This 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Is Worth $880,000: At first glance, it looks like just another coin. But one particular version of the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar has stunned collectors with its value — up to $880,000 for a single piece.
The key? A small but significant detail: the rare Type 2 mint mark from the San Francisco Mint.
Still often mistaken for quarters, Susan B. Anthony dollars have flown under the radar for years.
But if you know what to look for, your pocket change might just contain one of the most valuable modern coins in existence.
What Makes the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar So Rare?
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar was the final year of the coin’s original run before being discontinued. That year, proof coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint, indicated by the “S” mint mark just above the shoulder of Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.
However, late in the year, the Mint changed the mint mark punch — leading to two distinct types:
| Mint Mark Type | Nickname | Description | Estimated Value (Top Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | “Blobby S” | Rounded, fuzzy, less defined “S” | Up to $150 |
| Type 2 | “Clear S” | Sharp, flat-topped, and well-defined “S” | Up to $880,000 |
Only a small portion of the total 1981-S proof coins bear the Type 2 “Clear S” mint mark, making them significantly more valuable to collectors — especially in pristine proof condition.
How to Identify the $880,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
You don’t need to be a professional numismatist to spot a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar. Here’s how to start:
1. Check the Year
Flip the coin and look for 1981 — this is the only year this specific Type 2 mint mark appears in the Susan B. Anthony series.
2. Find the Mint Mark
The mint mark is just above Anthony’s shoulder near the rim. A small “S” indicates it was minted in San Francisco.
3. Examine the Mint Mark Style
Use a magnifying glass or phone camera zoom. If the “S” is sharp, flat-topped, and clearly punched, you might be looking at the rare Type 2 variant.
4. Assess the Condition
Only proof coins in top condition—with mirror-like surfaces and no handling marks—can reach values near the $880,000 range. Anything with wear or blemishes will be worth less, though still potentially valuable.
Why Proof Coins Are More Valuable
Proof coins are struck using a specialized process for collectors. They are never intended for general circulation and typically have:
- High detail and polish
- Mirror-like fields and frosted features
- Limited production runs
The 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar was part of a collector-only proof set. However, coins from these sets can sometimes end up in circulation or estate sales, especially if the sets were broken up.
Current Value Ranges
| Condition | Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated SBA Dollar | Any 1981 type | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| 1981-S Type 1 Proof | Common variant | $40 – $150 |
| 1981-S Type 2 Proof | Scarce variant | $5,000 – $880,000+ |
| 1981-S Type 2 (Proof 70) | Top-graded example | $880,000 |
The most valuable examples are certified as Proof 70, meaning they are perfect coins with no flaws even under magnification.
What To Do If You Think You Have One
If you believe you’ve found a Type 2 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar, here’s what to do:
- Do not clean or handle it bare-handed. Oils from your fingers can reduce the value.
- Store it safely. Use a protective case or coin flip.
- Get it professionally graded. Certified grading companies (like PCGS or NGC) will verify the authenticity, identify the mint mark type, and assess its value.
- Consult an expert. Reputable coin dealers or auction houses can guide you on next steps if you have a rare coin in your possession.
What looks like a regular $1 coin could secretly be worth nearly a million dollars. The rare 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony dollar has proven to be one of the most valuable modern coins in existence.
All it takes is a sharp eye, a magnifying glass, and some attention to detail to uncover a hidden fortune.
Next time you see a Susan B. Anthony dollar—don’t dismiss it as pocket change. Check the year. Check the mint mark. You might just be holding $880,000 in your hand.
FAQs
Is every 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar valuable?
No. Only the 1981-S proof coins with the Type 2 “Clear S” mint mark, especially in pristine condition, can reach values of up to $880,000.
Can these rare coins still be in circulation?
Yes. Although rare, some proof coins accidentally enter circulation through estate collections, mix-ups, or broken sets.
Where is the mint mark on a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
The mint mark is located just above the shoulder of Susan B. Anthony, near the rim on the front (obverse) side of the coin.