$880,000 1981 Susan B. Anthony : In the world of coin collecting, treasures don’t always come in gold or with centuries-old dates. Sometimes, they show up in the most unexpected form — like the modest-looking 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar. Though often mistaken for pocket change, one rare variety of this coin is rumored to have sold for as much as $880,000, and experts believe examples could still be floating around in circulation.
So, what makes this late 20th-century coin so valuable — and how can you spot it?
The Coin That Almost Went Unnoticed
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced in 1979, making history as the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman — the prominent suffragist and activist Susan B. Anthony. Yet despite its historic significance, the coin was widely unpopular. It was similar in size and color to a quarter, leading to public confusion, and circulation was limited after the early 1980s.
The final circulation year for the series was 1981 — a critical year for collectors.
The $880,000 Rarity: What Makes It Special?
While millions of 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars were struck, most were never released into general circulation. They were made specifically for collector sets. But a tiny number somehow slipped into circulation, and among those are rare proof-strike errors, mint anomalies, or type varieties that command massive premiums.
What truly distinguishes the $880,000 coin is a specific mint mark variation, coupled with near-perfect condition and an error only found under magnification.
Here’s what to look for:
Key Identifiers of the Valuable 1981 SBA Dollar
- Date: 1981
- Mint Mark: Look for an “S” mint mark — this indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint.
- Type Variety: The most valuable version is the 1981-S “Type 2” Proof, which features a clearer, more refined “S” mint mark, compared to the fuzzy “Type 1.”
- Condition: Only deep cameo-proof coins in PR70 (perfect grade) condition reach top-tier prices. Even lower grades are still worth hundreds to thousands.
- Error Features: Coins with double dies, off-center strikes, or planchet anomalies can increase in value significantly.
What Is the Type 2 “S” Mint Mark?
The Type 2 mint mark on the 1981-S dollar is sharply defined, appearing more like a serifed “S,” while the more common Type 1 is blob-like and indistinct. Type 2 was only used on a small number of proofs, making it exceptionally rare — and wildly valuable when perfectly preserved.
Is It Really Still in Circulation?
Yes — in very rare cases. Though 1981-S proofs were not officially released into circulation, there are reports of individual coins making their way into pocket change over the decades, likely through estate sales, coin mishandling, or collector liquidation. That means a few could still be hiding in plain sight, in vending machines, coin rolls, or old drawers.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Found One
If you come across a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar — especially with an “S” mint mark — here’s what to do:
- Inspect the Mint Mark with a magnifier: Look for the sharp, serifed Type 2 “S.”
- Check the Condition: If it’s shiny, uncirculated, and has mirror-like fields, it could be a proof.
- Avoid Cleaning: Never polish or clean the coin, as this drastically reduces its value.
- Get It Graded: Contact a professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC for authentication and valuation.
Final Thoughts
The story of the $880,000 Susan B. Anthony dollar is a reminder that incredible value can hide in the most ordinary places. With just the right combination of minting error, type variety, and condition, a common-looking coin could be worth more than a house.
Next time you get change, check those dollar coins — you might be holding a fortune.
