The 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $10 in circulated condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. Most people find these coins in their spare change or old jars, and while the common thin rim version is only worth face value, this specific “Wide Rim” variety can be a significant payday for lucky collectors.
Hidden Riches in Your Change the 1979 Wide Rim Variety
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was a historic coin, marked as the first time a real woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. However, because its size was so similar to a quarter, the public generally disliked it. Within the first year of production at the Philadelphia Mint, officials realized the design needed more visual impact. They widened the “rim”—the raised edge around the coin—which pushed the date closer to the border. This created a rare “Near Date” variety.
If you aren’t sure which version you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to snap a photo and get an instant ID. Identifying the difference between a Wide Rim and a Narrow Rim is the key to knowing if you have a common dollar or a collector’s item. For a quick assessment on the go, the CoinHix app provides a user-friendly interface to help you spot these subtle minting differences.
Spotting the Difference Between Narrow Rim and Wide Rim
To determine if your 1979-P dollar is the valuable version, you need to look at the date. On the common “Narrow Rim” (Far Date) version, there is a significant gap between the numerals of 1979 and the raised rim. On the “Wide Rim” (Near Date) version, the numbers are almost touching the inner edge of the rim. The rim itself appears much thicker and flatter on the valuable variety.
While millions of Narrow Rim coins were minted, the Wide Rim was a late-year adjustment, making it much harder to find. Many collectors rely on the CoinHix database to verify their findings against high-resolution reference images. If you have a crisp, uncirculated specimen, checking the current 1979-P Wide Rim market rates is essential before you consider selling, as the price jumps significantly once the coin reaches a grade of MS63 or higher.
Market Value Chart for 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollars
The value of your coin depends almost entirely on its condition (its “grade”). Coins that have been jingling in pockets for years show wear and tear, which lowers the price. Coins that have remained sealed in mint sets or original rolls command the highest premiums in the numismatic market.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $10 – $25 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $35 – $50 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $75 – $120 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65) | $250 – $400 |
| Gem Mint State (MS67+) | $1,000+ |
Grading and Preserving Your Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Because the difference in value between a worn coin and a pristine one is hundreds of dollars, preservation is vital. If you find a Wide Rim dollar, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloths creates micro-scratches that ruin its numismatic value. Instead, place it in a cardboard flip or a plastic coin holder to protect it from the oils on your fingers.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the gold standard for verifying these coins. However, for most casual enthusiasts, checking the detailed 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar price guides can give you a realistic idea if your coin is worth the cost of professional certification. Using the CoinHix app can also help you estimate the grade of your coin by comparing it to certified examples in their digital library.
Why Some 1979 Dollars are Common and Others are Rare
In 1979, the United States Mint produced over 750 million Susan B. Anthony dollars across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. The vast majority of these carry the “Narrow Rim” design and are so common that they are only worth one dollar today. The “P” mint mark (Philadelphia) Wide Rim variety was a distinct production change that occurred later in the year, resulting in a much smaller population of survivors.
Collectors have hunted these down for decades, often searching through “bank rolls” of dollar coins in hopes of finding one. Because the U.S. government eventually stopped producing these coins for circulation, the existing supply is fixed. Whenever one of these rare varieties pops up in a TikTok video or news article, the demand spikes, making it an excellent time to check your own collection to see if you are holding a “Near Date” treasure.
Q: How can I tell if my 1979-P dollar is a Wide Rim or Narrow Rim?
A: Look at the date at the bottom. If the “1979” is very close to the edge of the rim, it is the Wide Rim (Near Date) variety. If there is a distinct space between the numbers and the rim, it is the common Narrow Rim version.
Q: Are Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) 1979 dollars also valuable as Wide Rims?
A: No, the Wide Rim (Near Date) variety is specifically a Philadelphia “P” mint mark phenomenon. While Denver and San Francisco coins have their own mint errors, the “Near Date” value applies to the Philadelphia coins.
Q: Is a regular 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth more than a dollar?
A: Generally, no. Common 1979-P, D, or S dollars in circulated condition are only worth their face value of $1. Only the Wide Rim variety, high-grade mint state coins, or specific proof varieties carry a significant premium.
