Most people think the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar is just pocket change — but one rare variety has shocked collectors by selling for nearly $7,000! If you have a 1979-P “Wide Rim” dollar, you could be holding a small fortune without even realizing it.
💡 The Story Behind the “Wide Rim” Treasure
- 1979 Launch: The SBA dollar was introduced to replace the Eisenhower dollar.
- The Problem: Too close in size and color to a quarter, it confused the public and became unpopular.
- The Variety: Early Philadelphia Mint strikes created a thick, wide rim that pushed the date closer to the coin’s edge. Later strikes corrected this with a narrow rim (farther date).
- The Result: The short-lived 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) became one of the key rarities in modern U.S. coinage.
đź’˛ How Much Is It Worth?
The value depends heavily on condition, but here’s the breakdown:
- Circulated: $50 – $200
- High-Grade (Uncirculated): $500 – $1,500
- Top Condition (MS66–MS67): Up to $6,900+
💎 In 2021, one pristine 1979-P Wide Rim dollar sold for $6,995 on eBay — proving the demand is real.
🔍 2-Step Expert Guide to Spot the “Wide Rim”
Step 1: Confirm the Date & Mintmark
- Look for 1979 with a “P” mintmark (Philadelphia).
- The mintmark is left of Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.
Step 2: Check the Rim & Date Position
- RARE Wide Rim (Near Date): The “1979” almost touches the rim. The edge looks thicker and flatter.
- COMMON Narrow Rim (Far Date): There’s a visible gap between the date and the rim.
👉 Pro Tip: Compare your 1979-P to a 1980 or 1999 SBA dollar — the difference is easy to see once side-by-side.
đź“Š Grades & Value Potential
| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Light wear, still readable | $50 – $200 |
| AU (About Uncirculated) | Sharp details, minimal wear | $200 – $500 |
| MS64–MS65 | Uncirculated, few marks | $500 – $1,500 |
| MS66–MS67 | Gem condition, rare | $2,500 – $6,900+ |
âś… What To Do If You Find One
- Protect It: Store in a 2Ă—2 flip or airtight holder.
- Don’t Clean It: Cleaning destroys luster and value.
- Get Certified: PCGS or NGC authentication ensures full market value.
Once graded, your coin will be officially labeled “1979-P Wide Rim (FS-101)”, giving buyers confidence.
🌏 A Worldwide Treasure Hunt
These dollars circulated widely and were often mistaken for quarters. That means they could turn up anywhere in the world — from U.S. bank rolls to a jar of foreign coins here in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
So before you spend or ignore that SBA dollar in your drawer… check the rim first!
🎯 Final Thoughts
The 1979-P Wide Rim dollar proves that valuable treasures can hide in plain sight. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual hobbyist, spotting this variety could mean thousands in your pocket.
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