If your family has a habit of saving old coins or unusual currency, now might be the perfect time to review that collection. It is possible to find a coin currently making waves in the world of numismatics—the study of coins and currency. Specifically, we’re talking about the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. While this coin is generally easy to find and inexpensive, some rare varieties are fetching prices up to $1,500 on the auction market.
A brief history of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar
In 1979, the United States Mint introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar, the first U.S. coin to feature a woman in wide circulation. It replaced the Eisenhower dollar and was minted between 1979 and 1981, with an additional production in 1999. The coin honors the women’s suffrage movement leader Susan B. Anthony, who played a significant role in the fight for women’s voting rights in the 19th century.
The obverse (front) of the coin displays a portrait of Susan B. Anthony with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “1979.”
On the reverse (back), the design features an American eagle landing on the moon, an adaptation of the Apollo 11 insignia, along with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
Two versions of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar: narrow rim and wide rim
In late 1979, a subtle change was made to the design of the Susan B. Anthony dollar. The rim was slightly widened, resulting in two distinct varieties: the “Narrow Rim” (or “Near Date”) and the “Wide Rim” (or “Far Date”). While the Narrow Rim variety is quite common and holds no extraordinary value beyond its face, the Wide Rim variety is rarer and can command a much higher price in the numismatic market.
To differentiate between the two varieties, look at the spacing between the date and the edge of the coin. In the Wide Rim version, the date “1979” appears closer to the edge, almost touching it, whereas in the Narrow Rim version, there is a noticeable gap.
The 1979-P wide rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The most valuable 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar to look out for is the “1979-P Wide Rim” coin. The “P” mint mark indicates that the coin was minted in Philadelphia, where over 360 million Susan B. Anthony dollars were produced in 1979. However, only a small portion of these coins have the Wide Rim variety, making them rarer and more desirable to collectors.
The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has provided an estimate of how much you can earn for a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Wide Rim dollar, based on its grade (which measures the coin’s condition). Here’s what you can expect for different grades:
- MS-62: Up to $28
- MS-63: Up to $37
- MS-64: Up to $45
- MS-65: Up to $55
- MS-66: Up to $125
- MS-67: Up to $1,500
The highest auction record for a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Wide Rim dollar in an MS-67+ grade was a staggering $6,995 in 2021. Therefore, if you possess a coin in near-perfect condition, you could be sitting on a goldmine!
Determining the value of your Susan B. Anthony dollar
Coin collectors and dealers rely heavily on the Sheldon Scale, a system that ranks a coin’s condition on a scale from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect). Coins graded MS-60 and above are considered “mint state,” meaning they show no signs of wear and tear, though they may have minor imperfections from the minting process. A higher grade means a higher value.
Here’s a breakdown of how coin grading works:
- MS-62 to MS-64: Slightly below average mint state, with minor imperfections visible under magnification.
- MS-65 to MS-66: Well-struck coins with excellent eye appeal and only minor flaws.
- MS-67 and above: exceptional quality with almost no visible marks or imperfections, and often the most valuable coins.
If you’re unsure about your coin’s grade, it’s recommended to consult with a professional coin dealer or send it for grading at a trusted service such as PCGS or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Keep in mind that while grading services can be expensive, they might be worth the investment if you have a rare and valuable coin.
Why the Wide Rim Variety Commands a Higher Price
Several factors make the 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony dollar more valuable than its Narrow Rim counterpart. First, the Wide Rim variety was produced in smaller quantities. Additionally, coins from the late 1970s and early 1980s often faced circulation challenges, and many of the Susan B. Anthony dollars were quickly taken out of circulation because they were often confused with quarters due to their similar size.
Another reason for the coin’s value is the inherent historical importance of Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the movement for women’s suffrage. Coins that commemorate key historical figures or events tend to hold greater long-term appeal for collectors.
