Rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth $880K: Spot the Valuable Mint Mark

The 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar isn’t just another coin it’s a slice of history with the potential to be worth a small fortune. Collectors and investors have turned their eyes to this unassuming coin because of its rarity, historical importance, and jaw-dropping value. Some of these coins have sold for as much as $880,000 at auction! In this guide, we’ll walk you through why this coin is so special, its history, how to spot one, and what makes it a treasure in the coin-collecting world.

Why the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Is So Valuable

The 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar stands out for a few key reasons: low production numbers, rare minting errors, and historical significance. Unlike other coins from the late 1970s and early 1980s, this dollar was minted in very limited quantities. Certain varieties and errors have made it highly desirable, driving up auction prices dramatically.

A Quick History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a woman, honoring the suffragist Susan B. Anthony. The goal was to create a smaller, more convenient dollar coin to replace the larger Eisenhower Dollar. However, the coin’s similarity to the quarter caused public confusion, which limited its popularity. By 1981, production had dropped significantly, with only a small number minted for circulation and collectors.

What Makes the 1981 Version Stand Out

The 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is highly prized because of its low mintage and rare varieties. Coins were produced at the Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) mints in limited numbers. Some coins also have unique errors like off-center strikes or doubled dies, pushing their value to astonishing heights.

Key Features of the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Here’s how you can identify one:

Feature	Description
Obverse Design	Susan B. Anthony portrait with “LIBERTY” and “1981”
Reverse Design	Eagle landing on the moon, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR”
Material	Copper-nickel clad (75% copper, 25% nickel)
Diameter	26.5 mm (similar to a quarter)
Weight	8.1 grams
Edge	Reeded
Mint Marks	“P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco) above Anthony’s shoulder

Rare Varieties and Errors to Look For

Certain 1981 coins are extremely valuable due to errors or special minting quirks:

• 1981-P Clear “S” Error: Some Philadelphia coins were mistakenly struck with a San Francisco “S” mint mark these are extraordinarily rare.
• Off-Center Strikes: Misaligned designs make the coin a collector’s favorite.
• Doubled Die Errors: Doubling in letters or design elements increases rarity.
• Proof Coins: 1981-S proof coins with deep cameo contrast are particularly prized.

Why Collectors Love This Coin

Historical Importance

Honoring Susan B. Anthony, the coin celebrates women’s rights and stands as the first circulating U.S. coin featuring a woman.

Rarity

The 1981 coins had very limited production:

• Philadelphia (P): ~3 million
• Denver (D): ~3.2 million
• San Francisco (S): ~3.5 million (including proofs)

This makes finding one, especially in pristine condition, a challenge.

High Auction Prices

A rare 1981-P Clear “S” coin sold for $880,000 in 2023, highlighting its value. Even non-error coins in mint condition fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars.

How to Spot a Valuable 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar

1. Check the Mint Mark: Look above Anthony’s shoulder for “P,” “D,” or “S.” Clear “S” errors are the most valuable.
2. Inspect for Errors: Look for off-center strikes or doubled dies using a magnifying glass.
3. Assess Condition: Higher-grade coins (MS-65 or above) are worth more.
4. Professional Appraisal: Services like PCGS or NGC authenticate and grade coins accurately.

Where to Find These Coins

• Pocket Change: Rare, but sometimes found in old rolls.
• Coin Shows: A great place to discover rare finds.
• Online Auctions: Sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, or Stack’s Bowers list 1981 coins.
• Coin Dealers: Trusted dealers can verify and sell authentic coins.

Tips for Buying

• Only purchase from reputable sellers.
• Look for graded coins for assurance.
• Compare recent auction prices before buying.

Storing and Protecting Your Coin

• Use airtight holders or capsules.
• Avoid cleaning the coin.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Handle with gloves to prevent oils from skin affecting it.

The Future of the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar

As these coins become scarcer, collector demand rises. Historical significance, rarity, and potential auction value make this coin a smart addition for collectors and investors alike.

FAQs

Q: How much is a regular 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar worth?
A: Circulated coins are usually $1; uncirculated ones range $5–$20.

Q: Why is the $880,000 coin so special?
A: It’s a rare 1981-P Clear “S” mint error, making it extraordinarily valuable.

Q: Can these coins still be found in circulation?
A: Rarely, yes especially in older coin rolls or collections.

Q: How do I verify authenticity?
A: Get it graded and authenticated by PCGS or NGC.

Conclusion

The 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a hidden treasure, combining historical significance, low mintage, and rare errors. Whether you’re searching through change or browsing auctions, the possibility of finding a coin worth $880,000 is truly exciting. Start your hunt, and you could uncover a piece of history worth a fortune.