1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value: Prices and Guide
The 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,000 for high-grade proof specimens. While most of these “small dollars” found in change today are only worth their face value, certain San Francisco mint marks hold hidden treasures for lucky collectors.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F-AU) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Proof (PR-69 Deep Cameo) | $12.00 – $20.00 |
| Rare High Grade (MS-67+) | $500 – $1,200+ |
Understanding the 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar History
The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar was introduced in 1979 as a replacement for the bulky Eisenhower dollar. It was historic for featuring a real woman, the famed suffragist Susan B. Anthony, rather than a mythical figure like Lady Liberty. However, by 1980, the public had already begun to reject the coin because its size and color were too similar to the Washington quarter. This led to millions of these coins being stored in government vaults for decades.
If you have found one of these in an old jar or a grandparent’s collection, you might be wondering if it’s a rare treasure. To quickly find out what you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to scan the obverse and reverse. The San Francisco Mint (marked with an “S”) produced both business strikes for circulation and special mirror-like proof versions for collectors in 1980.
Because the SBA dollar was unpopular, many 1980-S coins remained in mint-state condition. While the average circulated coin isn’t a jackpot, the 1980-S is distinct because it had a lower mintage than the 1979 versions. Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between a common pocket change find and a high-grade investment piece that professional collectors seek.
1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value by Grade
When determining the 1980-S Susan B. Anthony dollar value, condition is the primary driver of price. Most coins you find in your pocket are “circulated,” meaning they have scratches and wear. These are generally worth exactly one dollar. However, “Uncirculated” coins—those that never touched public hands—start to climb in value. Collectors use a scale from 1 to 70 to grade coins, with 70 being perfect.
For the 1980-S, the jump from MS-65 to MS-67 is significant. While an MS-65 coin might sell for the price of a nice lunch, an MS-67 specimen is much rarer due to the way these coins were handled in heavy bags at the mint. Most 1980-S dollars suffer from “bag marks,” which are tiny nicks caused by coins hitting each other. Finding one without these marks is the key to a high payout.
| Mint State (MS) Grade | Market Value Range |
|---|---|
| MS-60 to MS-62 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| MS-63 to MS-64 | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| MS-65 (Gem) | $18.00 – $30.00 |
| MS-66 | $40.00 – $75.00 |
| MS-67 and Above | $450.00 – $1,500.00 |
Identifying 1980-S Proof vs. Business Strikes
In 1980, the San Francisco Mint produced two very different types of Susan B. Anthony dollars. The first is the “Business Strike,” intended for everyday use in vending machines and stores. The second is the “Proof” coin, which was made specifically for collectors. Proof coins are struck multiple times using polished dies, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details.
You can easily tell the difference by looking at the surface of the coin. If the background (the field) looks like a mirror and the portrait of Susan B. Anthony looks like it has a matte or “frosted” finish, you have a proof. These were sold in plastic “Proof Sets” by the US Mint. If you check the 1980 dollar value for proof editions, you will see they generally hover around $10 to $15 for standard specimens.
However, if you find a proof coin that has been taken out of its case and spent, it becomes “impaired.” An impaired proof loses much of its value and usually returns to being worth about $1. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can analyze the luster and strike quality to give you an instant identification.
Comparing the 1980-S to the 1980-P and 1980-D
The “S” mint mark stands for San Francisco, but the coin was also minted in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D). Usually, the mint mark is found on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above Anthony’s right shoulder. In 1980, the San Francisco Mint produced the lowest number of business-strike coins among the three locations.
| Mint Mark & Location | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1980-P (Philadelphia) | 27,610,000 | Common |
| 1980-D (Denver) | 41,628,708 | Common |
| 1980-S (San Francisco) | 20,422,000 | Scarce in High Grade |
Comparing production numbers shows that the 1980-S is technically the “rarest” of the circulated coins for that year. If you look at the 1980-P SBA dollar price data, you’ll see it tracks closely with the 1980-S, but the San Francisco version often commands a slight premium in the highest “Gem” grades because fewer were preserved in pristine condition.
Valuable Errors to Look For in 1980 Dollars
Error hunting is where the real money is made in modern coin collecting. While the 1980-S doesn’t have a major variety like the “Wide Rim” 1979-P, it is still prone to several manufacturing mistakes. Some of the most common errors include “Off-Center Strikes,” where the design is shifted to one side, and “Broadstrikes,” where the coin is flatter and wider than normal because the retaining collar failed.
Another interesting error to watch for is the “Clipped Planchet,” where a piece of the coin appears to be bitten off. This happens when the metal disk is punched incorrectly from the strip. If you find a 1980-S with one of these physical deformities, don’t throw it away! Errors can increase the value from a few dollars to several hundred.
Before you spend it, use CoinKnow to check for common error patterns. Even small “die cracks”—raised lines of metal caused by a broken stamp—can add a bit of value for specialized collectors who love the unique quirks of the Susan B. Anthony series.
Tips for Selling Your 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Coin
If you discover that your coin is a high-grade specimen or a rare error, your next step is selling it. For coins worth less than $20, eBay or a local coin shop are your best bets. However, if your coin looks perfect and you believe it could be an MS-67 or higher, you should consider professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC.
Certification can be expensive, often costing $30 to $50 per coin, so make sure the potential value outweighs the cost. A certified coin is much easier to sell because the buyer has a guarantee of its authenticity and grade.
For the average person holding a handful of 1980-S dollars, the best strategy is often to keep the best-looking ones in a cool, dry place. While they aren’t worth a fortune today, their historical significance as the first small-sized US dollar makes them a staple for any complete US coin collection.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1980-S Susan B. Anthony dollar made of silver?
A: No, these coins do not contain any silver. They are made of a copper-nickel clad composition (the same material used in modern quarters and dimes). This is a common misconception because of their “silver-colored” appearance.
Q: How can I tell if my 1980-S dollar is a proof?
A: Look at the finish. A business strike will have a satiny, duller look with some luster. A proof coin will have a highly reflective, mirror-like background and the design (Susan B. Anthony’s face) will often look frosted or white.
Q: Why is my 1980-S dollar only worth $1?
A: Most 1980-S dollars were produced in massive quantities (over 20 million) and many were never used. Because there is such a high supply of them in “average” condition, they are usually only worth their face value unless they are in near-perfect, uncirculated condition.
Q: Are there any “S” mint mark varieties for 1980?
A: Unlike 1979 (which has Type 1 and Type 2 mint marks), the 1980-S has a fairly standard mint mark. While there are small differences in how clearly the “S” is struck, they do not currently carry the high premiums seen in the 1979 varieties.
