In one of the most exciting numismatic stories of 2025, a rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar has made headlines by selling for a staggering $880,000 at auction. Once considered one of the least popular coins in U.S. history, the Susan B. Anthony dollar has now become a hidden gem among collectors—and the best part? These coins are still occasionally found in circulation today.
Whether tucked away in change drawers, forgotten coin jars, or old bank rolls, there could be a small fortune hiding in your home. Here’s what made this particular 1981 coin so valuable, and how you can identify one worth big money.
Why the Susan B. Anthony Dollar Was Controversial
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced in 1979 as the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman (the pioneering suffragist herself). Despite its historical significance, the coin was widely unpopular due to its similar size and color to the quarter, leading to frequent confusion and minimal use.
After just a few short years in production, the coin was discontinued after 1981, with a brief reissue in 1999. This short production window, especially for select mint years, has made the Susan B. Anthony dollar increasingly collectible.
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What Makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar So Valuable?
The specific 1981 dollar that sold for $880,000 had several ultra-rare traits that made it a collector’s dream.
Key Features of the $880,000 Coin:
- Year: 1981
- Mint: San Francisco (S)
- Strike Type: Proof
- Error Type: “No S” mint mark (missing mint mark)
- Grade: PR70 Deep Cameo (perfect condition)
- Population: Fewer than 5 known examples
This “No S” error means the coin was supposed to carry a San Francisco mint mark but was struck without it—a major rarity, especially on proof coins.
Known Varieties of the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Not all 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth six figures, but some varieties are definitely worth more than face value. Here are the main versions to look out for:
1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Varieties
| Mint Mark | Strike Type | Notable Traits | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-S | Proof | “No S” Mint Mark Error | $100,000 – $880,000 |
| 1981-S | Proof | Type 2 Clear “S” | $500 – $1,500+ |
| 1981-P | Business | Low Circulation | $10 – $50+ |
| 1981-D | Business | Lower Mintage | $10 – $40 |
| 1981-S | Business | Normal Strike with “S” | $25 – $100 |
The most valuable coins are typically proof strikes with either errors or perfect grades, but even circulation coins can carry a premium if in excellent condition.
How to Spot a Valuable 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Whether you’re searching through a coin collection or change, knowing what to look for is key. Here are the steps to identify a potential winner:
Checklist to Spot a Rare 1981 SBA Dollar:
- Check the Date: Look for coins dated 1981.
- Locate the Mint Mark:
- “P” for Philadelphia
- “D” for Denver
- “S” for San Francisco
- Missing S? You might have a rare error
- Inspect the Finish:
- Proof coins have a shiny, mirror-like surface
- Deep frosted details indicate a high-grade proof
- Look for Errors:
- No mint mark
- Doubled dies
- Off-center strikes
- Condition Matters:
- Mint State or Proof 69–70 are highly desirable
- Use a magnifier to look for wear and sharpness
Where to Find a 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Though they’re no longer minted, Susan B. Anthony dollars are still legal tender and occasionally appear in:
- Bank coin rolls
- Old cash drawers
- Estate collections
- Coin jars and savings banks
- U.S. Mint proof sets
You can also request dollar coins from banks, though SBA coins are less common than modern Sacagawea or Presidential dollars.
Selling a Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you find a 1981 dollar with error traits or in excellent condition, don’t spend it. Instead:
What to Do Next:
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- Protect the Coin: Store in a holder or flip
- Get It Graded:
- Use services like PCGS or NGC
- Research Sale Prices:
- Review recent auction results
- Sell Through Trusted Channels:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Certified coin dealers
- Collector marketplaces (with authentication)
Coin Grading Services Comparison
| Service | Specializes In | Turnaround Time | Trust Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCGS | U.S. Coins | 1–3 weeks | Excellent |
| NGC | Global Coins | 2–4 weeks | Excellent |
| ANACS | Error Coins | 2–3 weeks | Very Good |
Other Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars
While 1981 is the headline-grabber, other dates and varieties also carry value:
- 1979-S Type 2 “Clear S” Proof – $100–$300+
- 1980-S Proof – $50–$150 depending on grade
- 1999-P Wide Rim – $50–$200+
- Major Strike Errors – $500–$2,000+
Always check mint marks, rim design, and overall condition when reviewing any SBA dollar.
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar may have once been overlooked, but it’s now a symbol of how tiny minting mistakes can turn pocket change into a fortune. With values reaching nearly $900,000, there’s never been a better time to reexamine your coin stash.
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Here’s How to Spot It
A nearly forgotten 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar—still potentially circulating—recently sold for an astounding $880,000! The secret? A rare mint-mark variety that has collectors scrambling. Here’s your expert breakdown:
| FIELD | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint | 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar (San Francisco Mint) |
| Special Variety | Unusual “S” mintmark, believed to be a unique error variant |
| Market Revelation | Recently sold for $880,000 in June 2025 |
| Rarity Factors | Few confirmed examples exist—mix of Type I/II mintmarks with odd shape or clarity |
| Grade Potential | In high grade (Proof or MS65+), scarcity boosts value significantly |
| Spotting Tips | Inspect the “S” mintmark: compare thickness, clarity, serif style with standard proofs |
| Authentication Required | Certification by PCGS or NGC is absolutely essential |
| Estimated Value Range | If it’s the rare “880K” variety, value is in the hundreds of thousands to nearly a million; common 1981-S PM or BU are worth $3–$225 |
| Where to Sell | Major auction houses: Heritage, GreatCollections, Stack’s Bowers; or high-end dealer platforms |
Take a closer look—you just might have a life-changing piece of U.S. coin history sitting unnoticed in a box, jar, or album.
FAQ’s for 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Q: What makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $880,000?
A: A combination of the “No S” mint mark error, proof finish, and perfect grade (PR70 Deep Cameo).
Q: Are Susan B. Anthony dollars still in circulation?
A: Rarely, but they are still legal tender and occasionally found in bank rolls or old change.
Q: How do I know if my coin is a proof?
A: Proof coins have mirror-like surfaces and were sold in special U.S. Mint sets—not for circulation.
Q: Should I clean a coin before selling it?
A: No. Cleaning can reduce its value significantly. Always handle coins carefully.
Q: Where can I get my coin graded?
A: Trusted grading companies include PCGS, NGC, and ANACS.
Q: Is it legal to sell rare coins?
A: Yes, coin collecting and resale is legal and highly regulated.
Q: What’s the best way to sell a rare coin?
A: Through professional auction houses, certified dealers, or authenticated online platforms.
Q: Can I request Susan B. Anthony coins from the bank?
A: Possibly, though availability is limited. Most banks carry newer dollar coins instead.
