1979-P ‘Wide Rim’ Susan B.
If you’ve got a Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar lying around, you might be holding a $6,900+ treasure without even knowing it! The rare 1979-P Wide Rim (also called “Near Date”) variety is one of the most valuable modern dollar coins — and today, we’ll show you exactly how to identify it step-by-step. 👇✨
💡 Why the 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar Exists
To understand why this coin is rare, here’s the quick story:
🪙 1. A New Dollar, But a Rough Start
The Susan B. Anthony dollar debuted in 1979 as a replacement for the Eisenhower dollar.
But… it was too close in size to a quarter, causing mass confusion. People rejected it almost immediately.
🛠️ 2. Early Design Change = A Rare Variety
At the beginning of the 1979 production run, the Philadelphia Mint (P) used dies that created a thicker, wider rim.
This pushed the date extremely close to the edge.
Collectors now call this the “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” variety.
Soon after, the Mint changed the design to fix the issue — producing the much more common Narrow Rim version.
🔥 3. Instant Rarity
Because the Wide Rim variety was made only briefly, far fewer exist.
This makes it one of the key varieties in the entire SBA series.
💲 Why This Coin Is Worth Up To $6,995
You read that right — a real auction sale hit $6,995 in 2021 for a top-graded Wide Rim coin. 🤯💵
🧠 Why It’s So Valuable:
- First-year issue (1979)
- One-year-only variety
- Extremely tough to find in perfect condition
- Many were damaged by vending machines, coin rolls, etc.
Even circulated Wide Rim dollars can sell for $50–$200+. 🚀
🔍 How to Identify the 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date)
Here’s the beginner-friendly, 2-step guide:
✅ Step 1 — Check the Date & Mint Mark
You MUST have:
- Year: 1979
- Mint Mark: “P” (Philadelphia)
Located on the obverse, just left of Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.
✅ Step 2 — Look at the Date & Rim
This is where the money is. Compare your coin to the descriptions:
💎 RARE — Wide Rim (Near Date)
- The numbers in 1979 sit very close to the rim
- Almost no space between the date and edge
- The rim looks thick, flat, and bold
🟢 COMMON — Narrow Rim (Far Date)
- Noticeable gap between date and rim
- Rim looks thinner
- Date is “farther away”
📌 Pro Tip: Compare your 1979-P to a 1980 or 1999 SBA dollar. The difference becomes immediately obvious!
📊 Coin Grading & Estimated Values
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50 – $200+ |
| Uncirculated | $300 – $1,000 |
| High-Grade MS66–MS67 | $2,500 – $6,995 |
MS67 coins are the jackpot! 💰
🛡️ Found One? Here’s What To Do Next
If you spot the rare Wide Rim… don’t rush to sell it. Follow these steps:
🧤 1. Handle With Care
Hold the coin by the edges only.
📦 2. Store Properly
Use a cardboard 2×2 holder or coin flip to protect it.
❌ 3. NEVER Clean the Coin
Cleaning destroys original mint luster — and your profit!
🏆 4. Get It Certified
Send it to:
- PCGS
- NGC
They will officially label it: 1979-P Wide Rim / Near Date (FS-101).
🌍 These Coins Can Appear Anywhere!
Because SBA dollars circulated worldwide, the 1979-P Wide Rim could show up:
- In your pocket
- In a coin jar
- In a bank roll
- Even mixed in with foreign coins abroad (like here in Cambodia!)
Check every SBA dollar you find — this modern treasure might be waiting in your home. 🏠✨
💬 Found One? Tell Us in the Comments!
Have a 1979-P Wide Rim dollar in your collection?
Drop a comment and share your discovery with other collectors! 🙌🪙
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