1979-D Susan B. Anthony One Dollar Coin

This is a United States one-dollar coin featuring the likeness of social reformer Susan B. Anthony, minted in 1979. The coin is composed of a copper-nickel clad material (75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core), giving it a silver-colored metallic appearance. The obverse side depicts a right-facing profile of Anthony with her hair in a bun, surrounded by the word 'LIBERTY' at the top, the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' to the right, and the date '1979' at the bottom. A distinctive eleven-sided (hendecagonal) inner border rim is visible, designed to help distinguish the coin from a quarter by touch. This specific specimen features a 'D' mint mark located above the right shoulder of the figure, indicating it was minted at the Denver Mint. The coin shows clear signs of circulation, including numerous small surface scratches, 'bag marks,' and contact dings throughout the fields and on the portrait's high points. There is a visible dulling of the original mint luster, replaced by a greyish patina typical of circulated base-metal coinage. The edge is reeded, and the overall strike is average for the period. While it shows no major structural damage or deep gouges, the wear on the hair details and lace collar suggests a mid-range circulated grade. This coin represents the first year of the Susan B. Anthony dollar series, which was notable for being the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than an allegorical figure.

I have examined the 1979-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar described. Based on the visual evidence, the coin is an authentic circulation-strike specimen from the Denver Mint. The condition is consistent with a mid-range circulated grade (likely Very Fine to Extremely Fine). I observe significant 'bag marks,' surface abrasions, and a loss of original mint luster, replaced by a dull grey patina. These wear patterns on the high points of the hair and the distinctive hendecagonal border are typical for coins that saw active use in commerce. The market for 1979-D dollars is constrained by massive mintages; over 288 million were produced at the Denver facility alone. These coins are not rare and are frequently found in circulation or bank hoards. Comparables show that circulated examples typically hold only their face value or a negligible premium. High-value specimens are strictly limited to those in near-perfect Uncirculated condition (MS67 or higher) or those featuring rare 'Near Date' varieties, which this specimen does not possess. While the coin appears genuine, a digital image cannot verify weight, specific gravity, or metallic composition to rule out sophisticated counterfeits or plated alterations. A physical examination using a calibrated scale and a 10x loupe would be required to confirm the absence of 'added' mint marks and to precisely determine the grade. For an official valuation, submission to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC would be needed, though the cost of grading would exceed the market value of the coin.