1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value and What It’s Worth Today
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The 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in circulated condition to over $30 or more in high mint state grades — and in top certified condition, it can fetch well over $100. If you stumbled across one of these coins in an old jar or collection, you might be sitting on something more valuable than it looks.
This coin has a fascinating story behind it, and knowing the details can make a real difference in how much yours is worth. If you want a quick way to check its value, a coin identifier and value app can help you get a ballpark figure right from your phone. But keep reading — understanding what makes this variety special is the best way to know exactly what you have.
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What Makes the 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar Different
The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, and most coins from that year are fairly common. But the Wide Rim variety — sometimes called the “Near Date” because the date sits very close to the rim — is a different story.
On a standard 1979-P dollar, the date is positioned farther from the rim, giving it what collectors call a “Narrow Rim” or “Far Date” look. On the Wide Rim version, the digits of 1979 are noticeably closer to the edge of the coin.
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This small difference might seem minor, but it makes the Wide Rim variety significantly rarer and more sought-after by collectors. The mint introduced this design change during 1979 production, which means Wide Rim coins were only struck for part of the year — making them harder to find in quantity, especially in uncirculated grades.
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1979-P Wide Rim Dollar Value by Grade
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Here’s where the numbers get interesting. The condition of your coin — its grade — plays the biggest role in determining its value. A worn, heavily circulated coin will always be worth less than one that looks like it just came out of the mint.
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| VF-20 to EF-45 | Circulated, moderate to light wear | $5 – $10 |
| AU-50 to AU-58 | About uncirculated, slight wear | $10 – $20 |
| MS-63 | Mint state, some bag marks | $20 – $35 |
| MS-65 | Gem uncirculated | $40 – $80 |
| MS-67 and above | Superb gem, certified by PCGS/NGC | $100 – $300+ |
For the most current auction results and up-to-date pricing, you can browse detailed 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar price data by MS grade to see what certified examples are actually selling for right now.
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How to Tell If You Have the Wide Rim Variety
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Identifying the Wide Rim variety isn’t too complicated once you know what to look for. Grab a magnifying glass and check the spacing between the “1” in 1979 and the outer rim of the coin.
On the Wide Rim version, the date appears to almost touch the rim — there’s very little space between the numbers and the edge. On the more common Narrow Rim version, you’ll see a noticeable gap.
It also helps to compare the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. While both varieties share the same reverse design, examining the coin in good lighting can reveal any other distinguishing marks or errors. You can also use CoinKnow to scan your coin and quickly confirm which variety you have without needing years of numismatic experience.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Factors That Affect the 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar Price
Beyond grade and variety, a few other things can push the value up or down. Eye appeal matters — a coin with bright original luster and no distracting scratches will always command a premium over one that looks dull or damaged.
Certification by a trusted grading service like PCGS or NGC adds credibility and makes the coin easier to sell at full market value. A raw (ungraded) coin in MS-65 condition might sell for less than a certified example of the same grade simply because buyers can’t verify what they’re getting.
Strike quality is another factor collectors pay attention to. The 1979-P Wide Rim is known for sometimes having a weaker strike on certain design elements, so a sharply struck example stands out. For a full breakdown of the 1979 dollar coin value across all varieties and conditions, it’s worth comparing multiple sources before deciding to sell.
Provenance — where the coin came from — can also matter in rare cases. If a coin has been part of a well-known collection or comes with original mint packaging, that history can add value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Should You Get Your 1979-P Wide Rim Dollar Graded?
If your coin looks like it’s never been circulated and still has its original shine, it’s absolutely worth considering professional grading. Grading fees typically run $20 to $50 per coin depending on the service level, so it only makes financial sense if you believe the coin grades MS-64 or higher.
For everyday collectors, CoinKnow offers a fast and easy way to get a preliminary assessment of your coin before spending money on professional grading. Snap a photo, and the app gives you an instant grade estimate and current market value — a smart first step before committing to anything.
If you’re not sure whether your coin is the Wide Rim or Narrow Rim variety, professional attribution is also available through services like PCGS and NGC. Having the variety officially confirmed on the label is a major selling point that many collectors specifically look for.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1979-P dollar is the Wide Rim variety?
A: Look at the spacing between the date (1979) and the coin’s rim on the obverse. If the numbers appear very close to or nearly touching the rim, you likely have the Wide Rim variety. A magnifying glass or loupe makes this much easier to see clearly. You can also use CoinKnow to help identify the variety quickly.
Q: Is the 1979-P Wide Rim dollar worth more than a regular 1979-P dollar?
A: Yes, significantly more. The Narrow Rim (common) 1979-P dollar is often worth only face value in circulated condition, while the Wide Rim variety starts at around $5 even in worn grades and can reach $100 or more in gem mint state — making it a much more desirable coin.
Q: Where can I sell my 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
A: You have several good options: eBay is popular for reaching a wide audience, while coin shows and local coin dealers allow you to sell in person. For higher-grade examples, Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are respected platforms that attract serious collectors willing to pay top dollar for certified coins.
