In an incredible surprise for today’s coin fans, a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar with the hard-to-find “Wide Rim” style just sold at auction for $25,000. This big sale shows that even coins from the late 1900s might be secret treasures hiding in your change jar.
The coin started as just a simple dollar but is now making waves across the country. People everywhere are now wondering if they might have one of these rare coins sitting around at home—and not even realize its true value yet.
A Dollar Coin Honoring a Trailblazer
The U.S. began making the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979. It was the first coin to honor a real woman from American history, not a made-up figure. Susan B. Anthony helped lead the fight for women’s rights. Even though the coin was meant to be important, it didn’t catch on with the public.
It looked too much like a quarter, and people often got them confused. Because of this, the coin was only made from 1979 to 1981, and then briefly again in 1999, which adds to its collectibility.
What Makes the “Wide Rim” Version Special?
The “Wide Rim” or “Near Date” version stands out because of how close the date is to the coin’s edge. On regular 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars, there’s a space between the edge and the numbers of the date. But the Wide Rim coins look different—the edge is thicker, and the date nearly touches it.
This change only happened briefly at the Philadelphia Mint and was quickly fixed. Because so few were made, these Wide Rim coins have become very valuable to collectors and rare to find today.
Why One Coin Reached $25,000
The coin that sold for $25,000 was a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar with the Wide Rim design. It got a grade of MS67+ from PCGS, which means it’s in excellent shape. That “+” matters—it means the coin is nearly perfect. Condition is a huge factor in coin values.
While regular Wide Rim coins might sell for $100–$500 if they’ve been used, finding one in top condition is very rare. That’s why this one reached such a high price—it was one of the best examples ever found.
Steps to Identify a Wide Rim Coin
You don’t need special tools to spot a Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony dollar. First, check the date—it must be from 1979. Then look at the mint mark. Only coins marked “P” for Philadelphia can be the Wide Rim kind. After that, look closely at the edge of the coin and the numbers in the date.
If there’s a big space between the rim and the date, it’s a standard coin. If the numbers nearly touch the edge, you may have the rare version. Still unsure? A coin expert can help.
Should You Get the Coin Graded?
If you think you own a 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar in mint or nearly mint shape and it looks like the Wide Rim version, you might want to get it graded. Trusted companies like PCGS and NGC can confirm if it’s real and what shape it’s in.
Grading a coin makes a big difference in how much it’s worth. A coin with a professional grade is more likely to sell for a high price. So if you suspect yours might be rare, grading is a smart next step to take.
Value Comparison Table
Here’s a quick table showing the value of different 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollars, depending on the type and condition:
| Coin Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Narrow Rim | Circulated | $1–$2 |
| Wide Rim (Near Date) | Circulated | $100–$500 |
| Wide Rim (Near Date) | MS65+ Grade | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Wide Rim (Near Date) | MS67+ Grade | Up to $25,000 |
FAQs
What makes the 1979-P Wide Rim dollar special?
It has the date almost touching the edge, which is not how most 1979 dollars were made. That small detail makes it rare and valuable.
Why are some coins worth so much?
Coins that are rare and in near-perfect condition can sell for very high prices because collectors compete to own them.
Can a coin expert help me know what I have?
Yes, visiting a coin dealer or submitting your coin to grading services like PCGS or NGC can help you find out if it’s valuable.
What if my coin is scratched or worn?
Even in used shape, a Wide Rim dollar can be worth hundreds. But the better the condition, the more it may be worth.
Last Thought
The Susan B. Anthony dollar might not have been loved when it first came out, but now it’s getting attention for all the right reasons. That rare Wide Rim coin from 1979 is leading a wave of renewed interest among collectors and curious people alike.
With one recently selling for $25,000, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check your change. You never know—what looks like just another old dollar might actually be a hidden treasure waiting to change your fortune.
