The RTI recommended that cent production be halted by 1980, the dollar coin be downsized and the half dollar be eliminated.Īt the same time, the Treasury released a study titled ' A New Small Dollar Coin – Technical Considerations.' That study recommended the new dollar be the same composition as the quarter dollar – 75 percent copper, 25 percent nickel bonded to a copper core, and that it be round. coinage system requirements through 1990. The year-long study, conducted by Research Triangle Institute of North Carolina, focused on U.S. It's amazing that a coin that incurred so much scorn could still be such a trendsetter in its own way.Ī serious discussion of a smaller-sized dollar coin began after a September 1976 study was released by the U.S. The 'firsts' are only accorded the Anthony dollar, issued to honor Susan B. First circulating coin to bear a noncircular rim device.įirst circulating dollar coin to bear the 'P' Mint mark and only the second denomination to bear the 'P' Mint mark.įirst dollar coin struck strictly in a nonprecious metal alloy.

The first circulating coin to depict an actual woman instead of an allegorical representation. Scorned Anthony dollars now popular with some collectors