What Is a 1980 Susan B. Anthony Worth?

The 1980 Susan B. Anthony dollar, a distinctive United States coin, holds varying degrees of monetary value depending on specific attributes. Introduced in 1979, this coin marked a significant design shift, featuring a real woman for the first time on a circulating U.S. coin. While many of these coins may seem common, their worth can extend beyond face value.

Baseline Value of 1980 Susan B. Anthony Dollars

Most 1980 Susan B. Anthony dollars found in circulation hold a value close to their face value, often ranging from $1.05 to $1.35. This is due to the substantial mintage figures for the 1980 issues. For instance, the Philadelphia Mint produced 27,610,000, the Denver Mint produced 41,628,708, and the San Francisco Mint produced 20,422,000 business strike coins in 1980.

Uncirculated examples, which show no signs of wear, command higher prices. An uncirculated 1980-P Susan B. Anthony dollar can be worth $7.21 or more, with some pristine examples reaching up to $600. Similarly, uncirculated 1980-D coins are often valued at $7.21 or more. For 1980-S coins, uncirculated examples can start around $6, while proof versions can range significantly higher, some selling for hundreds of dollars.

Key Factors Determining Value

The physical state of a 1980 Susan B. Anthony dollar is a primary determinant of its value. Coins that have circulated extensively will show wear, scratches, or dents, which diminish their worth. Conversely, coins that retain their original mint luster and show no signs of handling are considered uncirculated. Proof coins represent a specialized production method, struck multiple times with polished dies to achieve a sharp, mirror-like finish, and are often more valuable.

Another influential factor is the mint mark, which indicates where the coin was produced. The 1980 Susan B. Anthony dollars were struck at three different U.S. Mints: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mint mark is typically located on the obverse of the coin, positioned above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder. While P and D mint marks are common for business strikes, the 1980-S proof coins often hold greater value due to their lower mintage and higher quality.

Beyond condition and mint mark, certain production anomalies can elevate a coin’s worth. These include rare varieties, which are slight intentional or unintentional design changes during the die production process, and minting errors, which are mistakes that occur during the coin striking process. Examples of errors include off-center strikes, where the design is not centered, or doubled dies, where parts of the design appear doubled. Such anomalies are rare for the 1980 Susan B. Anthony dollar, but when discovered, they can make a coin valuable.

Assessing Your Coin’s Condition and Characteristics

Handle your 1980 Susan B. Anthony dollar carefully by its edges, ideally with soft gloves, to avoid adding fingerprints or oils. Examine the coin under good lighting, using a magnifier with at least 7x magnification to observe fine details.

Locate the mint mark on the coin. Look for signs of wear, particularly on the highest points of the design, such as Anthony’s hair or the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. Any loss of original luster or presence of scratches, nicks, or other damage should also be noted. While some obvious errors might be visible, many varieties or errors are subtle and often require specialized knowledge to identify.

After your initial assessment, research potential values through reputable numismatic websites and online price guides. This allows you to estimate your coin’s potential worth by comparing it to similar coins based on its condition and identified characteristics. If you suspect your coin possesses a rare variety, a significant error, or is in an exceptionally high uncirculated or proof grade, seek professional guidance. Professional coin dealers or grading services can authenticate and formally grade your coin, providing an expert opinion on its condition and value.