The Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a fascinating coin with a unique place in U.S. history. First minted in 1979, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, honoring Susan B. Anthony for her role in women’s suffrage. Despite its bold concept, the coin’s design and size led to mixed reactions, and it was discontinued after 1981, with a brief revival in 1999. Let’s explore its history, features, and why collectors value this coin.
Introduction to the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, also called the SBA Dollar, was introduced to replace the Eisenhower Dollar with a smaller and more convenient coin. It aimed to promote efficiency in currency circulation, especially for vending machines. However, its similarity in size and color to the quarter made it unpopular for everyday use.
Key Features of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The SBA Dollar stands out for its distinctive design and composition.
- Design:
- Obverse: Features Susan B. Anthony’s portrait designed by Frank Gasparro, with “LIBERTY” and the year inscribed.
- Reverse: Depicts an eagle landing on the moon, adapted from the Apollo 11 insignia, symbolizing American achievement.
- Composition: Made of a copper-nickel clad composition, similar to the quarter.
- Size and Weight: The coin measures 26.5 mm in diameter and weighs 8.1 grams.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, honoring the suffrage leader for her role in women’s rights. |
| Years of Minting | Initially minted from 1979 to 1981, with a one-year revival in 1999 to address a shortage of dollar coins. |
| Purpose | Designed to replace the Eisenhower Dollar with a smaller, more convenient coin for vending machines and everyday transactions. |
| Design | – Obverse: Portrait of Susan B. Anthony by Frank Gasparro. |
| – Reverse: Eagle landing on the moon, inspired by Apollo 11 insignia. | |
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad composition, similar to the quarter. |
| Size and Weight | Diameter: 26.5 mm; Weight: 8.1 grams. |
| Popularity Issues | Public confusion due to its similarity in size and color to the quarter limited its use in daily transactions. |
| Key Mintage Years | – 1979: First year of production, widely available. |
| – 1981: Low mintage, mainly for collectors. | |
| – 1999: Limited mintage as a transitional coin to the Sacagawea Dollar. | |
| Collectible Versions | Proof coins produced at the San Francisco Mint, especially popular among collectors. |
| Historical Significance | Honors Susan B. Anthony’s role in the women’s suffrage movement, making it a symbol of progress in American history. |
| Reasons for Collecting | – First U.S. coin to depict a real woman. |
| – Unique design and historical importance. | |
| – Rare issues and proof coins appeal to collectors. | |
| How to Start Collecting | – Begin with common coins like 1979 or 1980 issues. |
| – Look for rare coins, such as 1981 or 1999 editions. | |
| – Include proof versions for a premium collection. | |
| Revival in 1999 | Reissued briefly to meet demand for dollar coins in vending machines, bridging the gap before the Sacagawea Dollar’s release in 2000. |
| Conclusion | The Susan B. Anthony Dollar remains a unique and historic coin, valued for its design, symbolism, and role in U.S. currency history. |
History and Mintage
1979-1981: Initial Production
The coin was minted from 1979 to 1981. Although the U.S. Mint anticipated widespread usage, public confusion between the SBA Dollar and quarters hindered its success.
1999: A Brief Revival
Due to a shortage of dollar coins for vending machines, the SBA Dollar returned in 1999 for one year. These coins helped transition to the Sacagawea Dollar, introduced in 2000.
Why Collectors Love the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
While it wasn’t popular in circulation, the SBA Dollar is valued by collectors for several reasons:
- Historical Significance: It honors Susan B. Anthony, a trailblazer in women’s rights.
- Unique Design: Its bold design stands apart from other U.S. coins.
- Low Mintage Years: Some coins, like the 1981 SBA Dollar, have limited availability.
- Proof and Mint Sets: Special proof versions were made for collectors.
FAQs
Who was Susan B. Anthony, and why is she featured on the dollar?
Susan B. Anthony was a leader in the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S. She is featured on the dollar to honor her contributions to achieving voting rights for women.
When was the Susan B. Anthony Dollar first minted?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first minted in 1979.
Why was the Susan B. Anthony Dollar unpopular for everyday use?
The coin’s size and color were similar to a quarter, causing confusion during transactions.
What is the design on the reverse of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The reverse features an eagle landing on the moon, a design inspired by the Apollo 11 mission insignia.
Why was the Susan B. Anthony Dollar minted again in 1999?
In 1999, the coin was reissued to address a shortage of dollar coins for vending machines and transit systems.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds a special place in U.S. numismatics. Despite its short-lived production and mixed reception, it remains a symbol of progress and innovation. Collectors cherish these coins for their historical significance and unique design, making them a must-have for any collection. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner, exploring the story behind the SBA Dollar is a rewarding journey.
