1979 P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value and How to Spot This Rare Variety
The 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $10 in circulated condition to over $1,500 in pristine mint state. If you recently found a silver-colored dollar coin in your change or an old jar, you might be holding a rare “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety that collectors crave.
Identifying the Rare Wide Rim Variety
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars minted in Philadelphia in 1979 feature a narrow rim, where the date is positioned relatively far from the raised edge of the coin. However, a small percentage were struck with a wider rim, pushing the 1979 date much closer to the border. This version is often called the “Near Date” variety.
For beginners, the easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the space between the bottom of the date and the rim. On the common version, there is plenty of room. On the valuable Wide Rim version, the 1979 is almost touching the edge. If you are unsure which version you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to get a professional visual comparison. Many people use CoinKnow to quickly snap a photo and verify if they have found a rare mint error or a common circulation strike.
Current Market Value and Pricing Tiers
The value of your 1979-P Wide Rim dollar depends heavily on its “grade” or physical condition. Because these coins were intended for circulation, many sustain scratches, scuffs, and dulling over time. A coin that looks shiny and “new” will always command a much higher premium than one that has been sitting in a pocket.
Professional collectors look for the “Mint State” (MS) designation to determine top prices. While a heavily worn coin might only bring $5 to $10, a specimen that has been preserved in a collection can reach hundreds of dollars. For a detailed breakdown of historical sales, you can view the 1979-P Wide Rim auction records to see what buyers are currently paying. Because prices fluctuate with market demand, checking the CoinKnow app for real-time updates is a smart move for any casual collector.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $10 – $25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $40 – $60 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65) | $150 – $225 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-67+) | $1,000 – $1,800+ |
Why the Near Date Variety is So Special
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first time a real woman, rather than a mythical figure like Liberty, appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. While the public generally disliked the coin because it was too similar in size to a quarter, collectors grew to love the 1979-P Wide Rim. This change happened late in 1979 when the U.S. Mint modified the design to give the coin a more robust appearance.
Because the design change occurred toward the end of the production year, far fewer “Wide Rim” coins were produced compared to the “Narrow Rim” versions. This scarcity is what drives the price. When researching current 1979 dollar coin price trends, you will notice that the Wide Rim variety consistently outperforms almost every other issue in the series.
How to Store and Protect Your Coin
If you believe you have found a Wide Rim 1979-P dollar, stop handling it with your bare hands immediately. The oils from your skin can cause “toning” or corrosion, which might lower the coin’s value. Place the coin in a PVC-free plastic holder or a cardboard flip. This ensures that the rim stays sharp and the surface remains free of new scratches.
Many everyday Americans discover these while sorting through inheritance boxes or old piggy banks. Before you take it to a pawn shop—where they might only offer you face value—check its rarity on the CoinKnow app. Knowing exactly what you have puts you in a much stronger position to negotiate with coin dealers or list the item on an auction site for its true market price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the “P” mint mark matter for the Wide Rim variety?
A: Yes, the Wide Rim variety is specifically known for the Philadelphia “P” mint mark coins from 1979. While other mints like Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) produced dollars that year, the Wide Rim variety is the significant rarity to look for in 1979-P strikes.
Q: Is a regular 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth more than a dollar?
A: Generally, no. Most Narrow Rim 1979-P, D, or S Susan B. Anthony dollars are only worth their face value of $1. They are very common and still found in circulation or at banks. Only the Wide Rim variety or high-grade uncirculated coins carry a high premium.
Q: How can I tell if my coin is “Mint State”?
A: A Mint State coin has never been used in commerce. It should have a “luster”—a frosty or satiny glow that reflects light when you rotate the coin. If the details on Susan B. Anthony’s hair or the eagle’s feathers on the reverse are worn down and flat, the coin is circulated and likely worth the lower end of the value spectrum.
