Susan B. Anthony Dollar With Rare Wide Rim Sells For $25,000 – Could Yours Be Next?

An exceptional 1979‑P Susan B. Anthony dollar featuring the elusive Wide Rim variant recently fetched a staggering $25,000 at auction. Discovered in a box of inherited coins, this rare style—also known as the “Near-Date” variant—stood out due to the date appearing unusually close to the thicker rim.

Once certified in top grade, it commanded a top-dollar sale and ignited excitement across the numismatic world.

Why the Wide Rim Variant Is Rare

Early in the 1979 mint run at the Philadelphia Mint (‘P’ mint mark), a small batch of coins were struck before the final rim design adjustment. These Wide Rim and Near-Date specimens had:

• A thicker rim than usual
• The date positioned very close to the rim
• Only a small number produced before corrective dies were used

Collectors especially prize these variations when in uncirculated condition (MS‑65 and above). The recently sold piece is among the few authenticated examples commanding serious value.

How to Spot This Gem

Feature	What to Look For
Year & Mint Mark	Must be “1979” and bear a “P” mint mark
Wide Rim	Thicker rim with the date nearly touching edge
Date Placement	Close proximity of “1” to the coin’s rim
Condition	Higher grade coins (MS‑66 to MS‑67) drive premium
Rarity Factor	Very few Wide Rim coins confirmed; extremely scarce

Value Range: What Similar Coins Have Sold For

While the $25,000 sale represents the high end for this variant, historical auction data shows that even less perfect Wide Rim coins can still fetch several thousand dollars, depending on condition.

For instance, earlier versions graded MS‑67 sold between $3,000 and $5,000. Those in top‑grade pristine condition push the price into five figures.

How to Check If Your Coin Is Valuable

1. Inspect the rim and date: if the date looks pressed near the edge, that’s a big hint.
2. Check for the “P” mint mark: it must be from Philadelphia.
3. Assess its condition: Mint State grades make a huge difference.
4. Don’t clean it: cleaning can severely reduce value.
5. Get it graded: Send it to PCGS or NGC for professional certification.

Where These Coins Turn Up

Though minted in large quantities (over 750 million in 1979 alone), the Wide Rim variant was struck in such limited quantity that most remain uncollected—and some still circulate. Common discovery sources include:

• Loose coin jars at home
• Vending machines and transit fare boxes
• Bank rolls or change taken from stores

Collectors report finding them in unexpected places—even in vending machine buns!

Why It Matters for Collectors

This variant connects collectors to a fascinating aspect of mint history: trial dies versus production adjustments. Such coins are not just currency—they’re historical artifacts representing an early design oversight corrected later.

The dramatic difference in value between the Wide Rim and standard version—often only worth face value—makes discovery all the more thrilling.

The recent $25,000 sale of a 1979‑P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony dollar proves that a piece of change can become a piece of history—and potentially a high-value collectible. If you hold a 1979‑P dollar, take a moment to examine the rim, mint mark, and date placement.

Even if it’s tucked away in a coin jar or rolled up with other change, this rare variety could be hiding in plain sight.

With its compelling design anomaly, rich minting backstory, and skyrocketing market value, the Wide Rim variant ranks among the most exciting U.S. modern error coins.

Don’t just pass on that dollar—check every detail. You might be a few millimeters—and a bit of validation—from finding your own numismatic treasure.

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