The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar might not seem like a coin that could fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars—but some rare versions are quietly gaining serious attention in the coin collecting world. If you’ve got a stash of old change or an inherited coin jar, it might be time to take a closer look. One specific Susan B. Anthony dollar has been valued at over $500,000, and it’s still possible that a few remain in circulation or private hands.
Here’s what makes this dollar coin so valuable—and how you can identify it.
A Quick Background on the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first U.S. coin to depict a real woman rather than a symbolic figure. It was minted from 1979 to 1981 and again briefly in 1999. The coin was initially unpopular due to its similar size and color to the quarter, causing confusion in everyday transactions.
Though many were produced and circulated, some rare varieties and mint errors have skyrocketed in value over time.
The $500,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar — What Makes It So Special?
Not every SBA dollar is worth more than face value. But there is one extremely rare variety known among collectors as the “1979-P Wide Rim” or “Near Date”. And within this category, some pristine examples graded in top condition by coin grading agencies like PCGS or NGC have sold for eye-popping figures.
A few key traits push the value into six-figure territory:
- Rare Minting Error – The 1979-P Wide Rim is a type of die variety, where the date appears very close to the rim of the coin. This version was produced only briefly before the U.S. Mint adjusted the dies.
- Condition – A coin in MS-68 or higher (Mint State) can demand extremely high prices at auction.
- Low Population – Only a handful of these coins have been certified in such perfect grades, making them highly desirable for elite collectors.
One 1979-P Wide Rim SBA dollar in nearly flawless condition has sold at auction for over $500,000, setting a record for this coin series.
How to Spot the Rare “Wide Rim” Variety
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars aren’t worth much over face value unless they are in uncirculated or proof condition. But here’s how to determine if you’ve got the rare and valuable Wide Rim variety:
- Look at the Date – On a regular 1979-P coin, there’s noticeable space between the “1” in “1979” and the rim. On the Wide Rim version, the date appears much closer to the coin’s edge.
- Check for the “P” Mintmark – The rare version only exists for the Philadelphia mint with a small “P” just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder.
- Compare Online Images – The difference between the Wide Rim and the common Narrow Rim versions is subtle but visible when side-by-side. Use reliable numismatic sources for image comparison.
- Use a Magnifying Glass – Even a basic magnifier can help you clearly spot the proximity of the date to the rim.
Should You Get Your Coin Appraised?
If you believe you may have found a 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony dollar in excellent condition, it’s worth having it authenticated and graded. Coin grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) provide certifications that add legitimacy and market value to rare coins.
Make sure to avoid cleaning the coin, as that can significantly reduce its value.
Are Other Susan B. Anthony Dollars Valuable?
Yes. Aside from the Wide Rim, here are a few other SBA dollars that could be worth more:
- Proof coins from San Francisco (look for the “S” mintmark)
- The 1981 SBA dollars – issued only in collector sets and not for circulation
- 1999 SBA dollars – the final year of mintage, with certain errors or high-grade examples gaining interest
Also Read:- Rare Repeater Serial 1976 Bicentennial $2 Bills Now Worth Millions — Here’s How to Spot One
Final Thoughts
While most Susan B. Anthony dollars are still just worth $1, it only takes one rare variety to change that. The elusive 1979-P Wide Rim, especially in near-perfect condition, has proven that even modern coins can carry historic value.
Before you spend that old dollar coin, it might be wise to inspect it closely. Because tucked away in drawers and piggy banks across America could be a small, overlooked treasure quietly worth over half a million dollars.
