Coin collectors across the country are buzzing about a rare find that could turn pocket change into a massive payday. The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, often overlooked as just another old coin, has one version that recently sold for a whopping $880,000 at auction. This isn’t your everyday dollar—it’s a special proof coin with a unique mark that sets it apart. While most of these coins were made for collectors and never meant for everyday use, some have slipped into circulation over the years. If you have old coins lying around, now’s the time to dig them out and take a close look. Experts say the key is spotting a specific mint mark that makes all the difference in value.
The Story Behind the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Back in the late 1970s, the U.S. Mint wanted to honor Susan B. Anthony, a famous fighter for women’s rights. They created a new dollar coin in her image, hoping it would replace the old paper dollar bills. The coins came out in 1979, 1980, 1981, and then again in 1999. But people didn’t like them much because they looked too much like quarters—same size, same edges. By 1981, the Mint stopped making them for regular spending and only produced special proof versions for collectors. These proofs have a shiny finish and sharp details, made in small numbers at the San Francisco Mint. That’s where the rarity comes in, turning a simple coin into something worth a fortune if it has the right features.
What Sets the Rare 1981 Coin Apart
The big deal with the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is that no regular versions were made for circulation that year—only proofs. Out of those, there are two types based on the mint mark, which is a tiny “S” for San Francisco, located just above Anthony’s right shoulder on the front side. Most have what’s called a Type 1 mint mark, which looks kind of flat and blurry from a worn-out tool used to stamp it. But a smaller batch got a fresh new stamp, creating the Type 2 version with a clear, sharp “S.” This change happened late in production, so fewer Type 2 coins exist. In top condition, these Type 2 proofs can fetch huge prices because collectors prize their rarity and perfect look.
| Feature | Type 1 Mint Mark | Type 2 Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Flat, blurry S with filled-in loops | Clear, sharp S with open loops and serifs |
| Rarity | Common among 1981 proofs | Rare, made later in the year |
| Typical Value | $10 to $50 in good shape | Up to $880,000 in perfect condition |
Spotting the Valuable Mark in Your Coins
To check if your 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is the jackpot one, grab a magnifying glass and focus on that “S” mint mark. For the Type 2, the S should have crisp edges, with the top and bottom curves fully open and not mushy. The middle part of the S is straight and bold, almost like it’s been etched perfectly. Avoid confusing it with the Type 1, where the S looks squished and the loops are partly filled in. Also, look at the overall coin—proofs have a mirror-like background and frosted details on Anthony’s face and the eagle on the back. If your coin shows wear from use, it might still be valuable if it’s a Type 2 that somehow got spent. Get it graded by pros like PCGS or NGC to confirm its worth, as condition plays a huge role.
Recent Sales and Why Values Skyrocket
Just this year, a pristine 1981-S Type 2 proof graded perfect sold for $880,000 at a major auction, shocking even seasoned collectors. Other high-grade examples have gone for $13,000 to $50,000 in recent years, but that top sale shows how demand drives prices up. Factors like no scratches, original shine, and certified grading push the value higher. While most 1981 coins are worth only a few bucks, the Type 2 variety stands out because so few were made with that clear mark. Collectors hunt them down for sets, and with fewer showing up each year, prices keep climbing. If you find one, don’t clean it—dirt or polish can drop its value fast.
Could This Treasure Still Be Out There in Circulation?
Even though these were collector items, some 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars have ended up in everyday money. Maybe someone cashed in a proof set during tough times, or a coin escaped from a collection. Banks and vending machines sometimes spit them out, so check your change jars or ask at coin shops. Reports from collectors say they’ve found circulated proofs worth hundreds, though a $880,000 gem would be in near-perfect shape. The thrill is real—ordinary folks have turned up rare coins like this before. So next time you see a small dollar that looks like a quarter, flip it over and hunt for that clear “S.” You never know; your loose change might just make you rich.