A Small Dollar With a Big Secret
That ordinary-looking Susan B. Anthony dollar sitting in a drawer or coin jar could be worth thousands of dollars.
One specific variety — the 1979-P Wide Rim (also known as “Near Date”) — has shocked collectors by selling for up to $6,995 at auction. 
The best part?
You don’t need special tools or expert knowledge to identify it.
Let’s walk through everything step by step, in the simplest way possible.
Step 1: Why the 1979-P Wide Rim Coin Exists
To understand the value, you first need the story behind the mistake.
A New Dollar That Confused Everyone
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced in 1979, replacing the Eisenhower dollar.
Unfortunately, it was nearly the same size as a quarter.
People confused it constantly, and the coin was unpopular almost immediately.
A Quick Design Adjustment Created a Rare Variety
Early in production, the Philadelphia Mint (P) used dies that produced a thicker, flatter rim.
This caused the date to sit unusually close to the edge.
Collectors later named this variety:
- Wide Rim
- Near Date
The Mint quickly corrected the design, creating the much more common Narrow Rim (Far Date) version.
Why Collectors Care
Because the Wide Rim was produced for only a short time:
Far fewer were made
Even fewer survived in nice condition
This makes it one of the key varieties in the entire Susan B. Anthony dollar series.
Step 2: How a $1 Coin Reached $6,995
Yes — this is real.
A top-graded 1979-P Wide Rim sold for $6,995 in 2021. 
What Drives the Value?
- First year of issue
- One-year-only design variety
- Difficult to find in high grades
- Many were damaged by circulation, vending machines, and coin rolls
Even worn examples can still bring $50–$200+.
Step 3: How to Identify the 1979-P Wide Rim (Beginner Guide)
Step 1: Confirm the Date & Mint Mark
Your coin MUST have:
- Year: 1979
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia)
The “P” is on the front (obverse), just left of Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.
No “P”?
Not the rare one.
Step 2: Examine the Date vs. the Rim
This is the most important step.
RARE — Wide Rim / Near Date
- Date is very close to the rim
- Almost no visible gap
- Rim looks thick, flat, and bold
COMMON — Narrow Rim / Far Date
- Clear space between date and rim
- Rim appears thinner
- Date sits farther from the edge
Pro Tip: Compare your coin to a 1980 or 1999 SBA dollar.
The difference becomes obvious instantly.
Step 4: 1979-P Wide Rim Value Chart
Here’s what collectors are paying today:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50 – $200+ |
| Uncirculated | $300 – $1,000 |
| MS66–MS67 | $2,500 – $6,995 |
 MS67 |
Jackpot territory  |
Step 5: What to Do If You Found One
Found a Wide Rim? Don’t rush.
Handle With Care
Always hold the coin by the edges only.
Store It Safely
Use a coin flip or cardboard 2×2 holder.
Never Clean the Coin
Cleaning destroys original luster and can cut the value dramatically.
Get It Professionally Graded
Submit to:
- PCGS
- NGC
Certified examples are labeled:
1979-P Wide Rim / Near Date (FS-101)
Why These Coins Still Turn Up Today
Susan B. Anthony dollars circulated widely and traveled far.
They still appear:
- In coin jars
- In bank rolls
- In old collections
- Mixed with foreign coins — even outside the U.S.
That makes this one of the best modern coins to check carefully.
Final Takeaway: Should You Check Every SBA Dollar?
Absolutely.
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are common.
But the 1979-P Wide Rim is a proven four-figure — and sometimes five-figure — coin.
Check the date.
Study the rim.
That “boring” dollar might surprise you.
