Think your 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar is just worth $1? Learn how to identify the rare Wide Rim (Near Date) variety that has sold for up to $6,995, plus expert tips on grading and value.
Have an old Susan B. Anthony dollar tucked away in a coin jar or forgotten collection? ๐ช
While most are only worth their face value, one special variety has caught the attention of collectors across the country. The 1979-P Wide Rim, also called the Near Date variety, has sold for as much as $6,995 at auction in top condition. ๐คฏ๐ฐ
The good news? You don’t need expensive equipment to check if you have one. With a careful look and a few simple steps, you can identify this sought-after variety from the comfort of your home.
๐ช Why Does the 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar Exist?
To understand why this coin is valuable, it helps to know a little about its history.
๐๏ธ A New Dollar Coin With an Unexpected Problem
The Susan B. Anthony dollar debuted in 1979 as the replacement for the larger Eisenhower dollar.
Unfortunately, it was almost the same size and color as a quarter, making it easy for people to confuse the two coins. As a result, the new dollar never became popular in everyday circulation.
๐ง A Short-Lived Design Change
During the early production of 1979 dollars at the Philadelphia Mint, some dies produced coins with a thicker rim, causing the date to appear much closer to the edge.
Collectors later gave this variety two names:
- ๐ช Wide Rim
- ๐ Near Date
The Mint later modified the design, creating the much more common Narrow Rim (Far Date) variety.
Because the Wide Rim version was struck for only a short period, far fewer examples exist today.
๐ฐ How Did a $1 Coin Become Worth $6,995?
One of the highest-graded 1979-P Wide Rim dollars sold for an impressive $6,995 at auction in 2021.
Several factors contribute to its value:
- โญ First year of the Susan B. Anthony dollar series
- ๐ช Popular one-year design variety
- ๐ Difficult to locate in pristine condition
- ๐ High collector demand
- ๐ซ Many examples were damaged in circulation, coin rolls, and vending machines
Even circulated examples can often sell for significantly more than face value.
๐ How to Identify a 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar
Finding the correct variety is easier than many people think.
โ Step 1: Check the Date and Mint Mark
Your coin must have:
- ๐ 1979
- ๐๏ธ P Mint Mark
The mint mark appears on the front of the coin, just to the left of Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.
If there is no “P,” you do not have the Philadelphia Wide Rim variety.
โ Step 2: Look Closely at the Date
This is the easiest way to tell the difference.
๐ Wide Rim (Near Date)
โ Date sits very close to the rim
โ Very little space between the numbers and the edge
โ Rim appears thick and bold
โช Narrow Rim (Far Date)
โ Noticeable gap between the date and the rim
โ Rim appears thinner
โ Date sits farther away from the edge
๐ก Helpful Tip: Compare your coin with a 1980 or 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollar. The difference usually becomes much easier to spot.
๐ 1979-P Wide Rim Value Guide
The value depends largely on the coin’s condition.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | ๐ฐ $50โ$200+ |
| Uncirculated | ๐ต $300โ$1,000 |
| MS66 | โญ $2,500+ |
| MS67 | ๐ Up to $6,995 |
Higher-grade certified examples are the most valuable and attract strong competition among collectors.
๐ก๏ธ What Should You Do If You Find One?
Think you’ve found a Wide Rim dollar? Follow these simple steps.
๐งค Handle It Carefully
Always hold the coin by its edges to avoid fingerprints and surface damage.
๐ฆ Protect It
Place the coin in a protective coin flip or archival-quality holder.
โ Never Clean It
Cleaning removes the original surface and can greatly reduce the coin’s value.
๐ Consider Professional Grading
If your coin appears to be the Wide Rim variety and is in excellent condition, consider submitting it to a trusted grading service such as:
- PCGS
- NGC
Certified coins are generally easier to sell and often bring higher prices.
๐ Where Can These Coins Still Be Found?
Many collectors are surprised to learn that Susan B. Anthony dollars still turn up in unexpected places.
Keep an eye out in:
- ๐ Old coin jars
- ๐ฆ Bank coin rolls
- ๐ Family collections
- ๐ผ Estate sales
- ๐ Mixed foreign coin collections
Although finding a Wide Rim variety is uncommon, it remains one of the easiest valuable modern U.S. coin varieties for beginners to search for.
๐ก Why Every Susan B. Anthony Dollar Deserves a Second Look
The 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) proves that valuable treasures aren’t always made of gold or silver.
While most Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth only one dollar, this special variety has become one of the most popular modern U.S. coins among collectors.
Before spending or storing away your next SBA dollar, take a few extra seconds to examine the rim. That quick inspection could reveal a coin worth hundredsโor even thousandsโof dollars.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Is every 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar valuable?
No. Most 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars are common. The higher values apply specifically to the 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) variety, especially in high grades.
Can I identify a Wide Rim without special tools?
Yes. In many cases, you can spot the difference by comparing the distance between the date and the rim using good lighting.
Should I clean my coin before grading?
No. Cleaning can significantly reduce a coin’s value and is strongly discouraged.
Where should I sell a certified Wide Rim dollar?
Many collectors choose reputable coin dealers or major auction houses that specialize in rare U.S. coins for the best exposure.
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