1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar

About This Coin

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a United States dollar from the Susan B. Anthony Dollars 1979-1999 series. The obverse features Susan B. Anthony facing right, the first woman depicted on a U.S. circulating coin, while the reverse displays an eagle landing on the moon, adapted from the Apollo 11 mission patch. Designed by Frank Gasparro. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 8.1 grams, 26.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979-1981, 1999) was the first circulating U.S. coin to depict a non-mythical woman. However, its similarity in size and color to the quarter caused constant confusion and public rejection. The coin was revived briefly in 1999 to fill a dollar coin shortage before the Sacagawea Dollar replaced it. Despite its unpopularity in commerce, the 1981-S (only in mint sets) and proof issues are collectible. The 1999-P Wide Rim (Near Date) variety is scarce.