A 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar may be worth more than one dollar if its date sits unusually close to the coin’s rim.
Today’s Check Your Change find is the 1979-P Wide Rim—or Near Date—Susan B. Anthony dollar.
What should you look for?
Start with the front of the coin, featuring Susan B. Anthony. Confirm two details:
- The date must be 1979.
- A small P mintmark must appear just above Anthony’s right shoulder.
Next, examine the distance between the date and the raised rim below it:
- Narrow Rim/Far Date: There is a noticeable space between 1979 and the rim.
- Wide Rim/Near Date: The rim is noticeably thicker, bringing it much closer to the date. The numeral 1 appears especially close to the rim.
The terms “Wide Rim” and “Near Date” describe the same variety. Compare the entire lower rim rather than concentrating on only one numeral. Wear, lighting and camera angles can sometimes make an ordinary coin appear closer than it is.
Only Philadelphia coins carrying the P mintmark have this recognized 1979 Wide Rim variety. A 1979-D or 1979-S dollar is not the same variety.
A little history
The Susan B. Anthony dollar debuted in 1979 as a smaller replacement for the bulky Eisenhower dollar. It became the first circulating U.S. coin to portray an identifiable American woman rather than an allegorical figure.
Frank Gasparro designed both sides. The reverse shows an eagle landing on the Moon, adapted from the Apollo 11 insignia previously used on the Eisenhower dollar.
Unfortunately, the new dollar was close to the quarter in size and color. Many people confused the two denominations, and public acceptance was poor. Production for circulation ended after 1981, although the coin returned briefly in 1999 when additional dollar coins were needed.
During early 1979 production, the Philadelphia Mint adjusted the obverse hub to make the rim broader. That change produced the Wide Rim or Near Date appearance found on a smaller portion of 1979-P dollars.
How much is a 1979-P Wide Rim dollar worth?
According to NGC’s October 2026 guide, circulated examples are generally valued at approximately $5 to $9. Lightly circulated or typical uncirculated coins may sell for roughly $10 to $40, depending on surface quality and eye appeal.
Professionally certified examples in high Mint State grades can bring substantially more. However, the four-figure values sometimes quoted online generally apply only to exceptional, top-grade certified coins—not ordinary examples found in a coin jar.
Scratches, stains, rim damage, heavy wear and cleaning can reduce the value. Authentication and condition determine what a particular coin is actually worth.
What should you do if you find one?
Do not clean, polish, rub or attempt to brighten the coin. Hold it by the edges and photograph the complete front and back. Take an additional close-up showing the date, P mintmark and lower rim.
Place the coin in a non-PVC flip or protective capsule. If the rim appears unusually wide or the coin remains in excellent condition, have the variety confirmed before selling it.
Have you found a Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony dollar—or do you have coins, currency or a larger collection? The Patriot Vault may be interested in buying your coin, currency or broader collection. Reply to this post and tell us what you have!
