Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1979

Denomination: One Dollar ($1)

Composition: Copper-nickel clad copper (75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core)

Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Brief Description

A small, gold-toned (though originally silver-colored) circulating dollar coin featuring Susan B. Anthony and an outer eleven-sided rim inside the circular edge.

Historical Significance

The first U.S. circulating coin to depict a real woman. It was intended to replace the paper dollar but was largely rejected by the public because its size and color were too similar to the Washington quarter.

Estimated Value

$1 in circulated condition; $2-$5 in uncirculated (MS-63 to MS-65) condition.

Care Instructions

Handle by the edges only. Avoid cleaning or polishing as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule.

Mint Mark

P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco). Based on the blurry obverse, it appears to be a typical 1979-P or 1979-D issue.

Mintage & Rarity

Common; over 750 million were struck in 1979. Most examples in circulation are face value only.

Weight & Diameter

8.1 grams; 26.5 mm diameter

Edge

Reeded

Apparent Grade

Circulated / Very Good - Fine (heavily blurred image makes precise grading impossible, but significant wear is visible).

Obverse (Front)

Portrait of Susan B. Anthony facing right, surrounded by 13 stars, 'LIBERTY', and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Reverse (Back)

An adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission insignia showing an eagle landing on the moon with an olive branch in its claws, titled 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR'.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Most are only worth face value. The 1979-P 'Wide Rim' (Near Date) variety and high-grade 1979-S Proof Type 2 are the most valuable for this year.

Similar Coins

Often confused with the Washington Quarter due to similar size and color before oxidation. Also similar to the Sacagawea Gold Dollar which replaced it.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Counterfeits are rare for this coin due to its low value. Check for the sharp 11-sided inner border and correct weight of 8.1g.

Notable Varieties & Errors

1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date): The rim is wider and closer to the date. 1979-S Type I and Type II proof mint marks.

Created At: 2026-04-21T18:10:57.077077