The Story Behind the 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar: From Public Rejection to Numismatic Fame

The 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar is one of the most well-known coins from the late 20th century. Although it had a rough start with low popularity and public rejection, it is now a sought-after piece for collectors. This article will walk you through the history, value, and design of the 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar, helping you understand why this coin has become a significant part of American numismatic history.

History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first issued in 1979, and it was met with great excitement. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a woman—Susan B. Anthony, a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement. The coin was released with the hopes of replacing the $1 bill with a coin that was easier to use and more durable.

However, the public didn’t take to the new coin as expected. People preferred using paper money over the dollar coin. The U.S. Treasury had even tested the coin in Portland, Oregon, but found that people only used it when they had no $1 bills left. By 1980, the coin was still not very popular, despite a production reduction to about 89 million coins that year. The Denver Mint produced 41.6 million of the 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollars.

The 1980-D dollar was one of the last coins in this series, as the public rejection led to the discontinuation of the coin. Despite this, the U.S. Mint still produced the coins, and they were available for circulation and as part of special sets.

How Much Is the 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth?

If you’re looking to collect the 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar, it’s important to know its value. Since many were made and not many were circulated, the coin is fairly common.

For coins in great condition, such as MS67 (a high-grade rating), prices can range between $250 and $300, with the rarest examples sometimes reaching prices over $1,000. However, for coins in lower grades (like MS60 to MS64), the value drops significantly. These coins typically sell for between $6 and $10.

If you’re simply interested in an uncirculated 1980 Mint Set, these can be found for less than $15. These sets include coins that are usually in excellent condition but are not considered top-grade.

For coins in lower grades, such as AU50 or less, the value is often close to face value—sometimes just a few cents over $1. For example, coins graded in lower conditions may only sell for $1.10 to $1.50, making them affordable for collectors on a budget.

Here’s a breakdown of the value based on different grades:

Market Data and Notable Specimens

The top-grade 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollars, such as those graded MS67 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), have had stable prices over the years. Recently, a PCGS MS67 sold for around $203.50, while other examples of similar grades have reached prices as high as $899 in auctions.

In terms of population, the highest-grade 1980-D coins are those rated MS67 by PCGS and MS68 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). While these top-population coins are more valuable, the rarity and pricing can fluctuate. In the case of NGC MS68 coins, prices recently have been lower than expected, which makes for interesting opportunities for collectors.

Design of the 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The design of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar is significant and memorable.

Obverse (Front):
The obverse of the coin shows a portrait of Susan B. Anthony, designed by Frank Gasparro. Her face is shown in profile, and she is wearing a high-necked blouse. The words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are inscribed, along with 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies. The mintmark “D” for Denver is placed near her right shoulder, and the year “1980” is found below her bust.

Reverse (Back):
The reverse features a design related to the Apollo 11 moon mission, which was historic for landing the first humans on the moon. The design shows an eagle, wings spread, landing on the lunar surface, with Earth in the background. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” are inscribed around the edges of the coin, along with the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

Edge:
The coin’s edge is reeded, which is common for many U.S. coins.

Designer: Frank Gasparro

Frank Gasparro, the coin’s designer, was a key figure at the U.S. Mint and is responsible for several famous coin designs, including the reverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar and the Memorial reverse of the Lincoln Cent. He was a talented engraver who left a lasting mark on U.S. coinage.

1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Specifications

Conclusion

The 1980-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar may have been unpopular during its time, but it has since become an interesting coin for collectors. Whether you’re interested in top-quality examples or just want to own a piece of American history, this coin offers a valuable opportunity. Its unique design, historical significance, and fluctuating value make it an exciting part of numismatic collections. The 1980-D coin, along with the other Susan B. Anthony Dollars, is a reminder of how U.S. coins evolve and how public perception shapes the history of currency.

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