1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value: Rare Varieties & Prices

The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from its $1 face value in circulated condition to over $15,000 for rare “Wide Rim” varieties in high grades. While most of these coins are common, learning to spot specific minting errors and rim variations can turn a simple pocket find into a significant payday.

Condition / Variety	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$1.00 – $1.05
Uncirculated (MS63)	$2.00 – $5.00
1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date)	$20.00 – $500.00+
High Grade Mint State (MS67+)	$1,000 – $15,000

History and Significance of the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar marked a historic moment in American numismatics, as it was the first time a non-mythical woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. Released to replace the bulky Eisenhower dollar, these coins were designed to be more practical for vending machines and mass transit. However, due to their size and color, many Americans confused them with quarters, leading to a quick decline in popularity. If you aren’t sure what you’re holding, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and variety instantly.

Because the Philadelphia Mint produced over 360 million of these coins in 1979 alone, they are incredibly common today. Most of the ones you find in jars or old piggy banks are likely only worth their face value. However, the first year of production is famous for its “Wide Rim” variant, which collectors highly prize. To get a better sense of the market, you can check the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar auction records to see how much pristine examples have sold for recently.

For everyday collectors, the best way to manage a growing collection is by using the CoinKnow app. It allows you to track your finds and stay updated on ever-changing market trends. While most SBA dollars won’t make you rich, finding a high-grade specimen or a rare error can certainly be worth the effort of a closer look.

Identifying the Rare 1979-P Wide Rim vs. Narrow Rim

The most important factor in determining your 1979-P dollar’s worth is the rim thickness. In late 1979, the Philadelphia mint changed the design to make the border wider, which moved the date closer to the rim. This “Wide Rim” (also known as the “Near Date”) is much scarcer than the standard “Narrow Rim” (Far Date) version. Spotting this difference is the key to finding a coin worth significantly more than $1.

On a Narrow Rim coin, there is a clear, wide gap between the number “1” in the date and the raised edge of the coin. On the Wide Rim variety, the date is almost touching the rim. This subtle change was made to give the coin a more substantial look, but it only occurred at the end of the 1979 production run in Philadelphia. Using an app like CoinKnow can help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of both varieties so you don’t miss out on a valuable find.

Variety Type	Key Identifying Feature	Approx. Rarity
Narrow Rim (Far Date)	Date is far from the edge	Very Common
Wide Rim (Near Date)	Date almost touches the edge	Scarce

Determining Value Based on Professional Grading

Like all coins, the condition—or “grade”—of your 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar is paramount. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Most coins found in circulation are graded “Fine” or “Extremely Fine” and carry no premium. However, “Mint State” (MS) coins that have never been used in commerce can command high prices, especially if they are the Wide Rim variety. For a deep dive into pricing, view the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar price guide.

High-grade coins are those that have retained their original mint luster and have very few scratches or “bag marks.” Because these coins were produced in massive quantities and shipped in heavy bags, they often banged against each other, leaving marks even on uncirculated coins. Finding a 1979-P Narrow Rim in MS67 is difficult, but finding a Wide Rim in MS67 is a rare feat that can lead to a four-figure valuation at auction.

Many collectors use the CoinKnow app to photograph their coins and get an instant estimation of the grade. While official grading requires sending the coin to a service like PCGS or NGC, having an AI-powered baseline can help you decide if your 1979-P dollar is worth the expensive professional grading fees.

Grade	Narrow Rim Value	Wide Rim Value
MS63	$3	$50
MS65	$15	$185
MS66	$45	$650
MS67	$650	$3,500+

Valuable Errors to Look For in 1979-P Dollars

Beyond the rim varieties, collectors also hunt for minting errors. These are “mistakes” made by the U.S. Mint during production. Common errors for the 1979-P series include off-center strikes, where the design is pushed to one side, and double dies, where the image appears blurred or doubled. These errors can significantly increase the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar value.

One particularly famous error is the “Struck on a Quarter Planchet.” Occasionally, a copper-nickel quarter blank would find its way into the dollar press. Because the quarter is smaller, the resulting coin is underweight and missing parts of the outer design. These error coins are extremely rare and can sell for thousands of dollars to specialized collectors.

Another interesting error is the “Blank Planchet.” If you find a smooth, silver-colored disc that is exactly the size and weight of an SBA dollar but has no design, it could be a blank that escaped the mint. While not as valuable as a Wide Rim MS67, these curiosities are still worth much more than a standard dollar.

Where to Sell and How to Store Your Collection

If you’ve discovered a Wide Rim or a high-grade 1979-P dollar, you might be wondering how to cash in. For common uncirculated coins, eBay is a popular choice for reaching a wide audience. However, for high-value items worth hundreds or thousands, it is often better to go through a reputable auction house or a local coin dealer who can verify the authenticity of the piece.

Proper storage is also vital. Even a small scratch can drop a coin’s value by half. For Susan B. Anthony dollars, you should use PVC-free plastic holders or “flips.” Avoid keeping them in coffee cans or loose in drawers, as the metal-on-metal contact will ruin the “Mint State” luster that collectors crave.

Before selling, always do your homework. Prices for silver-colored base metal coins like the SBA dollar can fluctuate based on collector demand. Use online resources and price guides regularly to ensure you are getting a fair price for your 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar made of silver?

A: No, the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar is not silver. It is composed of a copper core with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This is the same composition used for modern quarters and dimes.

Q: How can I tell if I have the Wide Rim variety?

A: Look at the date at the bottom of the coin. On the Wide Rim (Near Date) variety, the numbers are very close to the raised border. On the common Narrow Rim (Far Date) variety, there is a visible space between the “1979” and the rim.

Q: Why is my 1979-P dollar gold-colored?

A: If your 1979 dollar looks gold, it was likely plated by a private company after it left the mint for decorative purposes. These are considered “altered” coins and generally hold no extra value to collectors; they are usually worth only $1.

Q: Are all 1979-P dollars worth more than face value?

A: No. Most 1979-P dollars that you find in circulation are only worth $1. Only coins in exceptional uncirculated condition, those with a Wide Rim variety, or those with significant mint errors carry a premium.