The 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $15 in circulated condition to over $1,000 for high-grade specimens. This specific variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents a rare design tweak that makes one version significantly more valuable than the standard issue found in most pocket change.
Introduction to the Rare Wide Rim Variety
If you’ve found a small, lady-on-the-front dollar coin dated 1979 with a “P” mint mark, you might have something better than just a buck. While most Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted in the millions and remain common, the “Wide Rim” (also known as the “Near Date”) is a distinct rarity. This version features a thicker border that brings the date much closer to the edge of the coin.
To quickly verify if your coin is the wide rim or the common narrow rim, you can use the best coin identifier app to get an instant analysis. If you aren’t sure what to look for, the CoinHix app can also help you zoom in on the specific details that define this variety. Many everyday Americans have these coins sitting in jars, unaware that a simple rim measurement could increase the coin’s value by twenty times or more.
How to Identify the 1979 P Wide Rim vs Narrow Rim
The key to unlocking the value of this coin lies in the distance between the year “1979” and the raised rim of the coin. On the common “Narrow Rim” version, there is a distinct, wide gap between the bottom of the numbers and the edge. On the rare “Wide Rim” version, the rim is much thicker, and the number “1” in the date is almost touching the edge.
It is easy to miss this detail with the naked eye if you aren’t looking for it. You should also look for the “P” mint mark, which signifies the coin was minted in Philadelphia. While Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) also minted these dollars in 1979, the Wide Rim variety is specifically attributed to the Philadelphia minting process during the latter part of the year. Using CoinHix ensures you have a high-resolution reference point to compare your coin against known genuine examples.
Current Market Value and Pricing Tiers
The value of your 1979-P Wide Rim coin depends primarily on its “grade” or state of preservation. A coin that has been jingling in a pocket for years will be worth much less than one that has been tucked away in a protective sleeve. Professional grading can often reveal that a coin is in “Mint State,” which is where the real money is made.
According to current market data, the 1979-P Wide Rim MS price trends show a steep climb for coins that haven’t been scratched or dulled by circulation. Even a lightly worn Wide Rim can still fetch a decent premium over its face value, making it a “cherrypicker’s” dream. Check the table below for a breakdown of what you can expect to receive based on the coin’s condition.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $15 – $30 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $40 – $60 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $100 – $150 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65) | $250 – $450 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $1,000 – $3,500+ |
Why Certain 1979 Dollars Are Worth More Than Others
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was generally disliked by the public when it was first released because its size and color were too similar to a quarter. Because so many were minted and then sat in bank vaults for decades, most “Narrow Rim” versions are only worth $1. However, the Wide Rim was a mid-year design change, meaning far fewer were produced before the mint moved on to other batches.
If you are trying to determine your 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar value guide details, you must also look for errors. Aside from the Wide Rim variety, some coins might feature “off-center” strikes or double dies, which can send the value skyrocketing into the thousands. Modern collectors use tools like CoinHix to keep a digital inventory of their finds and track whether the market for 1970s dollars is rising or falling.
Tips for Selling and Protecting Your Coins
Once you’ve identified a Wide Rim SBA dollar, the next step is preservation. Never clean your coins with chemicals or cloths, as this can leave microscopic scratches that drastically reduce the value. Place the coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin holder immediately to protect the luster.
When you are ready to sell, avoid the local “gold and silver” shops that only pay melt value. Since these coins are made of copper-nickel and have no precious metal content, their value is purely numismatic. Look for reputable auction houses or online marketplaces where collectors bid specifically for varieties. Knowing the precise 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value before you walk into a shop gives you the upper hand in negotiations.
Q: Is the 1979 Wide Rim dollar made of silver?
A: No, all Susan B. Anthony dollars intended for circulation are made of a copper-nickel “clad” composition. They do not contain any silver, though they are still valuable to collectors as a variety.
Q: How can I tell for sure if I have a “Near Date” or “Far Date” coin?
A: Look at the number “1” in the date 1979. If the bottom of the “1” is almost touching the raised outer rim, it is the rare Wide Rim (Near Date). If there is a clear space about the width of the number itself between the date and the rim, it is a common Narrow Rim (Far Date).
Q: Where is the mint mark located on the 1979 dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder on the left side. A “P” indicates Philadelphia, which is the only mint that produced the valuable Wide Rim variety for circulation.