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1979 D One Dollar Coin: A Comprehensive Guide To Value And Rarity

butchkaliva January 01, 2025

What is a 1979 D One Dollar Coin?

The 1979 D One Dollar Coin is a one-dollar coin struck by the United States Mint in 1979 at the Denver Mint. It is composed of copper and nickel and weighs 8.1 grams. The coin's obverse features a depiction of Sacagawea, a Native American woman who served as a guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the reverse features an American bald eagle landing on the Moon.

The 1979 D One Dollar Coin was the first coin in the United States to feature a Native American woman on its obverse. It was also the first coin to feature the American bald eagle landing on the Moon. The coin was designed by Glenna Goodacre and sculpted by Elizabeth Jones.

The 1979 D One Dollar Coin is a popular coin among collectors. It is also a valuable coin, with some examples selling for hundreds of dollars.

1979 D One Dollar Coin

The 1979 D One Dollar Coin is a significant numismatic item with various essential aspects:

Obverse: Sacagawea's depiction
Reverse: American bald eagle on the Moon
Designer: Glenna Goodacre
Sculptor: Elizabeth Jones
Composition: Copper and nickel
Weight: 8.1 grams
Mintage: 561,185,976
Value: Varies depending on condition and rarity

These aspects contribute to the coin's historical, artistic, and monetary significance. The unique designs commemorate Sacagawea's role in westward expansion and the 1969 lunar landing. The coin's composition and weight reflect the transition from silver to clad coinage. Its mintage and value provide insights into its availability and desirability among collectors.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin features a depiction of Sacagawea, a Native American woman who served as a guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This depiction is significant for several reasons.

First, it is the first time that a Native American woman has been featured on the obverse of a United States coin. This is a significant step forward in terms of representation and recognition of the role that Native Americans have played in American history.

Second, Sacagawea's depiction on the coin is a reminder of the important role that she played in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. She served as a guide, interpreter, and peacemaker, and her contributions were essential to the success of the expedition.

Finally, Sacagawea's depiction on the coin is a beautiful and iconic image. It is a reminder of the strength, resilience, and courage of Native American women.

In conclusion, the obverse of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is significant for its representation of Native American women, its reminder of Sacagawea's important role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and its beautiful and iconic image.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin features an American bald eagle landing on the Moon. This image is significant for several reasons.

First, it commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The bald eagle is a symbol of the United States, and its presence on the Moon represents the nation's triumph in space exploration.

Second, the image of the bald eagle on the Moon is a powerful symbol of hope and optimism. It represents the nation's ability to overcome challenges and achieve great things.

Third, the image of the bald eagle on the Moon is a reminder of the importance of exploration and discovery. It inspires us to continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge and achievement.

In conclusion, the reverse of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is a significant image that commemorates the Apollo 11 moon landing, symbolizes hope and optimism, and inspires us to continue to explore and discover.

3. Designer

Glenna Goodacre's role as the designer of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is significant for several reasons:

Artistic Vision: Goodacre's unique artistic style and attention to detail brought the coin's design to life. Her ability to capture the essence of Sacagawea and the American bald eagle on the Moon showcases her exceptional artistic talent.
Historical Significance: As the first Native American woman to design a United States coin, Goodacre made history. Her contribution to the coin's design not only commemorates Sacagawea's role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition but also recognizes the contributions of Native American women throughout history.
Cultural Impact: Goodacre's design has had a profound impact on American culture. The coin's widespread circulation has familiarized millions of Americans with Sacagawea's story and the significance of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Numismatic Value: Goodacre's design has contributed to the numismatic value of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin. Collectors highly prize coins with her initials, recognizing her artistic skill and the historical importance of her work.

In conclusion, Glenna Goodacre's role as the designer of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is significant for its artistic merit, historical importance, cultural impact, and numismatic value. Her design has left a lasting legacy on American coinage and continues to inspire and educate people today.

4. Sculptor

Elizabeth Jones' role as the sculptor of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is significant for several reasons:

Firstly, Jones' exceptional sculpting skills brought Glenna Goodacre's design to life. Her attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of Sacagawea and the American bald eagle on the Moon are evident in the coin's intricate and lifelike depiction.

Secondly, Jones' contribution to the coin's design is a testament to the importance of collaboration in art and design. Her ability to translate Goodacre's artistic vision into a tangible form showcases the synergy between designer and sculptor in creating a cohesive and impactful work of art.

Thirdly, Jones' role as a female sculptor is noteworthy. Her involvement in the creation of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin highlights the growing recognition of women's contributions to the field of art and design, particularly in the realm of coinage.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Jones' role as the sculptor of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is significant for her artistic skill, her contribution to the collaborative design process, and her representation as a female sculptor in a traditionally male-dominated field.

5. Composition

The composition of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin, primarily consisting of copper and nickel, holds significance in several aspects:

Durability and Longevity: Copper and nickel are robust metals, contributing to the coin's durability and longevity. This composition ensures the coin's resistance to wear and tear during circulation, preserving its physical integrity and aesthetic appeal over time.
Cost-Effectiveness: Copper and nickel are relatively affordable metals, making them a cost-effective choice for coin production. This factor allowed the United States Mint to produce a large quantity of coins without breaking the bank, ensuring their wide distribution and availability.
Distinctive Appearance: The combination of copper and nickel imparts a distinctive golden-silver appearance to the coin. This unique visual characteristic differentiates it from other coins and enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it easily recognizable and visually appealing.
Historical Precedent: The use of copper and nickel in the 1979 D One Dollar Coin follows a long tradition in American coinage. Many previous coins, including the popular Jefferson Nickel and Buffalo Nickel, were also composed of these metals. This continuity in composition establishes a sense of historical connection and familiarity.

In summary, the composition of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin, featuring copper and nickel, plays a vital role in its durability, cost-effectiveness, distinctive appearance, and historical significance, contributing to its overall value and appeal.

6. Weight

The weight of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin, precisely 8.1 grams, holds significance for several reasons:

It adheres to the specifications set by the United States Mint for dollar coins produced during that era. Maintaining a consistent weight ensures uniformity, facilitates accurate counting and sorting, and complies with established standards for coin production.

The weight of 8.1 grams contributes to the coin's durability and longevity. The substantial weight provides resistance to wear and tear during circulation, helping to preserve the coin's physical integrity and aesthetic appeal over time.

Furthermore, the weight plays a role in the coin's intrinsic value. The presence of 8.1 grams of copper and nickel imparts a certain metallic value to the coin, which, in addition to its numismatic value, contributes to its overall worth.

In summary, the weight of 8.1 grams is an essential component of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin, influencing its standardization, durability, and intrinsic value, all of which contribute to its practical and historical significance.

7. Mintage

The mintage of 561,185,976 for the 1979 D One Dollar Coin holds significance in several aspects:

It represents the total number of coins produced at the Denver Mint in 1979. This figure provides valuable information about the coin's rarity and availability in the numismatic market. Collectors and enthusiasts can use this data to assess the coin's scarcity and determine its potential value.

The mintage number contributes to the coin's historical context. It provides insights into the economic and monetary conditions of the United States during 1979. By examining the mintage figures of different years, researchers and historians can gain a better understanding of coin production trends and the overall health of the economy.

Furthermore, the mintage number has practical implications for collectors and investors. Coins with lower mintages are generally considered more valuable and desirable, as they are rarer and more difficult to obtain. This understanding allows collectors to make informed decisions when acquiring or selling coins, maximizing their investment potential.

In summary, the mintage of 561,185,976 for the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is a crucial component that influences its rarity, historical significance, and value in the numismatic market. Numismatists and collectors rely on this information to make informed decisions, appreciate the coin's historical context, and gauge its potential worth.

8. Value

The value of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is influenced by two primary factors: its condition and rarity. Condition refers to the physical state of the coin, including factors such as wear, scratches, and discoloration. Rarity refers to the number of coins produced and their availability in the market.

Coins in mint condition, with no visible signs of wear or damage, are generally more valuable than those that have been circulated and show signs of wear. The rarity of a coin also plays a significant role in determining its value. Coins with lower mintages are generally more valuable than those with higher mintages, as they are rarer and more difficult to obtain.

Understanding the relationship between condition and rarity is crucial for collectors and investors. By carefully examining the condition and researching the mintage figures of a particular coin, they can make informed decisions about its value and potential worth. This understanding allows them to build valuable collections, make sound investments, and appreciate the historical significance of numismatic items.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1979 D One Dollar Coin

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding the 1979 D One Dollar Coin, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What is the significance of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin?

Answer: The 1979 D One Dollar Coin holds historical significance as the first coin to feature a Native American woman (Sacagawea) on its obverse and the American bald eagle landing on the Moon on its reverse, commemorating both Sacagawea's role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the 10th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Question 2: Who designed and sculpted the coin?

Answer: Glenna Goodacre designed the coin, and Elizabeth Jones sculpted it, making history as the first Native American woman and the first female sculptor, respectively, to design and sculpt a United States coin.

Question 3: What is the composition of the coin?

Answer: The coin is composed primarily of copper and nickel, providing durability, cost-effectiveness, a distinctive appearance, and historical continuity with previous American coins.

Question 4: How many coins were minted?

Answer: The Denver Mint produced 561,185,976 coins in 1979, influencing the coin's rarity and value in the numismatic market.

Question 5: What factors determine the value of the coin?

Answer: The value of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin is primarily influenced by its condition and rarity. Coins in mint condition and with lower mintages are generally more valuable.

These questions and answers provide a comprehensive overview of the 1979 D One Dollar Coin, its historical significance, artistic contributions, composition, mintage, and factors affecting its value. Understanding these aspects enhances appreciation for this unique and valuable numismatic item.

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Conclusion

The 1979 D One Dollar Coin stands as a testament to the rich history, artistic excellence, and cultural significance of American coinage. Its unique design, featuring Sacagawea and the American bald eagle on the Moon, commemorates the contributions of Native Americans and celebrates the nation's achievements in exploration and space travel.

Beyond its historical and symbolic value, the 1979 D One Dollar Coin remains a popular and valuable numismatic item. Its composition, mintage, and condition all contribute to its worth, making it a sought-after piece for collectors and investors alike.