Have you ever looked at the coins in your pocket and thought one might be worth a fortune? It might sound unlikely, but a rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar coin reportedly sold for as much as $880,000 at auction. While most coins in this series are only worth a little more than face value, one rare mint mark can make a huge difference in value.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar unique, what collectors look for, and how to spot one of these valuable coins that may still be floating around in everyday change.
A Brief History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The U.S. Mint released the Susan B. Anthony dollar from 1979 to 1981 and then again in 1999. It was the first coin to feature a real woman—Susan B. Anthony, a well-known figure who fought for women’s voting rights. Even though it marked progress in terms of representation, people didn’t like it much because it looked too much like a quarter in both size and color, which caused confusion.
Even with its rocky start, the coin has become a favorite for collectors over time, especially certain rare editions that are harder to find.
Why the 1981 SBA Dollar Stands Out
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are only worth one dollar, but the 1981 version is different and more collectible for a few reasons.
One big reason is that the 1981 SBA dollars were never released to the public. They were only made for collectors in special mint sets, so finding one in your loose change is already rare. Another factor is condition—coins that are still uncirculated or have been graded MS-67 or better by companies like PCGS or NGC can be very valuable. Finally, certain mint marks, especially the “S” from San Francisco, and rare types like the Type 2 Proof, can push a coin’s value way up.
The $880,000 Coin – What Makes It Special?
The coin that is said to have reached $880,000 is a 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar, specifically the rare Type 2 Proof in top condition (graded PR70). What makes this coin special is the difference in the “S” mint mark. The Type 1 coin has an “S” that looks kind of blurry or blob-like, but the Type 2 has a sharp, clear mint mark.
Even though it’s very unlikely that this coin would be found in your change, it could happen if someone broke up a collector’s set and spent the coin. That’s why it’s worth checking every Susan B. Anthony dollar you come across.
How to Identify the Valuable Type 2 Coin
If you want to see whether your coin is the rare Type 2, here are the features you should examine:
| Feature | Type 1 (Common) | Type 2 (Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark | “S” is blurry | “S” is clean and sharp |
| Surface Finish | Less shiny | Very reflective with deep contrast |
| Strike | Not as detailed | Sharper, more exact |
| Circulation | Came from mint/proof sets | Made only for proof sets |
| Value | $1–$10 | Up to $880,000 in perfect shape |
How to Check Your Coin
First, check the year on the coin. It needs to be from 1981. Then, look at the front side of the coin (called the obverse), just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder, to find the mint mark.
Next, take a close look at the “S” mint mark. A magnifying glass may help. You want to compare the shape to known images of the rare Type 2 version. Also, look at the finish of the coin. Proof coins have a mirror-like surface with frosted designs that stand out. If your coin has these traits, it might be worth getting checked.
If you think you’ve found a valuable coin, send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. They can give you a proper evaluation.
Final Thought
Finding a rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth $880,000 might sound too good to be true—but it’s not impossible. It’s a great reminder that valuable items can sometimes be hiding right in front of us. It doesn’t cost anything to check your coins, so why not look?
Even if you don’t find a rare one, learning how to recognize collectible coins can be a fun and interesting hobby. And who knows? The next time you get change from a store or vending machine, you might end up with something far more valuable than you expected.
FAQs
1. What makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar valuable?
It’s valuable if it has the “S” mint mark and is the Type 2 Proof in great condition. These were never released for general use, making them rare.
2. Where is the mint mark on a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
The mint mark is located just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder on the heads (obverse) side of the coin.
3. Can I find a 1981 SBA dollar in my change?
It’s rare but possible. The 1981 coins were made for collectors, but sometimes they get spent and end up in circulation.
4. How can I tell if I have a Type 2 “S” mint mark?
The Type 2 “S” mint mark looks clear and sharp. Type 1 looks blurry or blob-like. You can compare your coin to pictures online.
5. How do I get my coin appraised?
You can send your coin to PCGS or NGC for grading, or visit a coin dealer who can evaluate it in person.
