Susan B. Anthony Coin
In 1979, the United States Mint introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a woman other than Lady Liberty.
Design and Features
The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Susan B. Anthony, a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement. The reverse shows an adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission insignia, symbolizing America’s advancements in space exploration.
The coin has a distinct 11-sided border within the round shape. It aimed to make the coin easily identifiable by touch. However, it often got mistaken for the quarter due to its size and color.
Historical Context
Susan B. Anthony played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights. Her efforts led to the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. By featuring her on the coin, the U.S. honored her contributions.
Before the Susan B. Anthony dollar, the U.S. had not seen a new dollar coin since the Eisenhower Dollar. Introducing a smaller-sized dollar coin made it more practical for everyday use.
Production and Circulation
The coin was produced from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999. Initial production halted due to low public acceptance. August 1979 saw the purchased coins in limited numbers. The reason was mainly due to its resemblance to the quarter.
In 1999, the coin was minted again to fill a gap before the release of the Sacagawea Dollar. This short period of renewed production offered collectors a final chance to obtain the coin directly from the mint.
Composition and Specifications
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: 8.1 grams
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
The coin’s specifications made it durable and easy to produce. Despite its practical design, it struggled to gain widespread popularity.
Impact and Legacy
Despite its lukewarm reception, the Susan B. Anthony coin remains significant. It set the precedent for featuring women on U.S. currency. The coin’s design celebrated Anthony’s legacy and acknowledged the strides made towards gender equality.
Collectors often seek out Susan B. Anthony dollars, especially those from the limited production runs. High-grade coins and unique mint errors can fetch a premium in the numismatic market.
Comparisons with Other Dollar Coins
Compared to the Eisenhower Dollar, the Susan B. Anthony coin was more manageable for everyday transactions. However, later coins like the Sacagawea Dollar and Presidential $1 Coins featured different metals and designs to improve usability and acceptance.
The Sacagawea Dollar introduced a golden color to distinguish it from other denominations. Unlike the Anthony dollar, it saw more prolonged circulation and public use.
Collecting Tips
For collectors, understanding mint marks and production years is crucial. The primary mint marks to look for are:
- P for Philadelphia
- D for Denver
- S for San Francisco
Special proofs were also made in limited quantities, primarily for collectors. These versions have a mirror-like finish, making them stand out.
Key dates include the 1981 strikes, which were primarily available only in mint sets. These can be harder to find in circulation.
Main Challenges
The coin’s similarity to the quarter in weight, size, and color posed a significant challenge. It often led to confusion, slowing its acceptance for everyday transactions.
Vending machines and coin-operated systems also had trouble distinguishing between the two coins, further compounding the issue.
Current Value
While the Susan B. Anthony dollar does not command high values in circulated grades, certain pristine examples and error coins can be valuable. Collector interest remains steady, ensuring its place in numismatic history.
Interesting Facts
- It was the first U.S. coin to feature an actual female historical figure.
- Despite being discontinued, the coin is still legal tender.
- The 1999 reissue was prompted by a delay in the Sacagawea Dollar’s release.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar coin is an intriguing piece of numismatic history. It reflects the evolving landscape of American currency and the ongoing journey towards recognizing historical contributions from diverse figures.