Rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Valued At $880,000 – How To Identify The Special Mark
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar has been making headlines with claims of being worth as much as $880,000.
While this figure is exaggerated, there are important details collectors should know about the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, especially when it comes to mintmarks, varieties, and true market values. Some examples can fetch strong premiums, but the reality is far different from the viral claims.
The Background of the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced in 1979, designed to honor the famous women’s rights activist. The coin ran until 1981, and then returned briefly in 1999.
Unlike earlier issues, the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars were not released for general circulation. Instead, they were produced for Mint Sets and Proof Sets, which means any 1981 coin you see in change today was most likely taken out of a set years later.
The “Mark” Collectors Need to Know
The most famous 1981 variety is the 1981-S Type-2 Proof. This variety is identified by a clearer, flatter “S” mintmark compared to the more common Type-1 version. Collectors prize this coin because fewer were struck, making it a scarcer proof variety.
- Type-1 “S”: Blob-like, less defined mintmark.
- Type-2 “S”: Crisp, flat-topped mintmark with clear details.
If you own a 1981-S proof dollar, checking the style of the mintmark could make the difference between an ordinary collectible and a premium piece.
Current Market Values in 2025
While no 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar has ever legitimately sold for $880,000, certain varieties do carry value depending on condition and variety.
| Coin / Variety | Circulated Value | Uncirculated / Mint Set | Proof (Type-1) | Proof (Type-2 “Clear S”) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-P | $1.25 – $3 | $15 – $30 in MS65+ | – | – |
| 1981-D | $1.25 – $3 | $15 – $35 in MS65+ | – | – |
| 1981-S Proof Type-1 | – | – | $10 – $40 | – |
| 1981-S Proof Type-2 | – | – | – | $150 – $400+ in PR69–PR70 DCAM |
Key point: Even the most valuable 1981-S Type-2 Proof typically sells for hundreds of dollars, not hundreds of thousands.
Why the 1981 SBA Dollar Is Special
- Low Mintage: 1981 SBA dollars were struck only for collectors. Philadelphia and Denver coins have mintages of around 3 million each, much lower than 1979 or 1980 issues.
- Proof Exclusivity: The San Francisco Mint produced both Type-1 and Type-2 proofs, with Type-2 being far scarcer.
- Collectible Appeal: The SBA series is short-lived and often overlooked, making these coins attractive for specialized collectors.
Misconceptions About the $880,000 Price Tag
The eye-catching claim of an $880,000 SBA dollar is misleading. No certified auction record supports such a figure.
The most expensive Susan B. Anthony dollars have sold in the low five-figure range, typically for coins in exceptional condition or with special varieties. The $880,000 number stems from viral rumors, not reality.
How to Check Your Coin
- Look for the Mintmark – Found near the date. P = Philadelphia, D = Denver, S = San Francisco (proofs only).
- Examine the “S” – If you have a proof, determine whether it’s Type-1 or the rarer Type-2 “Clear S.”
- Condition Matters – Coins graded MS67 or PR70 by professional services can command higher premiums.
- Authenticate If Valuable – Have your coin certified by PCGS or NGC if you believe it’s a rare variety.
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is an intriguing collectible, but it is not worth $880,000. Instead, its value lies in its scarcity in top condition and the rare Type-2 proof variety from San Francisco.
While circulated pieces may only bring a few dollars, premium examples in top grades can sell for hundreds of dollars.
Collectors should focus on identifying the correct mintmark and proof type rather than chasing exaggerated price myths.
FAQs
Not originally. They were only sold in Mint and Proof Sets. However, some coins from broken sets occasionally appear in circulation.
The 1981-S Type-2 Proof in high-grade PR70 Deep Cameo is the most valuable, typically bringing a few hundred dollars.
This claim is based on viral exaggerations and misleading posts. In reality, no SBA dollar has ever sold for such a high price.