5 Secrets Of The Nickle Susan B Anthony Coin

Crafted with intrigue and draped in layers of history, the Nickel Susan B. Anthony coin is a numismatic enigma worth exploring. While not actually minted as a nickel denomination, this coin's name hints at the public's frequent confusion with the copper-nickel clad Susan B. Anthony dollar that it resembles. Here we delve into five secrets that make this coin not just a collector's item but also a storytelling icon.

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar: An Overlooked Marvel

The Susan B. Anthony dollar, introduced in 1979, was meant to modernize American currency by replacing the larger Eisenhower dollar with a smaller, easily stackable coin. This coin was the first to feature a historical figure other than a president or statesman — Susan B. Anthony, the legendary suffrage leader.

Mistaken Identity

The similarity to a nickel led to confusion among the public:

• Size: Its 26.5 mm diameter almost matched the nickel's 21.21 mm.
• Color: The copper-nickel clad coin was often mistaken for the five-cent piece due to its appearance.

This public perception often leads to the coin being called the "nickel Susan B Anthony coin," a moniker born of confusion rather than official designation.

The Mistake that Shaped its Fate

- **Colloquial Misnaming**: Many people referred to it as the "Susan B Anthony nickel," skewing its numismatic identity.
- **Merchandising**: Merchants often declined the coin, mistaking it for a nickel due to its similar size.

The Coin's Hidden Features

Despite its misidentification, the coin boasts several intriguing design elements:

• Obverse: Features a right-facing portrait of Susan B. Anthony, designed by Frank Gasparro.
• Reverse: The coin's back shows an adapted version of the Apollo 11 insignia, symbolizing the moon landing in 1969.
• Edge: Unlike other coins, the Susan B. Anthony dollar has 11 sides for the purpose of stackability.

Aesthetic Decisions and Their Impact

<p class="pro-note">⚒️ Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the coin's edge for its unique reeded and serrated design, which makes it identifiable from other quarters and nickels.</p>

The Unique Composition

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was one of the first coins to employ a copper-nickel alloy clad in a pure copper center:

| Layer               | Composition               |
|---------------------|---------------------------|
| Outer Layer         | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel    |
| Inner Layer (Core)  | Pure Copper (Cu)          |

This composition not only created an issue with misidentification but also resulted in an interesting outcome when circulated:

• Sound Difference: The alloy's composition gives the coin a unique 'ring' when tapped or dropped, which is higher pitched than other coins due to its material density.

The Mint's Innovation

The Treasury Department, in a bid to reduce production costs, decided to use the same planchets as the smaller U.S. coins. This decision, while cost-effective, contributed to the coin's identity crisis:

• Planchet Choice: Using a dime's planchet for a dollar was an innovative move that aimed at reducing the coin's size and weight.

Production Challenges

• Press Problems: The smaller planchet size meant the Mint had to adjust its coinage presses, which initially struggled with producing high volumes of Susan B. Anthony dollars.

<p class="pro-note">🔨 Pro Tip: Recognize the coin's production struggles by its sometimes off-centered strikes, resulting from minting adjustments.</p>

The Coin's Cultural Impact

Although it was only in circulation for a brief period, the Susan B. Anthony dollar left a significant cultural impact:

• Promoting Equality: Honoring Susan B. Anthony recognized her contributions to the suffrage movement and symbolized progress in women's rights.
• Collecting Interest: Despite initial public aversion, the coin gained popularity among collectors who appreciated its unique design and history.

A Modern Icon

• Commemorative Issues: The coin was reissued in 1999 for numismatic purposes, recognizing its historical significance.
• Cultural Representation: Today, the coin serves as a reminder of Susan B. Anthony's activism, making it more than just currency — it's a piece of social history.

The Susan B. Anthony Effect

The coin's introduction led to debates over the use of real historical figures on U.S. currency:

• Debate on Figures: Its design prompted discussions on whose likeness should grace our currency and why.
• Nurturing Change: The coin's legacy planted seeds for changes in U.S. coinage, including honoring Native Americans on coins like the Sacagawea dollar.

The Confusion Continues

Even today, the "nickel Susan B Anthony coin" name persists, despite its actual denomination:

• Public Perception: People continue to refer to it colloquially, illustrating the lasting impact of the initial mistake.
• Numismatic Jargon: Collectors and enthusiasts acknowledge the coin's misnomer, using it as a shorthand for the coin.

Resolving the Misnomer

Understanding why the Susan B. Anthony dollar was mistaken for a nickel can aid in:

• Education: Teaching collectors and the public about correct identification.
• Preservation: Ensuring the coin's history isn't overshadowed by its confusion.

A Coin's Journey

From its initial production to today, the Susan B. Anthony dollar has been on a fascinating journey, proving that even a minor mistake can have enduring effects:

<p class="pro-note">🔍 Pro Tip: Next time you're sorting through your change, remember to keep an eye out for the "nickel" looking Susan B. Anthony dollar — a testament to history's quirks.</p>

The Final Thoughts

Exploring the "nickel Susan B Anthony coin" secrets, we've revealed a coin of profound historical significance and enduring fascination. Far from an ordinary dollar, its confusion with the nickel is a legacy of coinage, memory, and human interaction with currency.

Key Takeaways:

• The Susan B. Anthony dollar's design, composition, and public misunderstanding made it unique.
• Its cultural and historical significance is tied to the suffrage movement and numismatics alike.
• Although mistaken for a nickel, the coin offers a deeper insight into the evolution of American coinage and public perception.

We encourage you to delve into related numismatic articles, uncovering more stories from the fascinating world of coin collecting. Understanding the past and present of our currency can enrich your appreciation for the economics, art, and history interwoven in the coins that pass through our hands daily.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is the Susan B. Anthony dollar made of nickel?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, while it resembles a nickel due to its size and copper-nickel clad composition, the coin is a dollar.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why was the Susan B. Anthony dollar discontinued?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>It was discontinued due to public confusion with the nickel, lack of public acceptance, and the introduction of the Sacagawea dollar.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I identify a Susan B. Anthony dollar?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Look for Susan B. Anthony's portrait on the obverse and the moon landing insignia on the reverse, along with the edge reeding.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are Susan B. Anthony dollars worth collecting?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely. The coin's unique history, composition, and design make it an interesting piece for numismatic collections.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why was Susan B. Anthony chosen to be on a coin?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>She was chosen to honor her pivotal role in the suffrage movement and to highlight women's contributions to American history.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>