Susan B Anthony Dollar Values

How Much Susan B Anthony Dollars are Worth: Susan B Anthony Dollar​​ Values & Coin Price Chart

Year
Mint
Variety
Designation
VG-8
F-12
VF-20
EF-40
AU-50
U-60
MS-63
MS-64
MS-65
MS-66
MS-67
1800
P
Plain 4- Stemless Wreath
Red-brown
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1200
1100

Description and History

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, introduced in 1979, is distinctive in American numismatic history as the first circulating coin to feature a woman. Named after the renowned suffragist Susan B. Anthony, the coin was intended to honor her contributions to the women’s suffrage movement and advocate for gender equality. The series, however, faced challenges and garnered mixed reactions during its brief circulation.

Authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1978, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was part of a broader initiative to celebrate the centennial of women’s suffrage in the United States. The coin was introduced to replace the Eisenhower Dollar, which had fallen out of favor due to its size and weight. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was much smaller, with a diameter of 26.5 millimeters, making it more comparable to a quarter in size.

Design and Composition

The coin’s obverse features a portrait of Susan B. Anthony, designed by Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro. Anthony’s profile, inspired by a famous photograph, is accompanied by the inscription “Liberty” and the year of minting. The coin’s reverse displays an adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission insignia, commemorating the historic moon landing. The eagle, however, was replaced with an image of an eagle landing on the moon.

Legacy and Collectibility

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar faced public criticism and practical challenges despite its noble intentions. One major issue was its size and similarity to the quarter, leading to confusion in everyday transactions. This resemblance often resulted in cashiers and consumers mistaking the coin for a quarter, causing inconvenience and frustration. In response, efforts were made to differentiate the coins, such as changing the color of the edge or adding distinctive mint marks.

Another factor contributing to the coin’s limited popularity was the need for more public awareness and understanding of Susan B. Anthony’s historical significance. Many Americans were unfamiliar with her role in the women’s suffrage movement, and the coin’s connection to her legacy needed to be more effectively communicated. As a result, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar failed to gain widespread acceptance in circulation.

The series experienced a brief production run, with coins minted in 1979, 1980, and 1981. After a hiatus, a final minting occurred in 1999, making the Susan B. Anthony Dollar a relatively short-lived series. The Sacagawea Dollar eventually replaced the coin in 2000, featuring a new design and a distinctive golden color.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Series

While the Susan B. Anthony Dollar faced challenges during its circulation, it remains a noteworthy and collectible piece in the numismatic world. The coin is a tangible tribute to Susan B. Anthony’s pivotal role in the fight for women’s suffrage and represents an essential chapter in the history of American coinage. Despite its limited success in everyday transactions, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and those who appreciate the coin’s historical significance.