Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin 1979 D
Introduction
The Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin 1979 D is a US dollar coin that was issued in 1979. It was the first circulating US coin to feature a woman. The coin was designed by Frank Gasparro, who also designed the reverse side of the Eisenhower Dollar. The coin is made of a copper-nickel alloy and has a diameter of 26.5mm.
History
The idea of a coin featuring Susan B Anthony was first proposed in the early 1970s, but it took several years for the coin to become a reality. The coin was intended to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anthony's birth, which was in 1820. The coin was officially released on July 2, 1979, and was available at banks and post offices across the country.
Design
The obverse side of the Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin features a portrait of Susan B Anthony, with the words "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" above her head. The date, "1979", is located below her portrait. The reverse side of the coin features an eagle landing on the moon, with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" surrounding it.
Mint Marks
The Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin was minted at three different locations: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mint mark can be found on the reverse side of the coin, below the eagle's tail feathers.
Value
The Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin 1979 D is not particularly rare, but it is still a popular coin among collectors. Its value depends on its condition, with coins in excellent condition being worth more than those in poor condition. As of 2021, a Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin 1979 D in good condition is worth around $2.00.
Controversies
The Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin was not well-received when it was first released. Many people found it confusing and mistook it for a quarter, as it was roughly the same size and color. The coin was also criticized for not featuring a more prominent portrait of Anthony.
Legacy
Despite its initial reception, the Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin has become an important part of US coinage history. It was the first coin to feature a woman and helped pave the way for future coins featuring women, such as the Sacagawea Dollar and the American Women Quarters.
Conclusion
The Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin 1979 D is a unique and important coin in US coinage history. Its design and legacy have made it a popular coin among collectors, and its value continues to hold up over time. Whether you're a collector or just interested in US history, the Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin is a fascinating piece of currency to explore.