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The 1980-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar is part of the short-lived and often misunderstood small-size dollar coin series issued by the United States Mint between 1979 and 1981, with a brief return in 1999. Designed to honor the famed suffragist and women’s rights advocate Susan B. Anthony, this coin holds the distinction of being the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than an allegorical figure. Certified in Mint State 66 (MS66) by NGC, this particular example of the 1980-P issue stands out not only for its historical significance but also for its premium condition, placing it well above average surviving examples in terms of preservation and appeal.
Authorized by legislation in 1978 and first released the following year, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was introduced as a replacement for the cumbersome Eisenhower dollar. The U.S. Mint intended it to be a practical and cost-efficient dollar coin for circulation, but public reception was lukewarm. Its similar size and color to the quarter dollar created widespread confusion among consumers, and despite efforts to promote its use, the coin never gained substantial traction in commerce. By 1980, the Mint was still producing the series in hopes of fostering greater acceptance, with the Philadelphia Mint striking nearly 27 million examples that year bearing the “P” mintmark.
The obverse of the 1980-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar features a portrait of Susan B. Anthony facing right, designed by Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro. Her profile is strong and serious, symbolizing her lifelong dedication to equality and civil rights. The name “LIBERTY” arcs above her head, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed to the right. The date “1980” is positioned below her neckline, and the Philadelphia “P” mintmark is placed just above the date, near her shoulder. In MS66 condition, the obverse retains sharp detail, particularly in Anthony’s hair, facial features, and the high-relief lettering, with original mint luster and minimal marks evident.
The reverse design, also by Gasparro, replicates the motif used on the Eisenhower dollar and was based on the Apollo 11 mission insignia. It depicts an American bald eagle descending to the lunar surface, grasping an olive branch in its talons with the Earth visible in the background. Thirteen stars are arranged around the eagle to represent the original colonies, and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR” surround the design. In MS66 condition, the fine feather details of the eagle, as well as the planetary background and olive branch, are well-struck and crisp. The coin shows full luster, and any contact marks are minimal and not located in focal areas.
The 1980-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, one of the three U.S. Mints to produce the coin during that year alongside Denver and San Francisco. With a mintage of approximately 27,610,000 coins, the Philadelphia issue was the most widely produced of the three. While high mintage numbers are typical for modern coins, very few examples have survived in grades as high as MS66 or above due to widespread distribution and handling. Coins at this level are well-preserved specimens often struck from fresh dies and stored with care soon after minting.
Coins certified as MS66 by NGC occupy the upper tier of uncirculated grades, indicating a coin that is nearly flawless to the naked eye. On an MS66 example, the fields remain smooth and lustrous with excellent eye appeal. While minor bag marks or abrasions may be present under magnification, these are minimal and do not detract from the coin’s overall appearance. Strike sharpness is a key factor, and most MS66 examples will show bold definition in both the obverse portrait and reverse eagle design. Luster plays an important role as well, with full mint brilliance or even light satiny cartwheel luster present across the surfaces.
The 1980-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar has gained more respect in numismatic circles over the decades, particularly among collectors of modern U.S. coinage. While its initial reception was disappointing, it now stands as a significant cultural artifact and a numismatic representation of late 20th-century America. Its inclusion of a real historical figure broke new ground for U.S. coins, paving the way for later series like the Sacagawea and American Women quarters. In high Mint State grades such as MS66, the coin has also become a desirable acquisition for those building top-quality registry sets or type collections.
Demand for certified examples in MS66 and above is supported by population rarity. While the coin is common in lower grades, the number of pieces that qualify for MS66 certification is far smaller. Many Susan B. Anthony Dollars were released into circulation or handled roughly in bulk bags, causing abrasions and detracting from their condition. Thus, locating a coin with minimal contact marks, strong luster, and a well-centered strike is challenging. Collectors value NGC certification not only for authentication but also for confirming a coin’s superior grade within a well-established and respected grading scale.
The alloy composition of the 1980-P dollar is copper-nickel clad, similar to other contemporary coinage. It has a diameter of 26.5 millimeters, a thickness of 2 millimeters, and weighs 8.1 grams. The edge is reeded, further distinguishing it from the smooth-edged Eisenhower dollars. Despite being a non-precious metal coin, its collectible value in high grades like MS66 lies in condition rarity rather than bullion content. Storage in climate-controlled, inert holders like NGC slabs helps ensure long-term preservation, protecting the coin from environmental damage and tarnishing.
As the numismatic market continues to appreciate the history and design of the Susan B. Anthony series, coins such as the 1980-P MS66 offer collectors an opportunity to acquire a premium condition piece from a transitional period in U.S. currency. The coin’s role as a pioneer in representing women on circulating U.S. coinage, combined with its crisp design and historical context, adds to its appeal. Whether collected as part of a modern dollar set, a U.S. Mint type collection, or simply for its beauty and cultural significance, a certified MS66 example of the 1980-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar embodies a fascinating chapter in American numismatics.