Have you seen headlines claiming that a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is worth $880,000? It sounds unbelievable but there’s a reason this coin has been making waves among collectors lately.
Before you start digging through your old change jars, let’s go over what makes this coin special, how to spot the rare version, and what it’s actually worth today.
What Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first made in 1979. It features the famous women’s rights leader Susan B. Anthony, who fought for women’s right to vote.
The U.S. Mint wanted to create a smaller one-dollar coin to replace the big Eisenhower dollar. But the Susan B. Anthony dollar was only slightly larger than a quarter and made from the same-colored metal, so people often confused the two.
Because of that, the coin never became very popular. It was made for circulation from 1979 to 1981, then briefly again in 1999.
Even though it didn’t catch on, the Susan B. Anthony dollar is now a fun and affordable coin for collectors and one specific version from 1981 is much rarer than the rest.
Why the 1981 Coin Stands Out
By 1981, the U.S. Mint knew the coin wasn’t widely used anymore, so that year’s Susan B. Anthony dollars were made only for collectors, not for everyday spending.
That means:
- They came only in Mint Sets and Proof Sets sold to collectors.
- Fewer were made compared to earlier years.
- Most remain in great condition because they were never circulated.
The special variety that collectors look for from 1981 is the 1981-S proof coin and there’s one small detail on it that makes a big difference.
The Secret Is in the Mintmark
If you look closely at a Susan B. Anthony dollar, you’ll see a small letter just below Susan B. Anthony’s neck. That’s the mintmark, which shows where the coin was made.
- P = Philadelphia
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
For the 1981 dollar, the “S” coins from San Francisco are the ones to pay attention to. There are two types of “S” marks:
- Type 1 (“Filled S”) – The “S” looks thick or blurry.
- Type 2 (“Clear S”) – The “S” is sharp, with clean edges and open loops.
That “Clear S” version is the rare one. Collectors often call it the 1981-S Type 2 Proof.
If your coin has a shiny mirror-like finish (proof) and a crisp, clear “S,” it could be the variety that collectors are willing to pay good money for.
The $880,000 Question: Is It Really Worth That Much?
Let’s be honest the idea of a single dollar coin being worth nearly a million dollars is exciting, but not accurate.
Some articles online exaggerate values to get attention. While the 1981-S Type 2 Clear S is indeed rare, it hasn’t sold anywhere close to $880,000.
Here’s a more realistic picture:
- Regular 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars (Philadelphia or Denver) are usually worth $1 to $5.
- Proof 1981-S Type 1 (“Filled S”) coins are worth about $10 to $20.
- The rarer Type 2 “Clear S” proofs can be worth $200 to $500, and sometimes over $1,000 if graded perfect (PR70).
So while it’s not a life-changing amount of money, it’s still a great find for a beginner collector and a neat story to share!
How to Check If You Have the Rare Coin
If you have Susan B. Anthony dollars from the late ’70s or early ’80s, here’s what to do:
- Look for the year 1981.
- Check for the “S” mintmark under Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder.
- Examine the “S.” Use a magnifying glass if possible.
- Blobby or thick = Type 1 (common)
- Sharp, clear “S” = Type 2 (rare)
- Check the coin’s shine. Proof coins have a mirror-like background and frosted design.
- Don’t clean it! Cleaning coins reduces their value.
If you think you have a Type 2 proof coin in excellent condition, you can send it to a coin grading company like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
What Makes a Coin Valuable
It’s not just age that determines a coin’s value. Here are the key things collectors look for:
- Rarity: How many of that type exist.
- Condition: The fewer scratches or marks, the better.
- Demand: Some coins become popular because collectors want to complete a specific set.
- Unique features: Like mintmark varieties or design differences.
The 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony dollar checks a few of these boxes, which is why it’s considered one of the key coins in the series.
Tips for New Coin Collectors
If you’re just starting out, here are a few simple tips to build your collection:
- Handle coins by the edges only oils from your fingers can damage the surface.
- Store coins in plastic holders or album pages designed for coins.
- Keep proof coins in their original Mint packaging if possible.
- Do a little research before buying or selling values can change with the market.
- Most importantly, collect what you enjoy, not just what you think might be valuable.
Coin collecting is about history, art, and discovery not just dollar signs.
Final Thoughts
So, is your 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $880,000? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean it’s not special.
The 1981-S Type 2 “Clear S” proof coin is a true collectible, and finding one in your old proof set could be a pleasant surprise.
Even if it’s not worth a fortune, every coin tells a story and this one represents a moment in American history when the country honored a woman who changed it forever.
So grab a magnifying glass, check your coins, and enjoy the hunt. Who knows? You might just discover a small treasure hiding in plain sight.
FAQs About the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Q: Is the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar really worth $880,000?
A: No. That number is exaggerated the rare Type 2 “Clear S” proof version is usually worth a few hundred dollars in top condition.
Q: What makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar rare?
A: The rare version has a sharp, “Clear S” mintmark from the San Francisco Mint.
Q: Where is the mintmark on a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: You’ll find it just below Susan B. Anthony’s neck on the front of the coin.
