The item in question refers to a United States dollar coin minted in 1979 at the Denver Mint. These coins, though commonly referred to as “silver dollars,” are not actually composed of silver. They consist of a copper-nickel clad composition. The “D” mintmark signifies its origin at the Denver Mint, differentiating it from those produced at the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark) or the San Francisco Mint (S mintmark, typically for proof coins).
Its significance lies primarily in its collectibility and historical context. While the intrinsic value is minimal due to its metallic composition, factors such as condition, rarity of specific varieties, and historical demand influence its numismatic value. These dollars represent a specific period in US coinage history, marking the transition away from silver coinage to base metal alternatives. Furthermore, the production of these coins reflects economic and political decisions surrounding currency composition.