Jaime Hernandez
The 1979-P Susan B Anthony Dollars were produced in order to commemorate Susan Brownell Anthony, a civil rights leader for women’s rights.
Even though it is one of America’s most unpopular coins, I actually like the coins. As a kid in the early 1980’s, I didn’t see many of these coins in circulation, especially since most people hoarded them because of there unusual appearance. However, I still saw the coins periodically and I was curious as to why they were only worth a dollar, yet everyone seemed to hold them hostage when they had them.
During that time my father would have me do all the yard work and once I was done, he would pay me exactly, one dollar. However, if for some reason he had a Susan B. Anthony dollar in his pocket and no other change. He would just give me a verbal IOU instead. So, as a kid, I grew up thinking Susan B. Anthony Dollars were rare, since no one ever wanted let them go.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollars were unpopular in circulation because they were mistaken with quarters. Owners of vending machines also had to alter their machines in order to accept them and give them out as change.
Obverse: The obverse of the coin illustrates Susan B. Anthony’s bust. The coin is encircled by an eleven sided outline in order to convey the Apollo 11 Goodwill messages left on the moon on July 20, 1969.
Reverse: The reverse of the coin displays a large eagle landing on the moon, which represents the Apollo 11 Mission of Landing on the moon. In the background, our planet Earth is visible from the moon. The words, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are arched towards the top of the design. Below, is the motto, E PLURIIBUS UNUM and towards the bottom of the coins design is the word, ONE DOLLAR.
Overview: 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollars in Uncirculated grades, are a dime a dozen. Many banks disliked having the coins and kept them in their vaults without ever putting them into circulation. When the coins did make it into circulation, many of them were hoarded and never spent.
The only coins hard to obtain are coins in grades of MS66 or higher. Coins in grades of MS66 are considered tough but not unobtainable, by any means. In grades of MS67 they are considered very tough but there out there, possibly a couple hundred exist in MS67 grades or higher. In MS68 grade they are considered the cream of the crop and there are very few in existence that would grade this high.
