What if a seemingly ordinary coin in your change could be worth $880,000? The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, long thought of as a common collectible, has versions so rare that they’ve fetched astronomical prices. In this article, we’ll explain which coin you need, how to spot it, and whether it might still be hiding in your pocket change.
What Is the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted by the U.S. Mint from 1979 to 1981, then briefly again in 1999. It features suffrage leader Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an eagle landing on the moon (inspired by the Apollo 11 mission insignia) on the reverse.
- Denominations & Mint Marks: Produced at Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) mints.
- Composition: Clad coin — 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core.
- Diameter: ~26.50 mm. Weight: ~8.1 grams.
Why “$880,000” Is Mentioned & Is It True?
The huge price tag comes from reports of a proof version (or possibly an error specimen in proof condition) of the 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony dollar that allegedly sold (or was claimed to have sold) close to $880,000 at auction.
However, no widely-documented auction record supports that exact price for a typical 1981-S Type 2 proof in common grades. Many numismatic sources place the actual auction records for high grade 1981-S Type 2 proof dollars in the thousands (not hundreds of thousands) of dollars range.
So while the $880,000 figure circulates in sensational headlines, most confirmed sales fall far lower.
The Mark to Look For: Type 1 vs Type 2 “S” Mint Mark
The key distinguishing feature for high value among 1981 proof SBA (Susan B. Anthony) dollars is the “S” mint mark style. There are two major varieties for the 1981-S proofs:
| Type | Mint Mark Feature | Relative Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | “Clear S” mint mark with less bold/bulbous serifs. Uses mint mark punch style from late 1979. | Much more common among 1981-S proofs. |
| Type 2 | “Flat top” or more defined, bulbous serifs on the “S”; sharper, clearer mint mark. Punch made later in 1981. | Rarer; under ~15-20% of 1981-S proofs estimated in this variety. |
Collectors prize 1981-S Type 2 proofs highest, especially in high grades (proof-70, deep cameo, or equivalent). These coins are more likely to last in excellent condition and fetch a premium.
Values & Auction Records
| Condition / Variety | Typical Value Range (Confirmed Sales) |
|---|---|
| Circulated 1981-P or 1981-D | Around $1-$10 depending on wear. |
| 1981-S Proof Type 1 (less rare mint mark) | Dozens to low hundreds of dollars depending on grade. |
| 1981-S Proof Type 2 (bulbous, flat-top “S”) | Higher-end proof values—early thousands in excellent grading. |
| Extreme proof error / unique high-grade example | Exceptionally rare; sensational, but often unverified claims for six-figure sums so treat with caution. |
One thing is clear: the 1981-S Type 2 proof coin is one of the key varieties numismatically for the series.
Can You Still Find One in Circulation?
It’s very unlikely but not impossible. The 1981 dollars were mostly struck for collector proof sets, so very few entered general circulation. Many surviving examples are in collections, hiding in coin albums, or among estate holdings.
If you inspect old coin rolls, inherited coin lots, or simply coins passed down, there’s a slim chance of encountering a rare proof Type 2 specimen.
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar may seem like just another coin, but for numismatists it holds special intrigue—especially the 1981-S Type 2 proof with its rare “S” mint mark punch. While claims of a coin selling for $880,000 make exciting headlines, most documented sales fall far less, though still significant. If you find one, condition and confirmation are everything.
Next time you check out old change or family collections, keep the eye out—you might have something truly extraordinary.
FAQs
Is the $880,000 price real or just rumor?
It is likely overhyped. While rare proof 1981-S Type 2 coins fetch high premiums, confirmed auction records show prices in the thousands rather than hundreds of thousands. Always verify with trusted grading and auction houses.
What does “Type 2 S mint mark” look like?
The Type 2 “S” has flat top serifs, sharper edges, and more defined curves in the “S” compared to the more common “Clear S” (Type 1). The earlier mint-mark punch had more rounded features or less distinct serifs.
Does the coin’s condition matter that much?
Absolutely. Proof coins graded at PR-69 or PR-70 or with deep cameo contrast are where values climb dramatically. Even a rare variety in lower grade may not fetch big sums if the surfaces are damaged or worn.
