1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value: Narrow Rim vs. Wide Rim Varieties

When the United States Mint launched the 1979-d Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, it broke new ground—historically and numismatically. For the first time in U.S. history, a real woman, famed suffragette Susan B. Anthony, appeared on a circulating American coin. It was a milestone in cultural representation, but the reception was mixed. Despite its historical importance, it was minted only from 1979 to 1981, and again briefly in 1999.

Let’s discover its history, find out how to identify coins and uncover one dollar coin 1979 value.

Historical Significance of Susan B. Anthony Liberty Dollar Coin 1979

Before diving into the collectible specifics, it’s important to recognize why Susan B. Anthony was chosen for this landmark. A fearless advocate for women’s rights and suffrage, Anthony devoted her life to equal rights and civil liberties. Her selection for the 1979 US dollar coin was both a celebration of progress and a tribute to the decades-long fight for gender equality.

Designed by Frank Gasparro, the 1979 silver dollar coin’s obverse features a right-facing portrait of Susan B. Anthony surrounded by stars and the word “LIBERTY.” The reverse uses the Eisenhower dollar's Apollo 11 insignia, depicting an eagle landing on the moon with an olive branch in its talons—a striking combination of historical reverence and space-age optimism.

Learn more: 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value: Errors, Varieties, and Worth 

The Philadelphia Mint Varieties: How to Tell If a 1979 Dollar Coin Is Rare

The silver dollar coin 1979 minted in Philadelphia (denoted by a “P” mint mark, though often absent on SBA dollars) features two significant rim varieties that can greatly affect the 1979 1 dollar coin value.

Narrow Rim (Far Date)

• Appearance: The digits in the date, especially the “1” in “1979,” are positioned further from the rim. There is a visible gap between the date and the edge.

• Production: This variety was produced during most of the initial 1979 mintage and is more common than its counterpart.

• Market Availability: Narrow Rim dollars are readily available in circulated and uncirculated condition, affordable for beginners and casual collectors.

Wide Rim (Near Date)

• Appearance: The date appears much closer to the rim, with minimal spacing—almost touching the edge. This is especially evident when comparing the “1” to the raised border.

• Production: The Wide Rim was introduced later in 1979 as part of a design adjustment to enhance the rim’s prominence. Only a limited number were struck before the design reverted.

• Market Scarcity: Due to its limited run, this variety is considered scarce and commands much higher prices on the collector’s market.

Quick Tip for Spotting the Difference

Use a loupe or magnifying glass and examine the “1” in “1979.” If it hugs the rim tightly, you likely have a Wide Rim one. If there’s a noticeable space, it’s a Narrow Rim.

Why This Rim Variation Matters

The U.S. Mint's decision to modify the rim wasn’t random. Feedback from early circulation tests revealed that the smaller SBA dollar still lacked sufficient tactile differentiation from the quarter. To resolve this, the Mint thickened the rim slightly. While the experiment didn’t dramatically improve usability, it did create an interesting collectible variation.

And in the world of numismatics, varieties created by production changes within a single year—especially ones tied to mintage errors, low outputs, or brief design modifications—often become focal points for collectors. The Wide Rim 1979-P dollar is a prime example of this dynamic.

How Much Is a Dollar Coin from 1979 Worth?

The true 1979 Susan B Anthony dollar coin value hinges on three critical factors: which variety you have, what condition it’s in, and whether it bears any special characteristics like proof quality or mint errors. While most of them still circulate near face 1 dollar coin 1979 value, select examples—particularly the Wide Rim variety—are in high demand among collectors and can sell for upwards of $1,000.

Let’s break down the liberty 1979 one dollar coin value by variety and condition using current market trends and auction data.

One Dollar 1979 Coin Value Comparison: Narrow Rim vs. Wide Rim

Circulated One Dollar Coin Value 1979

• Narrow Rim: $2–$3

• Wide Rim: $10–$30 (even in circulated condition)

Pro Tip: Wide Rim coins are often overlooked in circulation. If you spot a 1979-P dollar, inspect it closely—you might be holding a sleeper hit. For more info, check out another article — 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value: Discover the Worth of Your 1981 Silver Dollar. 

What Makes the Wide Rim 1979 Liberty Dollar Coin More Valuable?

The Wide Rim wasn’t just a cosmetic change—it reflected a minting experiment that resulted in a limited number of coins before the Mint reverted to the original design. Its low mintage and brief production window make it far rarer than the Narrow Rim counterpart.

Collectors also appreciate the Wide Rim rare** vintage 1979 p Susan B Anthony one dollar coin for its bold appearance, which gives a slightly more refined look and enhances eye appeal. Combined with its scarcity, this makes the Wide Rim dollar a must-have for serious series collectors.

Spotlight: 1979-S Proof Dollar – Type 1 vs. Type 2

In addition to circulating 1979 dollar coin P and 1979 dollar coin D from Philadelphia and Denver, the San Francisco Mint (S) issued proof coins, specifically for collectors. These ones are struck with highly polished dies and planchets, resulting in mirror-like finishes.

There are two types of 1979-S proofs:

Type 1: Filled “S”

• The mint mark appears blobby and less defined.

• Most common of the two.

• Typical 1979 coin dollar value: $8–$12

Type 2: Clear “S”

• The mintmark is sharp, well-defined, and more attractive.

• Considered a key proof variety.

• Typical value: $50–$80, with higher prices for PR69 and PR70 grades.

Identification Tip: Use a magnifier to inspect the "S" mintmark. If it looks crisp and clean, you might be holding the rare worth 1979 dollar coin value. If you want to learn more about presidential dollar values, check our another article.

Rare and Valuable 1979 Dollar Coin Error Types

Some of the most expensive dollar coins worth money 1979 weren’t intended to exist at all. Here are a few high-profile errors and what they’ve sold for at auction:

1979-P Overstruck on a 1978 Jefferson Nickel

• A Susan B. Anthony dollar struck on a nickel planchet.

• Realized price: $15,275 at Heritage Auctions.

Off-Center Strikes

• Liberty one dollar coin 1979 with a partial blank area from misalignment during striking.

• 1979 P dollar coin value depends on degree of off-centering (5% to 80%) and completeness of design.

• Typical rare error 1979 dollar coin value: $250–$1,000+

Clipped Planchet Errors

• Part of the error coin 1979 dollar’s edge is missing due to an improperly cut blank.

• Value: $100–$300, depending on size and location of the clip.

Grading & Condition: Why It Matters

When evaluating 1979 D dollar coin value, professional grading is key. Here’s how it works:

High-grade Wide Rim 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar coin examples graded MS67 or higher are extremely rare and can fetch thousands, depending on eye appeal, luster, and market demand.

How to Authenticate a Wide Rim Susan B Anthony Dollar Coin 1979

Because the 1979 dollar coin fg with a Wide Rim is significantly more valuable than its Narrow Rim counterpart, it’s often the target of misidentification—or worse, intentional alteration. If you believe you’ve found a Wide Rim, take these steps to verify authenticity:

Use a Trusted Visual Comparison

• Compare it to high-resolution reference images from PCGS, NGC, or the coin value checker.

• Focus on the spacing between the “1” in the date and the rim—if they nearly touch, it’s likely a Wide Rim.

Check Weight and Size

• Authentic SBA dollars weigh approximately 8.1 grams and have a diameter of 26.5 mm.

• Altered ones may show signs of retooling under magnification, especially around the rim.

Get It Graded

• Submit it to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. These services not only verify authenticity but also provide a market-grade rating, dramatically increasing resale 1979 dollar coin value today if the metal is in high condition.

Is a 1979 Dollar Coin Worth Anything? Pro Collector Tips

Whether you're just starting out or refining a professional-grade collection, keep these expert tips in mind:

1. Prioritize Condition

• Uncirculated examples (MS65+) appreciate in value significantly over time.

• Even common Narrow Rims can command premium prices in pristine condition.

2. Seek Proof Varieties

• 1979-S Type 2 proofs (Clear “S”) are scarcer and more desirable than Type 1s.

• Consider building a full proof set from 1979–1981, including both types.

3. Hunt for Errors

• Keep an eye out for double strikes, off-centers, or planchet anomalies.

• Errors can increase how much is a 1979 dollar coin worth by hundreds or even thousands.

4. Build a Complete SBA Set

• Collect all mint marks (P, D, S) and major varieties.

• Include the 1999 revival to round out your set, as that year features its own rarities.

5. Buy from Trusted Sources

• Use certified dealers, auctions with return guarantees, or platforms with third-party authentication.

• Avoid raw coins sold online without detailed photos or provenance.

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar is far more than a short-lived attempt at dollar reform—it’s a numismatic milestone. Honoring a trailblazing American woman and showcasing a variety of collectible traits—from rim varieties to rare proofs and errors—it remains a favorite among enthusiasts who love to identify coins.

The Wide Rim variety, in particular, offers the thrill of discovery and the potential for substantial profit. Whether found in a forgotten jar or purchased through a reputable dealer, this variant is a reminder of how small design tweaks can lead to lasting collectible value.

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