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Discover The Surprising Value Of Susan B. Anthony Quarters

butchkaliva December 28, 2024

What is the value of Susan B. Anthony quarters? The Susan B. Anthony dollar is a coin that was minted in the United States from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999. It is composed of copper and nickel and has a diameter of 26.5 mm. The coin was designed by Frank Gasparro and features a likeness of Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an American eagle landing on the Moon on the reverse.

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was intended to replace the Eisenhower dollar, which was unpopular due to its large size and weight. However, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was also unpopular, and it was often mistaken for a quarter due to its similar size and color. As a result, the coin was discontinued in 1981.

In 1999, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted again for one year only. This time, the coin was struck in a clad composition of copper and nickel-plated steel. The clad composition made the coin more distinctive and less likely to be mistaken for a quarter. However, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was still not popular, and it was finally discontinued in 2000.

Today, Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth their face value of one dollar. However, some rare varieties of the coin can be worth more. For example, a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar with a double-die obverse error can be worth up to $200.

Value of Susan B. Anthony Quarters

Susan B. Anthony quarters, minted from 1979 to 1981 and 1999, hold historical and monetary significance. Here are seven key aspects to consider:

Composition: Copper-nickel clad
Diameter: 26.5 mm
Weight: 5.67 grams
Designer: Frank Gasparro
Obverse: Susan B. Anthony's likeness
Reverse: American eagle landing on the Moon
Value: Face value of one dollar

Susan B. Anthony quarters faced challenges due to their similarity to quarters, leading to their discontinuation in 1981. Their reintroduction in 1999 with a clad composition aimed to address this issue. Despite their unpopularity, they remain in circulation today. Rare varieties, such as those with double-die errors, hold higher value among collectors.

1. Composition

The composition of Susan B. Anthony quarters, specifically copper-nickel clad, plays a crucial role in determining their value. Copper-nickel clad refers to a combination of copper and nickel used in the coin's construction. This composition offers several advantages:

Durability: Copper-nickel clad is a robust material that resists wear and tear, ensuring the longevity of the coin in circulation.
Distinctive appearance: The copper-nickel composition gives Susan B. Anthony quarters a unique golden color, distinguishing them from other coins and reducing the likelihood of confusion with quarters, which are composed of copper-plated steel.
Cost-effectiveness: Copper-nickel clad is a relatively inexpensive material, making it a practical choice for producing large quantities of coins.

The use of copper-nickel clad in Susan B. Anthony quarters enhances their value by ensuring their durability, distinctiveness, and affordability. These factors contribute to the coin's functionality as a reliable medium of exchange and its appeal to collectors seeking well-preserved and visually distinctive pieces.

2. Diameter

The diameter of Susan B. Anthony quarters, measuring 26.5 mm, holds significance in determining their value. This specific dimension contributes to the coin's:

Distinctive size: The 26.5 mm diameter differentiates Susan B. Anthony quarters from other coins in circulation, including quarters, which have a diameter of 24.26 mm. This difference in size makes them easily identifiable and reduces the likelihood of confusion, enhancing their practicality as a medium of exchange.
Standardized dimensions: The consistent 26.5 mm diameter ensures uniformity among Susan B. Anthony quarters, facilitating their production, stacking, and counting. This standardization streamlines processes involving large quantities of coins, enhancing their efficiency and accuracy.
Compatibility with vending machines and coin-operated devices: The standardized diameter of 26.5 mm allows Susan B. Anthony quarters to be seamlessly accepted by vending machines and coin-operated devices, ensuring their wide-ranging functionality and acceptance in various commercial settings.
Historical significance: The 26.5 mm diameter aligns with the dimensions of previous U.S. quarters, maintaining a sense of continuity and familiarity within the coinage system. This historical connection adds to the value of Susan B. Anthony quarters, particularly among collectors who appreciate the preservation of traditional coin specifications.

In summary, the 26.5 mm diameter of Susan B. Anthony quarters contributes to their distinct identity, practical functionality, and historical significance, all of which influence their value and desirability.

3. Weight

The weight of Susan B. Anthony quarters, precisely 5.67 grams, plays a significant role in determining their value. This specific weight contributes to the coin's:

Standardized weight: The consistent 5.67-gram weight ensures uniformity among Susan B. Anthony quarters, facilitating their production, stacking, and counting. This standardization streamlines processes involving large quantities of coins, enhancing their efficiency and accuracy.
Distinctive feel: The weight of 5.67 grams provides a distinctive tactile sensation when handling Susan B. Anthony quarters, aiding in their identification and distinguishing them from other coins. This unique feel enhances the coin's practicality, especially in situations where visual inspection is limited.
Quality control: Maintaining a precise weight of 5.67 grams serves as a quality control measure during the production process. Adherence to this specification ensures that Susan B. Anthony quarters meet the required standards of weight and composition, enhancing their overall value and reliability.
Historical significance: The 5.67-gram weight aligns with the weight of previous U.S. quarters, maintaining a sense of continuity and familiarity within the coinage system. This historical connection adds to the value of Susan B. Anthony quarters, particularly among collectors who appreciate the preservation of traditional coin specifications.

In summary, the weight of 5.67 grams for Susan B. Anthony quarters contributes to their uniformity, distinctive feel, quality control, and historical significance, all of which influence their value and desirability.

4. Designer

Frank Gasparro's role as the designer of the Susan B. Anthony quarter significantly contributes to its value. Gasparro was a renowned coin and medal designer whose artistic vision and technical skills left an enduring mark on U.S. coinage. His design for the Susan B. Anthony quarter showcases his mastery in creating visually appealing and symbolically meaningful numismatic art.

Gasparro's design for the Susan B. Anthony quarter features a realistic and dignified portrayal of Susan B. Anthony, a prominent suffragist and civil rights activist. The obverse of the coin captures her strong and determined expression, while the reverse depicts an American eagle landing on the Moon, symbolizing the nation's progress and achievements. Gasparro's attention to detail and skillful execution resulted in a coin that is both aesthetically pleasing and historically significant.

The artistic merit and historical significance associated with Frank Gasparro's design add to the value of Susan B. Anthony quarters. His work is recognized and appreciated by collectors, historians, and the general public, making these coins desirable and sought-after. Gasparro's design not only serves as a tribute to Susan B. Anthony's legacy but also represents a valuable piece of American history and culture.

5. Obverse

The obverse of the Susan B. Anthony quarter, featuring the likeness of Susan B. Anthony, holds significant value in determining the coin's overall worth. This prominent depiction of the renowned suffragist and civil rights activist serves as a powerful symbol of her legacy and contributions to American society.

The inclusion of Susan B. Anthony's likeness on the coin elevates its value by establishing a direct connection to a historical figure of great importance. Her unwavering advocacy for women's rights and her role in shaping the nation's history make her an iconic figure whose presence on the coin adds to its historical significance and desirability.

Furthermore, the artistic execution of Susan B. Anthony's likeness on the quarter is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the coin's designer, Frank Gasparro. The realistic and dignified portrayal captures her strong character and determination, enhancing the coin's aesthetic appeal and making it a sought-after piece among collectors.

In summary, the obverse of the Susan B. Anthony quarter, featuring Susan B. Anthony's likeness, significantly contributes to the coin's value by embodying her historical legacy, artistic significance, and collectible nature.

6. Reverse

The depiction of the American eagle landing on the Moon on the reverse of the Susan B. Anthony quarter holds significant value in determining the coin's overall worth and desirability.

This symbolic imagery commemorates the historic achievement of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, when American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon. The inclusion of this event on the coin adds historical significance and emotional resonance, elevating its value among collectors and enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the American eagle, a national symbol representing strength, courage, and freedom, reinforces the patriotic sentiment associated with the Susan B. Anthony quarter. This powerful imagery resonates with individuals who value American history and heritage, making the coin a sought-after piece for collectors and a cherished keepsake for many.

In summary, the reverse of the Susan B. Anthony quarter, featuring the American eagle landing on the Moon, significantly contributes to the coin's value by embodying historical significance, patriotic symbolism, and collectible appeal.

7. Value

The "face value" refers to the monetary worth assigned to a coin or currency note by the issuing authority, in this case, the United States government. The face value of the Susan B. Anthony quarter is one dollar, indicating its legal tender value for goods and services.

Medium of Exchange: The face value of a coin establishes its role as a medium of exchange, allowing it to be used for transactions and purchases. The Susan B. Anthony quarter, with its face value of one dollar, can be used to purchase items worth one dollar or less.
Legal Tender: The face value also determines the coin's status as legal tender, meaning it is recognized by law as a valid form of payment for debts and obligations. Susan B. Anthony quarters are legal tender for all debts, public and private, up to the amount of one dollar.
Intrinsic Value: While the face value of a coin represents its monetary worth, it may not always reflect its intrinsic value, which is based on the metal content or other factors. Susan B. Anthony quarters, composed of copper-nickel clad, have an intrinsic value that is lower than their face value.
Collector's Value: In addition to their face value, Susan B. Anthony quarters may also have collector's value due to their historical significance, rarity, or condition. Some rare varieties or well-preserved examples may be worth more than their face value to collectors.

The face value of one dollar assigned to the Susan B. Anthony quarter establishes its monetary worth, legal tender status, and role as a medium of exchange. While its intrinsic value may be lower, the coin's historical significance and collector's value can contribute to its overall worth and desirability.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Value of Susan B. Anthony Quarters

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding the value of Susan B. Anthony quarters.

Question 1: What is the face value of a Susan B. Anthony quarter?

The face value of a Susan B. Anthony quarter is one dollar, as indicated on the coin itself. This means that it is worth one dollar in transactions and is considered legal tender for all debts, public and private.

Question 2: What is the intrinsic value of a Susan B. Anthony quarter?

The intrinsic value of a Susan B. Anthony quarter is the value of the metal it contains. Susan B. Anthony quarters are composed of copper-nickel clad, which has a lower intrinsic value than one dollar. Therefore, the intrinsic value of a Susan B. Anthony quarter is less than its face value.

Question 3: Are Susan B. Anthony quarters rare?

Susan B. Anthony quarters are not considered rare in general. They were produced in large quantities from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999. However, certain varieties or errors, such as the 1979 double-die obverse error, can be rare and valuable to collectors.

Question 4: Why were Susan B. Anthony quarters unpopular?

Susan B. Anthony quarters faced criticism due to their similarity in size and color to quarters, leading to confusion and rejection by vending machines and other coin-operated devices. Their unpopularity ultimately led to their discontinuation in 1981.

Question 5: Are Susan B. Anthony quarters still in circulation?

Yes, Susan B. Anthony quarters are still in circulation today. While they are not as common as other coins, they remain legal tender and can be used for transactions and purchases.

In summary, the value of Susan B. Anthony quarters is determined by a combination of factors, including their face value, intrinsic value, rarity, and historical significance. Despite their unpopularity, they remain in circulation and hold value as legal tender and collector's items.

Transition to the next article section: Exploring the historical context and impact of Susan B. Anthony quarters.

Conclusion

The value of Susan B. Anthony quarters lies in their historical significance, symbolic representation, and monetary worth. As the first U.S. coin to feature a woman on its obverse, they represent a milestone in the fight for gender equality. The depiction of the American eagle landing on the Moon further adds to their historical significance, commemorating a pivotal moment in human space exploration.

Despite initial challenges due to their similarity to quarters, Susan B. Anthony quarters remain in circulation today as legal tender. Their intrinsic value is lower than their face value, but their historical significance and collector's value contribute to their overall worth. The story of the Susan B. Anthony quarter serves as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality while showcasing the nation's advancements in space exploration and technological innovation.