errors.