Susan B. Anthony Coin: A Token of Progress
Coins may seem like everyday objects, but the Susan B. Anthony dollar, minted between 1979 and 1981, and again in 1999, tells the story of a societal milestone. As the first coin featuring a real woman’s image, it points to the significant role women have played in shaping America’s story.
The person behind this name, Susan Brownell Anthony, was a prominent social reformer known for her role in women’s rights movement. Her relentless fight for women’s suffrage laid the groundwork for the 19th Amendment, securing a woman’s right to vote.
Acknowledging a Trailblazer
The decision to honor Susan B. Anthony on a coin was a monumental one. It was a nod to her tireless efforts in championing for equal rights, not just for women, but for all. Until then, the only other women featured on American coins were Lady Liberty and Sacagawea, both of whom were personifications, not real historical figures.
The coin marked a departure from the status quo. It was evidence of a growing acknowledgment of women’s contributions to the society they were often overlooked.
The Coin Specification
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was smaller than the previous dollar coins, at 26.5 mm in diameter, and similar in size to a quarter. It was an intentional design decision, one meant to save cost and create a coin that was handy for use in vending machines.
Its design includes a right-facing profile of Susan B. Anthony on the obverse side. The reverse side depicts an eagle landing on the moon, an image inspired by the ‘Apollo 11’ mission insignia. It is a reflection of the historical times during which the coin was created.
A Reception with Mixed Feelings
The reaction to the dollar was mixed. The size and color of the coin were too close to a quarter, causing confusion. As a result, it wasn’t popular with the public, who found it easy to confuse with quarters. This grievance was so well-publicized it was given its own term: the Anthony Dollar dilemma.
From another perspective, some heralded the coin’s release as an important step towards acknowledgment of women’s vital contribution to society. It stood as proof of the changing times, a nod to the strides made in the United States towards gender equality. In that respect, despite its initial public rejection, the Susan B. Anthony coin holds significant symbolic importance.
Collectors- A Safe Haven
While it wasn’t a public hit, the Susan B. Anthony dollar has found a home among coin collectors. Various versions, including proof coins and uncirculated coins, are sought by numismatists. Some versions with production errors are particularly valuable. A coin produced in Philadelphia in 1979, lacking the mint mark, can fetch prices up to $800!
A Legacy Preserved
Today, given its flawed run, the Susan B. Anthony coin is more an object of curiosity than economic exercise. The symbolic importance of the coin, its representation of a time, a cause, and a trailblazer, make it an interesting piece of history. It serves as a powerful reminder of the women’s suffrage movement and the changing landscape of gender equality.
The Lasting Impact
Despite its rocky inception, the Susan B. Anthony dollar undeniably broke barriers. It paved the way for the portrayal of other iconic women in American currency, like Sacagawea and, soon, Harriet Tubman. It may not have been the immediate success that its creators hoped for, but it accomplished something far greater. It left an indelible mark on American currency, carving a space for women that would exist long after it was retired from circulation.