1980-Susan B. Anthony Dollar Proof: The Definitive Collector’s Guide

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was designed to be a widely accepted circulating coin due to its smaller size. However, its similarity in size to the quarter, along with design compromises, ultimately led to its limited popularity.

Background and Minting History

In 1979, the United States Mint struck 750 million Susan B. Anthony Dollars. By 1980, demand had waned, and production dropped to under 90 million coins. The San Francisco Mint produced two versions:

1. Business Strike (Circulation): Standard finish with lustrous surfaces.
2. Proof Strike (Collectible): Featured in the 1980 United States Proof Set, with sharp details and mirrored fields.

1980 Proof Set Details

• Contents: Six coins, including:
  • 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Proof
  • 1980-S Lincoln Cent Proof
  • 1980-S Jefferson Nickel Proof
  • 1980-S Roosevelt Dime Proof
  • 1980-S Washington Quarter Proof
  • 1980-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
• Original Sale Price: $10 (equivalent to $40.57 in 2024 dollars)
• Total Sets Sold: 3,554,806

Distinguishing Features: Business vs. Proof Strikes

• Business Strike:
  • Lustrous finish with die flow lines.
  • Uniform appearance and softer details.
• Proof Strike:
  • Frosted raised details.
  • Deep mirror-like polished fields.
  • Sharper rims and reeds.

Impaired Proofs

Proof coins sometimes enter circulation after collectors break up sets. These “Impaired Proofs” lose their premium value due to contact with other coins.

Market Value Analysis

• Original Proof Set Price: $10
• Current Value (2024): $9-$10 per set
• 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Proof Coin:
  • Raw: ~$5
  • Certified (Proof 69): Under $10
  • Proof 70 (Deep Cameo/Ultra Cameo):
    • eBay Auctions: $25-$30
    • “Buy It Now” Listings: Up to $150 (inflated prices)

Tips for Buyers

• Patience is Key: Avoid overpriced “Buy It Now” listings.
• Beware of Artificial Toning: Uncertified artificially toned coins are generally worthless.

Noteworthy Market Data (Nov-Dec 2024)

Design Overview

Obverse (Front)

• Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Portrait: Susan B. Anthony, suffragette.
• Details:
  • 11-sided frame (undecagon).
  • Inscriptions: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1980, and 13 stars.

Reverse (Back)

• Theme: Apollo 11 mission.
• Design: Eagle landing on the Moon, clutching an olive branch.
• Inscriptions: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR.
• Designers: Frank Gasparro and Michael Collins.

Specifications at a Glance

This guide provides collectors with essential details and current market insights for the 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Proof.

1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Proof: FAQs

1. Why was the Susan B. Anthony Dollar created?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was introduced to provide a more practical, smaller-sized dollar coin that would be widely accepted by the public. However, its similarity in size to the quarter made it unpopular and difficult to distinguish in circulation.

2. How many 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Proof Dollars were minted?
The San Francisco Mint produced 3,554,806 Proof versions as part of the 1980 United States Proof Set.

3. What is the difference between a business strike and a proof coin?

• Business Strike: Made for circulation, with a uniform, lustrous finish and less detailed features.
• Proof Coin: Intended for collectors, with frosted raised details and mirror-like fields, sharper rims, and reeds.

4. How can I identify a 1980-S Proof Dollar?
Proof versions have polished, reflective fields and sharper details. The “S” mintmark is visible above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder on the obverse side.

5. What is an Impaired Proof coin?
An Impaired Proof occurs when a Proof coin enters circulation and accumulates wear or contact marks. These coins lose their premium value and are generally worth only face value.

6. How much is a 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Proof worth?

• Raw (uncertified): Approximately $5.
• Certified (Proof 69): Typically under $10.
• Certified (Proof 70 Deep Cameo/Ultra Cameo): $25-$30 in auction settings, though some sellers may list them for as high as $150.

7. Why have the 1980 Proof Sets lost value?
Despite selling for $10 originally (about $40.57 in today’s money), the sets currently trade for around $9-$10. High mintage and lack of scarcity have kept prices low.

8. Where is the best place to buy or sell 1980-S Proof Dollars?
eBay is the most common marketplace. Be cautious of overpriced “Buy It Now” listings, and compare auction prices for fair value. Avoid artificially toned, uncertified coins, as they hold no numismatic value.

9. What are Deep Cameo and Ultra Cameo designations?
These terms describe the Proof coin’s frosted design elements contrasting sharply with its mirror-like background. Most 1980-S Proofs qualify for this designation due to their production quality.

10. Who designed the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
Frank Gasparro, the 10th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, designed both the obverse and reverse. The reverse also features elements from the Apollo 11 mission patch, designed by Michael Collins.

11. What are the key specifications of the 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Proof?

• Weight: 8.1 grams
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Composition: .750 copper, .250 nickel (clad)
• Edge: Reeded

12. Are there any valuable or rare versions of this coin?
While standard Proof coins are common, collectors seek high-grade versions (Proof 70) for their collections. However, due to their availability, even these high-grade coins remain affordable.