1979 Susan B. Anthony Errors: A Comprehensive Analysis

Author dalbo 30 Mar 2025

In 1979, the United States Mint introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, marking a significant moment in American numismatic history. However, this coin also became infamous for various minting errors that occurred during its production. These errors, which range from die defects to striking issues, have captivated collectors and historians alike. As we delve into the world of numismatics, understanding these 1979 Susan B. Anthony errors can provide valuable insights into the minting process and the coin's historical significance.

The release of the Susan B. Anthony dollar was met with great anticipation, as it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than an allegorical figure. Despite its groundbreaking design, the coin faced criticism due to its similarity in size and appearance to the quarter, leading to widespread confusion among the public. This issue contributed to its eventual discontinuation, but not before a series of notable errors emerged.

Throughout this article, we will explore the various types of errors associated with the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, their causes, and their impact on collectors. By examining these details, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of why these coins are highly sought after by enthusiasts and how they contribute to the rich tapestry of American coinage history.

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The History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Types of 1979 Susan B. Anthony Errors
Die Errors in Susan B. Anthony Coins
Striking Errors and Their Impact
Doubled Dies and Their Value
Clipped Planchets and Their Rarity
Off-Center Strikes: A Collector's Dream
The Role of Error Coins in Numismatics
Collecting 1979 Susan B. Anthony Errors
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first introduced in 1979 as a response to the growing need for a small-sized dollar coin. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the coin featured the portrait of Susan B. Anthony, a renowned suffragist and civil rights activist, on its obverse side. This choice was groundbreaking, as it marked the first time a real woman appeared on a U.S. coin.

Despite its historical significance, the coin faced numerous challenges from the outset. Its similarity in size to the quarter led to widespread confusion, and many people mistook it for a 25-cent piece. This issue, combined with public resistance to carrying more coins, contributed to its limited circulation and eventual discontinuation in 1981.

However, the coin's legacy lives on through the errors that occurred during its production. These errors, which include die defects, striking issues, and planchet anomalies, have made the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar a favorite among collectors. Let's explore these errors in greater detail.

Types of 1979 Susan B. Anthony Errors

Errors in the minting process can occur at various stages, resulting in unique and sometimes valuable coins. The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar is no exception, with a wide range of errors that have fascinated collectors for decades. Below are some of the most common types of errors found in these coins:

Die Errors

Die errors occur when the dies used to strike the coins are damaged or improperly prepared. These errors can result in features such as doubled dies, die cracks, and die breaks. For example, the 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar is known for its Class III Doubled Die, which adds significant value to the coin.

Striking Errors

Striking errors happen during the actual striking process, where the planchet is not properly aligned or struck. These errors can lead to issues such as off-center strikes, double strikes, and weak strikes. Off-center strikes, in particular, are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and visual appeal.

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Planchet Errors

Planchet errors occur before the coin is struck, often due to defects in the metal blank itself. Examples include clipped planchets, laminations, and wrong planchet errors. Clipped planchets, where part of the coin is missing due to improper cutting of the blank, are a common type of error in the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar.

Die Errors in Susan B. Anthony Coins

Die errors are among the most intriguing types of minting mistakes, as they provide a glimpse into the intricacies of the minting process. In the case of the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, several notable die errors have been identified:

Doubled Dies: The Class III Doubled Die is one of the most famous errors in the series, affecting the 1979-S proof coins. This error results in a doubling of certain design elements, making the coin highly valuable.
Die Cracks: Cracks in the dies can create raised lines on the coin's surface, adding a unique characteristic to the piece.
Die Breaks: When a portion of the die breaks off, it can leave an unstruck area on the coin, creating a striking anomaly.

These errors not only enhance the coin's collectability but also offer insights into the challenges faced by mint workers during production.

Striking Errors and Their Impact

Striking errors occur when the planchet is not properly aligned or struck during the minting process. These errors can significantly alter the appearance of the coin and increase its value to collectors. Below are some common striking errors found in the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar:

Off-Center Strikes

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is not centered under the dies during striking. This results in part of the design being missing or incomplete. Off-center strikes are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Double Strikes

Double strikes happen when the coin is struck more than once, resulting in overlapping images. This error can create a fascinating visual effect and is often prized by collectors.

Weak Strikes

Weak strikes occur when the coin is not struck with enough force, leading to incomplete or faint design elements. While not as visually striking as other errors, weak strikes can still add value to a coin depending on their severity.

Doubled Dies and Their Value

Doubled dies are a type of die error where certain design elements appear doubled due to misalignment during the die production process. The 1979-S Susan B. Anthony dollar is particularly famous for its Class III Doubled Die, which affects the obverse side of the coin. This error is highly prized by collectors and can significantly increase the coin's value.

According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the Class III Doubled Die error is one of the most valuable varieties in the Susan B. Anthony series. Coins with this error can fetch thousands of dollars at auction, depending on their condition and rarity.

Clipped Planchets and Their Rarity

Clipped planchets occur when the metal blank is improperly cut, resulting in a portion of the coin being missing. This type of error is relatively common in the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar and can take several forms:

Curved Clip: A curved section of the coin is missing, often resembling a crescent shape.
Straight Clip: A straight edge of the coin is missing, usually due to improper cutting of the blank.
Partially Clipped Planchet: Only a portion of the planchet is clipped, resulting in a coin with an irregular shape.

While clipped planchets are not as rare as other types of errors, they still add value to the coin and are highly sought after by collectors.

Off-Center Strikes: A Collector's Dream

Off-center strikes are among the most visually striking errors in the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar series. These errors occur when the planchet is not properly aligned under the dies during striking, resulting in part of the design being missing or incomplete. The degree of off-centering can vary, with some coins being only slightly off-center while others are severely misaligned.

According to the American Numismatic Association (ANA), off-center strikes are highly prized by collectors due to their rarity and visual appeal. Coins with significant off-centering can fetch high prices at auction, especially if they are in excellent condition.

The Role of Error Coins in Numismatics

Error coins play an important role in the field of numismatics, offering insights into the minting process and the factors that can affect it. The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar errors provide a fascinating case study in this regard, showcasing the various types of mistakes that can occur during production.

For collectors, error coins represent a unique opportunity to acquire rare and valuable pieces that tell a story about the minting process. These coins are often studied and cataloged by experts, contributing to the broader understanding of numismatic history.

Collecting 1979 Susan B. Anthony Errors

Collecting error coins can be a rewarding hobby, offering the chance to own unique and historically significant pieces. When it comes to the 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, there are several factors to consider:

Rarity: Some errors, such as the Class III Doubled Die, are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Condition: The condition of the coin can significantly impact its value, with higher-grade coins often fetching higher prices.
Authentication: It is essential to have error coins authenticated by a reputable grading service, such as PCGS or NGC, to ensure their authenticity and value.

By focusing on these factors, collectors can build a valuable and interesting collection of 1979 Susan B. Anthony errors.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar errors represent a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history. From die defects to striking issues, these errors provide valuable insights into the minting process and the challenges faced by mint workers. As we have explored in this article, these coins are not only historically significant but also highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and unique characteristics.

We encourage readers to delve deeper into the world of numismatics and explore the many treasures it has to offer. If you have enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment or sharing it with others who may be interested in the topic. Additionally, feel free to explore our other articles on related subjects to further enhance your knowledge of coins and collecting.

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