1980-S SBA$1, DCAM (Proof)

The 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Proof

The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Dollar was intended to be a workhorse of American commerce. Proponents believed its small size would finally encourage the public to embrace a dollar coin. In hindsight, the decision to issue a copper-nickel-clad coin only slightly larger than a quarter was a clear strategic error. The final product was a "slurry of compromises"—a mix of aesthetic shortcuts and sops to special interests that resulted in immediate public rejection.

Within months of its 1979 debut, Congress sought to distance itself from the failing project. Nevertheless, the United States Mint continued production. Following a massive initial mintage of 750 million business strikes in 1979, commercial production dropped to just under 90 million in 1980. That year, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions of the dollar: the 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar circulation strike (#9576) and a collector version for the 1980 United States Proof Set (#99592).

The 1980 United States Proof Set

The 1980 Proof Set contains six coins with a total face value of $1.91. It features the 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar alongside the proof versions of the 1980-S Lincoln Cent Proof (#93464), the 1980-S Jefferson Nickel Proof (#94214), the 1980-S Roosevelt Dime Proof (#95260), the 1980-S Washington Quarter Proof (#96015), and the 1980-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof (#96820).

Initially sold by the Mint for $10.00 (approximately $41.66 in today’s inflation-adjusted currency), the Mint moved a total of 3,554,806 sets. Despite the initial popularity, these sets have struggled as an investment; today, they often trade for nearly their original 1980 nominal price, representing a significant loss in real value.

For the Novice: Distinguishing Business Strikes from Proofs

The two 1980-S Susan B. Anthony Dollars are easily identified by their "fabric" and finish:

• Business Strikes: These uncirculated coins typically exhibit die flow lines, a satiny luster, and a uniform appearance across both the fields and devices. The hendecagon (11-sided) inner border on business strikes often appears somewhat rounded or softly defined. With wear, these surfaces become dull and the design features progressively flatten.
• Proof Strikes: These coins feature sharp, squared-off rims and crisp reeds. The raised details (the devices) are heavily frosted, creating a stark contrast against fields that have been polished to a deep mirror finish. While Proofs were never intended for circulation, "impaired" examples are occasionally found "in the wild." This typically occurs when collectors break up Proof sets to fill folders or albums that are later spent or mishandled. Impaired Proofs often retain remnants of their original mirrors and frost, though contact marks and abrasions are usually quite evident. While an Impaired Proof is a curious find, it generally carries no premium over face value.

On Toners

The most active market for both raw and certified Susan B. Anthony dollars is eBay, but collectors must navigate the platform with caution. Some sellers offer uncertified examples with "unbelievable" rainbow toning; in most cases, you should not believe this toning is naturally occurring. From a numismatic standpoint, these doctored coins are considered altered and are essentially worthless to serious collectors.

Conversely, clad Proofs from this era can tone in a spectacular, authentic fashion. Because distinguishing between natural environmental toning and artificial heat or chemical treatment can be difficult, PCGS certification is highly recommended for any toned SBA dollar.

* * *

All proof Susan B. Anthony dollars are Deep Cameo. The few non-Deep Cameos on the PCGS Population Report are holdovers from the time before PCGS began designating "DCAM" on Susan B. Anthony dollars.