The Susan B. Anthony Dollar and Kennedy Half Dollar are two coins that, despite their historical significance, never quite caught on with the public. Both were introduced with high hopes but faced challenges that kept them from becoming everyday money. In this article, we’ll explore why these coins struggled, breaking down the reasons in simple terms. Whether you’re a coin collector or just curious, you’ll learn the key factors behind their lack of popularity, backed by clear explanations and a handy comparison table.
What Are These Coins?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, Susan B. Anthony, a champion for women’s voting rights. It was meant to replace the bulky Eisenhower Dollar and make a smaller, easier-to-use coin. But despite its noble goal, it never became popular.
The Kennedy Half Dollar
Launched in 1964, the Kennedy Half Dollar honored President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. It was meant to be a widely used coin, but it quickly became more of a keepsake than pocket change. Even today, you rarely see it in daily transactions.
Why Did These Coins Struggle?
Both the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and Kennedy Half Dollar faced issues that stopped them from being widely used. Let’s break down the main reasons.
1. Design and Size Confusion
Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar looked too much like a quarter. It was only slightly larger, and both coins had similar edges and colors. This caused confusion at cash registers, as people often mistook one for the other. The lack of a distinct look made it hard for the public to embrace it.
Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar was larger and heavier than other coins, making it less practical for daily use. Its size (30.6 mm) was bigger than a quarter (24.3 mm), which made it feel bulky in wallets or pockets. People preferred smaller coins for convenience.
2. Public Sentiment and Habits
Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar came at a time when people were used to paper dollar bills. Many didn’t see the need for a dollar coin, especially one that wasn’t easy to tell apart from other coins. The public’s attachment to paper money was a big hurdle.
Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar carried emotional weight due to JFK’s tragic death. Many Americans hoarded the coin as a memento rather than spending it. This led to fewer coins circulating, as people kept them in drawers or collections instead of using them.
3. Economic and Practical Issues
Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Inflation in the late 1970s meant a dollar didn’t buy much, so people rarely needed a dollar coin for small purchases. Vending machines and businesses also didn’t adapt quickly to accept the new coin, which limited its use.
Kennedy Half Dollar
When the Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced, its original silver content (1964) made it valuable. People hoarded it for its metal value, not its face value. Even after the switch to cheaper metals in 1971, the coin’s large size and low demand for 50-cent transactions kept it out of circulation.
4. Lack of Promotion and Acceptance
Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The government didn’t do enough to promote the Susan B. Anthony Dollar. Many Americans weren’t aware of it or didn’t understand why it was needed. Banks and businesses also hesitated to stock it, which meant it wasn’t widely available.
Kennedy Half Dollar
Similarly, the Kennedy Half Dollar wasn’t pushed for everyday use. By the 1970s, half-dollar transactions were rare, as most prices were rounded to quarters or dollars. The coin became more ceremonial than practical.
Comparing the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and Kennedy Half Dollar
Here’s a side-by-side look at why these coins struggled:
| Feature | Susan B. Anthony Dollar | Kennedy Half Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Year Introduced | 1979 | 1964 |
| Size | 26.5 mm (similar to quarter) | 30.6 mm (bulky) |
| Material | Copper-nickel clad | Silver (1964), later copper-nickel clad |
| Main Issue | Looked like a quarter, confusing for users | Hoarded as a keepsake, bulky size |
| Public Reaction | Resistance to dollar coins over paper bills | Emotional hoarding due to JFK’s legacy |
| Use in Circulation | Rarely used, vending machines didn’t accept | Rarely used, not needed for transactions |
What Can We Learn from Their Struggles?
The stories of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and Kennedy Half Dollar show how important it is for coins to meet public needs. A coin’s success depends on its design, practicality, and how well it fits into daily life. For example, the Sacagawea Dollar (introduced in 2000) tried to fix some of these issues with a distinct gold color, but it still faced challenges due to the popularity of paper dollars.
Tips for Coin Collectors
If you’re interested in these coins, here’s what to know:
- Rarity and Value: Early Kennedy Half Dollars (1964) with silver content are valuable to collectors. Susan B. Anthony Dollars from 1979-1981 and 1999 are also collectible, especially in mint condition.
- Where to Find Them: Check coin shops, online marketplaces, or even old change jars. Many of these coins are still out there, often at face value.
- Preserving History: Both coins are pieces of American history, reflecting important figures and times.
Why These Coins Still Matter
Even though the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and Kennedy Half Dollar didn’t succeed in circulation, they hold cultural and historical value. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar celebrates a pioneer for women’s rights, while the Kennedy Half Dollar honors a beloved president. Their struggles remind us that change—whether in coins or society—takes time and acceptance.
Conclusion
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar and Kennedy Half Dollar faced similar challenges: confusing designs, public resistance, and economic factors. By understanding these issues, we see why some coins become everyday money while others remain collectibles. Whether you’re a history buff or a coin enthusiast, these coins offer a fascinating look at how money shapes our world. Want to learn more about U.S. coins or start collecting? Check out local coin shops or trusted online resources to dive deeper!