Susan B. Anthony Dollar The Susan B. Anthony Dollar, introduced in 1979, was America’s first small-sized dollar coin and remains one of the most talked-about pieces of modern U.S. currency. Even though the coin was produced more than four decades ago, surprising reports suggest that some of these original 1979 issues can still be spotted in circulation today. For collectors and everyday users alike, this makes it a fascinating hidden gem of American coinage.
Why the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Was Historic
Before 1979, U.S. dollar coins were much larger and less practical for daily use. The U.S. Mint decided to redesign the coin with a smaller, more manageable size that would resemble a quarter in shape and weight. Featuring the portrait of Susan B. Anthony, a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement, the coin made history by being the first U.S. coin to depict a real woman (other than symbolic figures like Liberty).
Its launch marked a step toward honoring social reformers and diversifying American currency imagery. Despite this, many people at the time confused the coin with the quarter, leading to its unpopularity in commerce.
Rarity and Collectors’ Interest
While millions of Susan B. Anthony Dollars were minted between 1979 and 1981, followed by a limited run in 1999, the earliest strikes still hold special interest. The 1979-P and 1979-D versions are relatively common, but certain varieties — such as the 1979-P Wide Rim, also called “Near Date” — are highly sought after.
Collectors often watch for these coins in circulation because condition and rarity can dramatically increase their value. Circulated pieces may only trade for around face value, but uncirculated or error versions can fetch significantly higher prices at auctions.
Why Some Are Still Circulating
It might seem surprising that a coin from 1979 remains in everyday use, but dollar coins were never widely adopted in the United States. Many sat in banks, government vaults, or personal savings jars for years.Susan B. Anthony Dollar As a result, older coins occasionally resurface when people deposit change or when forgotten coin rolls are put back into circulation.
Final Thoughts
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar may not have been a commercial success in its day, but it has grown into a symbol of history, perseverance, and change.Susan B. Anthony Dollar While it is easy to overlook in a handful of change, those who recognize its significance know they are holding more than just a coin.
For collectors, the thrill is in spotting these dollars before they vanish entirely from everyday circulation. And for everyone else, finding one is a reminder that pieces of history often live in plain sight.