The Susan B. Anthony nickel coin is a fascinating piece of American currency that honors the life and legacy of a pioneering women's rights activist. While it may not be as widely recognized as some other coins, the Susan B. Anthony nickel has a rich history and several interesting facts surrounding it. Let's dive in and explore some of the most intriguing aspects of this unique coin.
History of the Susan B. Anthony Nickel
The Susan B. Anthony nickel was first minted in 1979 and was designed to commemorate the centennial of Anthony's 1872 arrest for voting in the presidential election. The coin was authorized by Congress in 1978, and its production was supervised by the United States Mint.
Design and Features
The Susan B. Anthony nickel features a portrait of Anthony on the obverse (front) side, while the reverse (back) side depicts an eagle flying above the White House. The coin's design was created by sculptor Frank Gasparro, who aimed to capture Anthony's likeness and spirit.
One notable feature of the coin is the lack of a distinctive edge. Unlike other coins, which often have a ridged or reeded edge, the Susan B. Anthony nickel has a smooth edge. This design choice was made to reduce production costs and make the coin easier to manufacture.
Interesting Facts About the Susan B. Anthony Nickel
Here are seven interesting facts about the Susan B. Anthony nickel:
- The coin was initially met with controversy: When the Susan B. Anthony nickel was first introduced, many people were confused by its design. Some critics argued that the coin's portrait of Anthony was unflattering, while others felt that the eagle on the reverse side was too small.
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The coin was only produced for four years: Despite its initial controversy, the Susan B. Anthony nickel was well-received by many collectors and historians. However, due to its design similarities to the quarter, the coin was discontinued in 1981.
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The coin is no longer in circulation: Although the Susan B. Anthony nickel is no longer produced or circulated, it remains a popular collector's item. Many coin enthusiasts and historians continue to appreciate the coin's unique design and historical significance.
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The coin has a rare error: In 1979, a small batch of Susan B. Anthony nickels was produced with a rare error. The error, known as the "near-date" error, features a date that is slightly closer to the rim than usual.
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The coin is made from a unique metal composition: Unlike other coins, which are typically made from copper or nickel, the Susan B. Anthony nickel is composed of a unique metal alloy. The coin's metal composition is 75% copper, 25% nickel, and a small amount of other metals.
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The coin was minted in several locations: During its production run, the Susan B. Anthony nickel was minted in several locations, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
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The coin has a lasting legacy: Despite its relatively short production run, the Susan B. Anthony nickel has left a lasting impact on American currency and numismatics. The coin's design and historical significance continue to inspire collectors and historians today.
Gallery of Susan B. Anthony Nickels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Susan B. Anthony nickel?
+The Susan B. Anthony nickel is a coin that was minted in the United States from 1979 to 1981. It features a portrait of Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering women's rights activist, on the obverse (front) side, and an eagle on the reverse (back) side.
Why was the Susan B. Anthony nickel discontinued?
+The Susan B. Anthony nickel was discontinued due to its design similarities to the quarter. Many people had trouble distinguishing between the two coins, which led to confusion and inconvenience.
Is the Susan B. Anthony nickel valuable?
+The Susan B. Anthony nickel is a collector's item and can be valuable depending on its condition and rarity. However, its value is generally lower than that of other coins due to its relatively short production run and lack of distinctive features.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about the Susan B. Anthony nickel! Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of numismatics, this coin is sure to fascinate and inspire. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!