Eisenhower and Susan B. Anthony Dollars: Size, Composition and Variety

Eisenhower dollars: large size and multiple compositions

Eisenhower dollars span 1971–1978. Regular circulation coins are copper-nickel clad, while special collector issues include 40 percent silver Uncirculated and Proof coins. A silver-colored photograph does not establish silver composition.

The regular reverse adapts the Apollo 11 emblem. Bicentennial coins use a different reverse and a dual date. Record that design explicitly rather than treating it as an ordinary annual eagle-reverse issue.

Bicentennial dollars also have two principal lettering varieties. A variety study needs clear reverse photographs and a reliable comparison reference. “Type 1” without the series and design context can be confusing because the same phrase is used elsewhere for unrelated coin classifications.

For a first set, decide whether composition, reverse design or dates are the main organizing feature. If you include both clad and silver collector coins, identify them in the checklist instead of allowing the holder’s numerical grade to dominate the description.

Susan B. Anthony dollars: a smaller format with a gap

Susan B. Anthony dollars were issued in 1979–1981 and again in 1999. The long pause matters: the series is not a continuous run of twenty-one annual dates. Anthony’s portrait replaces Eisenhower, while the regular reverse retains the moon-landing eagle theme.

Certain Proof issues distinguish mintmark types, including Type 1 and Type 2 classifications for 1979-S and 1981-S. Use the date-specific reference. The phrase “Type 2” is not one universal diagnostic applied identically to every year.

A rim or mintmark variety claim should be supported by a close photograph and the full coin. Do not let a tightly cropped image remove the context needed to establish the date and issue.

The featured 1980-S image is a Susan B. Anthony dollar. It represents the smaller series and does not demonstrate either of the two-year Proof mintmark comparisons.

Use a side-by-side study carefully

Photograph the two denominations at the same scale if physical size is part of the explanation. When images are scaled to equal width, tell the reader that the visual comparison is of design rather than diameter.

Keep finish, composition, mintmark variety and grade in separate fields. This makes it possible to compare two Proofs without accidentally equating a silver Eisenhower issue with a clad Anthony coin.

For slabbed pieces, retain the complete label and certification number, then use a closer coin image for visual study. The two views serve different purposes: one documents the assigned identity, while the other makes the design and surfaces easier to inspect.