1979 Susan B. Anthony One Dollar Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco branches). The Philadelphia mint is commonly associated with this first year of issue.
Pattern: Susan B. Anthony Dollar Series, minted from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco branches). The Philadelphia mint is commonly associated with this first year of issue.
Material
Cupro-nickel Clad Copper (not solid silver). Composition is 75% Copper, 25% Nickel outer layers bonded to a core of pure Copper. Total weight is 8.1 grams.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm (1.043 inches); Thickness: 2.0 mm; Weight: 8.1 grams. This size is notably close to the U.S. Quarter (24.26 mm), which led to public confusion.
Description
A historic American coin representing the first time a non-mythical woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. The obverse presents a stern, realistic portrait of social reformer Susan B. Anthony, while the reverse pays homage to the Apollo 11 moon landing. Though it lacks silver content, its silver-toned appearance and revolutionary design make it a staple of modern numismatics.
Key Features
Eleven-sided inner border, first-year issue date (1979), Frank Gasparro's 'FG' initials, and the specific 'Wide Rim' (Near Date) vs 'Narrow Rim' (Far Date) varieties for the Philadelphia 1979-P issue.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel Clad Copper (not solid silver). Composition is 75% Copper, 25% Nickel outer layers bonded to a core of pure Copper. Total weight is 8.1 grams.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with frosted relief and satin fields. Features a profile of Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an eagle landing on the moon (Apollo 11 insignia) on the reverse with a distinct eleven-sided (hendecagonal) inner border.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks (P, D, or S) located just above the shoulder on the left. Inscriptions: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1979. Reverse contains UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE DOLLAR.
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure coinage presses at a U.S. Mint facility. Solid copper core with outer layers of copper-nickel bonded through heat and pressure (cladding).
Functional Features
Reeded edge for tactile identification and to deter counterfeiting; distinct eleven-sided inner rim to help distinguish it from a quarter by touch.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (numismatic item). No handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-speed minting. Features die-struck relief with high mechanical precision. The 'FG' designer initials are visible on the reverse below the eagle's tail feathers.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and weight (8.1g); reeded edge; crispness of the 'IN GOD WE TRUST' lettering; presence of the hendecagonal inner rim; lack of a 'copper line' on the edge (as seen in some counterfeits).
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Manufactured in government minting facilities in Philadelphia (no mint mark or 'P'), Denver ('D'), or San Francisco ('S').
Era & Period
Modern Era (Late 20th Century). Designed by Frank Gasparro, Chief Engraver of the Mint, during the Carter Administration.
Age Estimate
Dated 1979. This was the inaugural year of the Susan B. Anthony dollar series.
Cultural Significance
A major milestone in American gender equality, honoring the women's suffrage movement. It replaced the large Eisenhower Dollar, attempting to shift the U.S. toward more portable small-sized dollar coins.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition. Shows moderate surface contact marks, light scratches, and typical cupro-nickel tarnish (graying). Lacks original mint luster. Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) to Extremely Fine (EF).
Value Estimate
Face value ($1.00) for standard circulated examples. Uncirculated or rare 'Wide Rim' varieties can range from $5 to $50 depending on professional grading (MS-65 or higher).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver creams, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or acid-free paper envelope to prevent 'environmental damage' or spotting.
Similar Pieces
1971-1978 Eisenhower Dollar (larger size), 2000-Present Sacagawea Dollar (golden manganese-brass), 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar (last year of issue).
Interesting Facts
The coin was highly unpopular upon release because its size and color were too similar to the Washington Quarter, causing it to be nicknamed the 'Carter Quarter'. Many were stored in government vaults for decades until the 1990s.