The 1979 Anthony dollar, marked with the “FG” initials of its designer Frank Gasparro, represents a transitional period in United States coinage. It was intended to replace the larger Eisenhower dollar but ultimately failed to gain widespread acceptance due to its similar size to the quarter, leading to confusion among the public. The coin features a portrait of Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an eagle landing on the moon on the reverse, a design element also seen on the Eisenhower dollar.
These coins hold value not only for their intrinsic metal content (none in this particular dollar) but also as collectibles representing an important, albeit short-lived, chapter in American numismatic history. They illustrate an attempt to modernize coinage and honor a significant figure in the women’s suffrage movement. The low relief design and distinctive composition contributed to its mixed reception, but it remains a sought-after piece for many collectors, especially those in uncirculated condition or with specific mint marks.