Could a dollar coin in your pocket be worth a fortune? The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar with a “Wide Rim” variant, also called the “Near Date,” is a rare find that recently sold for $15,000 at auction, with some reaching up to $891,000 for top-grade examples. This coin, honoring women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony, has a unique error that makes it highly valuable to collectors. Since these coins are still in circulation, you might find one in your change, wallet, or old coin jar. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot this rare dollar, its value, and why it’s a treasure for coin enthusiasts.
Why the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Is Special
Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, celebrating the suffragist who fought for women’s voting rights. While most of these coins are worth just $1, the 1979-P Wide Rim variant, minted in Philadelphia, has a thicker rim that brings the date closer to the edge. This rare design error, corrected early in production, makes it a collector’s gem. With millions of Susan B. Anthony Dollars still in use, checking your change could lead to a big payday.
A Historic Coin with a Rare Twist
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was meant to replace the paper dollar but struggled due to its similarity to quarters. Minted from 1979 to 1981 and briefly in 1999, it’s common in vending machines and bank rolls. The 1979-P Wide Rim, also known as the “Near Date,” was a short-lived design mistake, making it scarce. Its historical significance and rarity drive its value, with one pristine coin fetching $891,000 in a 2025 auction, sparking a treasure hunt among collectors.
Key Features of the 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar
To identify this valuable coin, you need to know its distinct features. Here’s what to look for:
Identification Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint Mark | “1979” with a “P” (Philadelphia Mint) below Susan B. Anthony’s portrait |
| Rim | Wide rim, with the date very close to the edge (nearly touching the “1” or “9”) |
| Front (Obverse) | Susan B. Anthony’s portrait with “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| Back (Reverse) | Eagle landing on the moon with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” |
| Material | Copper-nickel clad (75% copper, 25% nickel), 8.1 grams, 26.5mm diameter |
| Condition | Uncirculated (MS67+) coins worth $15,000–$891,000; circulated $50–$500 |
| Edge | Reeded edge, like a quarter |
How to Spot the Wide Rim Variant
On a regular 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar, the rim is narrow, and the date is farther from the edge. The Wide Rim variant has a thicker rim, with the date so close that the bottom of the “1” and “9” in “1979” almost touch it. Use a magnifying glass to check the spacing and look for the “P” mint mark below Susan’s portrait. Compare with images of the Narrow Rim version online to confirm. Uncirculated coins with no wear fetch the highest prices.
Value and Market Demand
The 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar’s value depends on its condition and grading:
- Uncirculated (MS67+): $15,000–$891,000, with a record sale of $891,000 in 2025.
- Uncirculated (MS66–MS67): $500–$6,995, as seen in eBay and Heritage Auctions.
- Circulated (worn): $50–$500, still valuable due to rarity.
Only a small batch of Wide Rim coins were minted before the design was fixed, making them scarce. Recent auctions, like a $15,000 sale in 2025 and a $4,935 sale in 2015, show growing collector interest, especially for coins graded MS67+ by PCGS or NGC.
Where to Find It
You might find this coin in:
- Pocket change: Used in vending machines, stores, or public transit.
- Bank rolls: Request dollar coin rolls from banks.
- Coin collections: Check old jars, family heirlooms, or flea market finds.
- Coin shows or dealers: Rare coins often surface in collector circles.
How to Verify and Sell
If you think you have a Wide Rim 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar:
- Check the rim and date: Ensure the date is close to the thick rim and the “P” mint mark is present.
- Avoid cleaning: Cleaning can damage the coin’s value.
- Get it graded: Send it to PCGS or NGC for professional authentication.
- Sell smart: Use auction houses like Heritage Auctions, eBay, or trusted coin dealers. High-grade coins fetch the best prices through auctions.
Why It’s Worth Checking
The 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a rare error that can turn a $1 coin into thousands, or even nearly a million, for top-grade examples. Its historical tie to women’s rights and the excitement of finding a mint error make it a collector’s favorite. Similar rarities, like the 2000-P Sacagawea mule error ($72,000), show how valuable mistakes can be. With these coins still in circulation, checking your change is a simple way to hunt for treasure.
Conclusion
The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar with the Wide Rim variant is a hidden gem that could be sitting in your wallet, worth anywhere from $50 to $891,000. Its rare design error, where the date sits close to a thick rim, makes it a prized find for collectors. By checking for the “P” mint mark and comparing the rim with online images, you could uncover a valuable coin in everyday change, bank rolls, or old collections. As collector interest grows, now is the perfect time to inspect your dollar coins. Don’t spend that $1 coin—it might be worth a fortune!
FAQs
What is the 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
It’s a rare 1979 dollar coin from the Philadelphia Mint with a thicker rim, where the date is very close to the edge, valued at $50–$891,000 based on condition.
How do I spot the Wide Rim variant?
Look for a “P” mint mark and a thick rim where the “1979” date nearly touches the edge. Compare with a Narrow Rim coin using a magnifying glass.
Where can I find this rare coin?
Check pocket change, bank rolls, vending machine change, old coin jars, or flea markets, as these coins are still in circulation.
How much is the Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar worth?
Uncirculated coins (MS67+) can fetch $15,000–$891,000; circulated ones are worth $50–$500, depending on condition.
What should I do if I find one?
Don’t clean it. Verify the Wide Rim with online images, get it graded by PCGS or NGC, and sell through auction houses or trusted dealers for the best price.
