Susan B. Anthony Dollars (1979-1999)

Historic Design

Designed by Frank Gasparro, the obverse depicts Susan B. Anthony facing right, surrounded by the 13 stars. The inscription liberty appears above, with the date of issue below and the motto in god we trust at right. The reverse bears Gasparro's original Eisenhower dollar reverse design. Adapted from the Apollo 11 insignia, it shows an eagle with olive branch landing on the Moon.

Rejected by the Public

Despite high expectations, Susan B. Anthony dollars proved unpopular with the public. Their size, color and reeded edge were similar to those of the quarter. Many found it too easy to mistake the two denominations, and the new US dollars never saw widespread use. As a result, Susan B. Anthony dollars are one of America's shortest-lived series.

Minted Just Four Years

Despite spanning 20 years, Susan B. Anthony dollars are a series with just four dates. Mintage for circulation ceased after just two years (1979 and 1980). A limited number of 1981 dollars were produced, but they were only issued with US Mint Sets. In 1999, Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted one last time to meet an expected increase in demand due to its replacement – the newly authorized Sacagawea dollar.