1979 P Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin
The 1979 P Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin is a unique coin that was minted to commemorate the life and achievements of Susan B Anthony, a prominent American suffragist and women’s rights activist. The coin was introduced into circulation on July 2, 1979, and was the first coin to feature a woman on its face.
The Design of the Coin
The design of the coin is simple but elegant. The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of Susan B Anthony, with the words “In God We Trust” and “Liberty” inscribed around the edge. The reverse side of the coin features an eagle landing on the moon, with the words “United States of America” and “One Dollar” inscribed around the edge.
The History of the Coin
The idea for the Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin was first proposed in 1978 by the United States Senate Banking Committee. The committee wanted to create a coin that would honor Susan B Anthony and also serve as a replacement for the one-dollar bill, which had a relatively short lifespan of only 18 months.
The coin was designed by Frank Gasparro, who was also responsible for designing the reverse side of the Kennedy half-dollar. The coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and was released into circulation on July 2, 1979.
The Significance of the Coin
The Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was the first coin to feature a woman on its face, which was a significant milestone for women’s representation in American currency. Secondly, it was also the first coin to be minted in honor of a non-president.
The coin was also intended to serve as a replacement for the one-dollar bill, which was seen as a costly and inefficient form of currency. However, the coin was not well-received by the public and was not widely used in circulation. This led to the production of fewer coins, making the Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin a rare and valuable collector’s item.
The Value of the Coin
The value of the Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin varies depending on its condition and rarity. A coin in mint condition can be worth up to $25, while a circulated coin may only be worth its face value of one dollar.
However, some rare coins, such as those with a double die or an error in the minting process, can be worth significantly more. For example, a 1979 P Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin with a double die error can be worth up to $5,000.
Conclusion
The 1979 P Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin is a unique and significant coin that commemorates the life and achievements of Susan B Anthony. While it was not widely used in circulation, it remains a valuable collector’s item and a symbol of women’s representation in American currency.