The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar and the Sacagawea dollar are two of the most recognized modern U.S. dollar coins. While both share the same size and weight, they differ in design, composition, history, and collectible value. This detailed comparison highlights the features, facts, and figures that make each coin unique for collectors and enthusiasts.
Origins and Design
Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979–1981, 1999):
Introduced in 1979, it was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a real woman, honoring women’s rights leader Susan B. Anthony. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the obverse shows Anthony’s portrait, while the reverse features the Apollo 11 mission eagle landing on the moon.
Sacagawea Dollar (2000–present):
Released in 2000, this coin honors Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark. Designed by Glenna Goodacre, it depicts Sacagawea carrying her infant. The reverse initially featured a soaring eagle (2000–2008), later replaced by annually changing Native American designs from 2009 onward.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Susan B. Anthony Dollar | Sacagawea Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Years Minted | 1979–1981, 1999 | 2000–present |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm | 26.5 mm |
| Weight | 8.1 g | 8.1 g |
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad | Manganese-brass clad |
| Edge | Reeded | Plain (2000–2008), lettered (2009–present) |
| Color | Silver-gray | Golden |
| Key Obverse | Susan B. Anthony | Sacagawea with infant |
| Key Reverse | Apollo 11 eagle | Soaring eagle / Native American themes |
Notable Varieties and Rarities
SBA Dollar Highlights:
- 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date): Scarcer than the Narrow Rim, highly collectible.
- 1999 Issue: Produced in limited numbers, often carries a premium.
High-grade proofs and mint errors can be valuable.
Sacagawea Dollar Highlights:
- 2000-P “Cheerios” Dollar: Distributed in cereal boxes with enhanced tail feathers; now a prized rarity.
- 2000-P Mule Error: Washington Quarter obverse paired with a Sacagawea reverse; has sold for six-figure prices.
Collectible Native American series reverses beginning in 2009.
Collector Market and Value
- Everyday SBA and Sacagawea dollars in circulated condition typically trade close to face value.
- Uncirculated and proof versions bring higher premiums depending on grade.
- Key rarities like the 1979-P Wide Rim, the Cheerios Dollar, or the Mule Error can fetch thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
- Certification by grading services significantly boosts trust and marketability.
The Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea dollars may appear similar, but their designs, compositions, and historical contexts make them distinct. While most are worth face value, specific varieties like the 1979-P Wide Rim or 2000-P Mule Error can command impressive sums, making them exciting finds for collectors.
FAQs
Why was the Susan B. Anthony dollar unpopular?
It was often mistaken for a quarter due to its size and color, leading to limited public acceptance.
What makes the Sacagawea dollar more recognizable?
Its golden color and unique design helped distinguish it from quarters, reducing confusion in circulation.
Which coin is more valuable to collectors?
Both have collectible varieties, but the Sacagawea Mule Error and Cheerios Dollar are among the most valuable modern U.S. dollar coins.