Price Guide for 1978 Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $7,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $195.00Uncirculated: $2.84 – $8,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $9,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $6,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $3,845.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.08 – $1,604.89
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $5.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $475.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $161.00
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eBayCirculated: $32.00 – $78.00Uncirculated: $5.50 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $57.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.93 – $12.99
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eBayUncirculated: $20.00 – $625.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $94.00 – $650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.52 – $56.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $493.50
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eBayUncirculated: $10.00 – $749.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00
Design and Specifications of the 1978 Dollar
The 1978 Dollar, also known as the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, was the first year of production for this new small-size dollar coin. It marked a significant change from the larger Eisenhower Dollar. The coin was designed to honor Susan B. Anthony, a prominent American civil rights leader who played a crucial role in the women’s suffrage movement.
Despite its historical significance, the coin faced public rejection due to its similarity in size and color to the quarter, leading to confusion in circulation. This rejection would ultimately result in the coin’s short-lived production run.
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S (including proof coins) |
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel (Copper-Nickel Clad) |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Susan B. Anthony, designed by Frank Gasparro |
| Reverse Design | Apollo 11 mission insignia, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1978 Susan B. Anthony Dollars has a significant impact on their value, particularly for circulation strikes. Due to their limited actual circulation, many examples remain in high grades. Coins in MS65 and above are relatively common, but can still command a premium over face value.
For proof coins, the condition is crucial. Collectors seek examples with deep cameo contrast and no signs of mishandling. PR69 and PR70 specimens are highly desirable and can fetch substantial premiums.
Mintage: 244,900,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to low circulation and high mintage
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to series collectors
Mintage: 133,020,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to low circulation and high mintage
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to series collectors
Mintage: 3,251,152
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to careful handling
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular as first-year proof issue
Strike quality is an important factor for 1978 Susan B. Anthony Dollars. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Anthony’s hair and the moon’s surface on the reverse, are more desirable. Luster also plays a role, with coins displaying full, cartwheel luster being more valuable.
While not typically known for attractive toning, some collectors appreciate naturally toned examples, which can add a premium if the toning is appealing. Additionally, error coins, such as those with significant die cracks or cuds, can be valuable to specialists, though major errors are rare for this issue.
