How many Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar, a coin that was minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999, holds a significant place in American history. As the first coin to feature a woman on the obverse side, it was minted to honor Susan B. Anthony, a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement. The question of how many Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted is one that has intrigued collectors and numismatists alike. Let’s delve into the details of this fascinating coin and its production numbers.
The initial production of the Susan B. Anthony dollar began in 1979, with the goal of replacing the smaller and lighter Eisenhower dollar. The United States Mint faced challenges in the design and production of the coin, as the new dollar coin was intended to be larger and heavier than the Eisenhower dollar. Despite these challenges, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted in three different metals: copper-nickel clad, silver, and a unique bimetallic composition that included both copper and silver.
In 1979, the first year of production, a total of 482,054,000 Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted. The following year, 1980, saw an increase in production, with 448,918,000 coins minted. The year 1981 saw a slight decrease in production, with 426,890,000 coins minted. However, the production numbers took a significant downturn in 1982, when only 3,530,000 Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted. This low production was due to the introduction of the Sacagawea dollar, which was intended to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar experienced a brief revival in 1999, when the United States Mint produced a limited number of the coin to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Susan B. Anthony’s birth. In 1999, a total of 48,878,000 Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted.
Collectors and numismatists often seek out the Susan B. Anthony dollar for its historical significance and rarity. The 1982-dated coins are particularly sought after, as they are the rarest of the series. The limited production of the 1999 coins also adds to their desirability among collectors.
In conclusion, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted in significant numbers during its original production run from 1979 to 1981, with a total of 1,357,862,000 coins minted during that time. The 1999 production added an additional 48,878,000 coins to the total. While the Susan B. Anthony dollar may not be as widely collected as some other coins, its historical significance and the allure of rarity make it a valuable and interesting piece for any numismatic collection.
