Could a Dollar Coin in Your Wallet Be Worth a Small Fortune? Meet the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar That’s Turning Heads
You know that odd-looking dollar coin you might’ve tossed into a drawer years ago? The one that sort of looks like a quarter but feels just a bit different in your hand? Turns out, it might be worth more than you think—maybe a lot more.
Meet the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar. It’s not flashy, it’s not gold, and most folks barely remember using it. But today, collectors are on the hunt, and this unassuming coin is suddenly back in the spotlight.
The Coin That Made History—Then Vanished
In 1979, the U.S. Mint rolled out a brand-new dollar coin to honor women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony. It was the first time a real woman—not Lady Liberty—was featured on a circulating U.S. coin. That alone makes it a historic piece.
But there was a problem.
It was almost the exact same size and color as a quarter. People kept confusing the two. The coin flopped in circulation, and by 1981, production stopped—until a brief return in 1999.
Still, despite its rocky start, this coin is now making waves. Why? Because some 1979 issues are hiding rare design features—and collectors are willing to pay big for them.
The Rare Variant That Everyone’s Talking About
The biggest buzz is around the 1979-P “Wide Rim” (also known as the “Near Date”) variety. Unlike the regular version, where there’s a noticeable gap between the date and the coin’s edge, the Wide Rim version brings the date much closer to the rim—subtle, but distinct.
That tiny difference? It can make the coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if it’s in mint condition. Some uncirculated specimens have sold for over $1,000 at auction.
So yeah, it’s worth digging through your coin stash.
How to Spot a Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Here’s what to look for before handing it off in change:
- Mint Mark: Look just above Anthony’s shoulder. A tiny “P” means it was minted in Philadelphia, “D” is for Denver, and “S” indicates a San Francisco proof coin.
- Wide Rim/Near Date: Compare the space between the rim and the date—if they’re snug, you might have the rare one.
- Condition Matters: Like with most collectibles, pristine condition is king. No scratches, no wear, no dings.
Still Floating Around… for Now
Unlike some high-value coins locked away in vaults, 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollars still turn up in everyday change. You might get one from a bank, a vending machine, or as part of your grandma’s old stash of coins. But they’re vanishing fast as collectors snatch them up.
So, if you find one, don’t spend it—inspect it.
More Than Just a Coin
Beyond its potential value, this coin is a tangible reminder of American progress. Putting Susan B. Anthony—a trailblazer for women’s rights—on a circulating coin was a bold statement. At the time, it didn’t get the love it deserved. But now, both collectors and history buffs are finally giving it a second chance.
The Takeaway: Check Your Change
Next time you’re counting out coins for parking or sorting through a jar of loose change, keep an eye out. That unassuming dollar coin could be the rare 1979 Susan B. Anthony “Wide Rim” dollar—hiding in plain sight.
It’s a little piece of history. And maybe, just maybe, a little slice of fortune too.