1979 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar – If you’ve stumbled upon a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar in your coin jar, you might be sitting on a potential goldmine. While most of these coins are common and only worth face value, a rare variant known as the “1979 Wide Rim” or “Near Date” Susan B. Anthony Dollar has been catching the attention of collectors and auction houses alike. Some pristine examples of this coin are selling for up to $6,500 online. But what makes this coin special? And how can you tell if you have one? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the 1979 Wide Rim dollar and learn everything you need to know to spot, identify, and evaluate this valuable piece of numismatic history.
What Makes the 1979 Wide Rim Dollar So Valuable?
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman who wasn’t a fictional or allegorical figure. While millions were minted, only a small percentage featured the “Wide Rim” variety, and those are the ones fetching high prices.
Key Points That Add to Its Value:
- Minting Error Variety: The Wide Rim version was a limited design adjustment.
- Visual Uniqueness: The date is closer to the rim than in regular coins.
- Low Circulation: Many Wide Rim coins were never heavily circulated.
- Collector Demand: High interest in unique varieties from the 20th century.
How to Identify the 1979 Wide Rim Dollar
Spotting a Wide Rim dollar is all about looking at the space between the date and the coin’s rim. Here’s a simple comparison guide:
| Feature | Narrow Rim (Common) | Wide Rim (Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance Between Date & Rim | Noticeable space | Date almost touches the rim |
| Appearance of “1” in 1979 | Slanted, far from rim | Straight, close to the rim |
| Mintmark Visibility | Slightly more spread out | Appears tighter |
| Overall Look | Clean separation | Crowded near date |
| Typical Value | $1 to $3 | $500 to $6,500 |
| Mint Locations | Philadelphia (no mintmark) | Philadelphia (no mintmark) |
| Collector Grade Rarity | Common | Very Rare |
| Proof Versions | Not wide rim | Applies only to business strikes |
Grading the Coin: The Role of Condition in Value
Condition is king when it comes to coin collecting. A Wide Rim dollar in Mint State (MS) 65 or higher can sell for thousands. Here’s how values differ by grade:
| Coin Grade | Approx. Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (VG-VF) | $100 – $300 |
| AU (About Uncirculated) | $300 – $800 |
| MS60–MS63 | $800 – $2,000 |
| MS64–MS65 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| MS66 and above | $5,000 – $6,500+ |
Professional Grading Services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
Coins authenticated and slabbed by these services can demand higher premiums due to verification of authenticity and condition.
Selling Your Coin: Where to List and What to Expect
If you believe you have a Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar, the next step is to have it authenticated. Once that’s done, you can explore several selling options:
Top Platforms for Selling:
- eBay – Widest reach, potential for bidding wars.
- Heritage Auctions – Trusted for high-end coin sales.
- GreatCollections – Specializes in certified coin auctions.
- Local Coin Dealers – Fast cash but may offer less than market value.
Tips for Getting the Best Price:
- Get your coin professionally graded.
- Take high-quality, zoomed-in photos of the date area.
- Highlight the Wide Rim in your listing title.
- Compare active listings and recent sales for pricing benchmarks.
1979 SBA Dollar Timeline and Mintage Figures
Understanding the broader context of the 1979 SBA dollar helps to understand why the Wide Rim is rare. Here’s a breakdown of the mintage figures:
| Mint | Variety | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Narrow Rim | 360,222,000 |
| Philadelphia | Wide Rim | Estimated ~25,000,000 |
| Denver (D) | Narrow Rim | 288,015,744 |
| San Francisco (S) | Proof Only | 3,677,175 |
The Philadelphia Wide Rim coin is the one collectors chase, and it’s the only one that carries high value among the 1979 business strikes.
Myths and Misconceptions About the Coin
Some sellers and buyers confuse the Wide Rim with other varieties or believe all 1979 SBA dollars are valuable. Here’s the truth:
Common Myths:
- All 1979 dollars are valuable – False. Only the Wide Rim has significant value.
- Mintmarks matter – Only the Philadelphia Wide Rim is valuable. Denver and San Francisco versions don’t have a wide rim.
- Red-colored coins are rare – False. That’s just tarnish.
- You don’t need grading – False. Without certification, your coin may not get top dollar.
With billions of coins in circulation, it’s rare to find a valuable one. But every once in a while, a common-looking coin like the 1979 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar turns out to be a numismatic jackpot. Check your drawers, piggy banks, and old coin jars—you might be just one rim away from a small fortune.
FAQs
Q1. How do I know if I have a Wide Rim 1979 Dollar?
Look at the spacing between the date and the rim—the Wide Rim version has the date almost touching the edge.
Q2. What’s the highest a 1979 Wide Rim Dollar has sold for?
Graded MS66+ examples have fetched over $6,500 at auction.
Q3. Does the mintmark affect the value of this coin?
Yes. Only the Philadelphia (no mintmark) Wide Rim version is valuable.
Q4. Can I sell it without grading?
You can, but you’ll likely get a much lower price. Grading adds credibility and boosts value.
Q5. Are proof versions from 1979 also worth more?
No. The Wide Rim variety does not exist in proof coins; only business strikes have it.
