Modern Dollars: Susan B. Anthony, Sacagawea & Presidential

The Small Dollar Era

After the large Eisenhower dollar proved too bulky for commerce, the US Mint introduced smaller dollar coins starting in 1979. While none have achieved widespread circulation (Americans prefer the dollar bill), these coins offer collectors affordable variety, interesting errors, and some genuine rarities.

Susan B. Anthony Dollars (1979–1981, 1999)

The first small dollar, designed by Frank Gasparro. Its major problem: at 26.5mm, it was nearly identical in size and color to the quarter, causing constant confusion.

Key Varieties

• 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) — The date is closer to the rim than normal. $10+ in MS-63. Scarcer than the narrow rim.
• 1981-S Type 2 Proof — A clearer, more sharply detailed S mint mark. $200+ in PR-69.
• 1999-P and 1999-D — Produced to fill a vending machine shortage while the Sacagawea dollar was being prepared. Common.

Sacagawea Dollars (2000–2008) / Native American Dollars (2009–present)

The golden-colored Sacagawea dollar was designed by Glenna Goodacre. Made of manganese brass clad, its distinctive color and smooth edge distinguish it from quarters.

Key Varieties

• 2000-P Cheerios Dollar — Approximately 5,500 coins with enhanced tail feather detail were included in Cheerios cereal boxes as a promotion. $1,500+ in MS-65. A modern rarity.
• 2000-P Wounded Eagle — A die flaw creates a mark on the eagle's breast. $100+ in MS-63.
• 2000-P "Goodacre Presentation" — Special finish coins given to designer Glenna Goodacre as payment. Only 5,000 made. $400+.

Starting in 2009, the reverse changes annually to honor Native American contributions (agriculture, code talkers, treaties, etc.).

Presidential Dollars (2007–2016)

Honoring US Presidents in order of service, four designs per year. Notable for edge-lettered inscriptions (date, mint mark, "IN GOD WE TRUST," "E PLURIBUS UNUM").

Famous Errors

• "Godless" dollars — Missing edge lettering (no "IN GOD WE TRUST"). 2007 Washington and Adams issues with missing edge lettering: $50–$200+ depending on the President and condition.
• Doubled/overlapping edge lettering — Some coins received edge lettering twice. $50+.
• Wrong planchet errors — Presidential dollars struck on Sacagawea planchets or vice versa. $500+.

After 2011, Presidential dollars were produced only for collectors, not for circulation.

American Innovation Dollars (2018–2032)

The current dollar coin program honors innovation and innovators from each state and territory. Four designs per year. Common at face value but silver proof versions are collectible.

Collecting Strategies

• Complete small dollar set — All SBA, Sacagawea, Presidential, and Innovation dollars from circulation. Very affordable (face value for most).
• Error focus — Presidential dollar edge lettering errors are the most collectible modern dollar errors.
• Proof sets — Annual proof sets include dollar coins in both clad and silver versions.
• Cheerios dollar — The 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea is a modern key coin worth pursuing for variety collectors.

Series Conclusion

Over 15 articles, we've toured every major US coin denomination from the 1793 Chain Cent to modern Innovation dollars. Each series has its own personality, key dates, and collector community. The best way to deepen your knowledge is to start collecting — pick a series that excites you, visit a coin show, connect with knowledgeable dealers, and begin building your collection one coin at a time.

Explore our other educational series on the Learn page for more numismatic knowledge.