$880,000 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Still in Circulation — Here’s the Mark to Look For

A Coin with a Story

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was first introduced in 1979 to honor the iconic women’s rights activist. It holds the distinction of being the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman’s likeness. However, its size and color closely resembled that of a quarter, leading to widespread confusion and a lack of popularity.

By 1981, production of these coins for general circulation ceased, with only a limited number minted specifically for collectors. Interestingly, a few rare examples made their way into everyday use, and one particular version of this coin could now be valued at nearly $880,000.

The Mark That Matters

The most important feature to identify this valuable coin is the “S” mint mark located just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder on the obverse side. Collectors are hunting for the 1981-S Type 2 proof coin, distinguished by a sharp, well-defined “S” with clear serif edges.

Most 1981 coins show a blurred or filled-in “S,” but the Type 2 variety was struck using a special new minting die in very limited quantities. Coins in excellent condition with this distinct mark can command extremely high prices at auctions.

How It Got Out There

You might wonder how a coin intended solely for collectors ended up in everyday circulation. Experts explain that proof coins occasionally escape into the public through various mix-ups such as bank errors or estate sales. Since the Susan B.

Anthony dollar closely resembles a quarter, many people spent these valuable coins unknowingly. This means a potentially priceless coin could be hidden in a cash drawer or coin jar right now, waiting for a keen eye to spot it.

Tips to Check Your Coins

If you believe you might own a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, here are steps to verify if it’s the highly valuable Type 2:

• Check the Date: Look for the year “1981” on the coin’s front side. Only those from 1981 carry this potential value.
• Find the Mint Mark: Look closely for an “S” mint mark above the shoulder, indicating it was minted in San Francisco.
• Examine the “S”: Use a magnifying glass to ensure the “S” is crisp and clear. The Type 2 coin’s “S” is distinct with sharp edges, unlike the more common blurry marks.
• Don’t Clean It: Avoid cleaning the coin, as any polishing or cleaning can damage its surface and dramatically reduce its value.
  If your coin matches these details, consider having it authenticated by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC to confirm its authenticity and worth.

A Treasure Hunt for Everyone

The thought of finding a dollar coin in your pocket or piggy bank that could be worth nearly $880,000 is incredibly exciting. With growing interest in coin collecting, more people are examining their loose change closely. The 1981-S Type 2 Susan B.

Anthony dollar serves as a perfect example of how ordinary objects can unexpectedly hold significant value. So next time you come across a dollar coin, take a moment to inspect it carefully—you might just uncover a valuable treasure right in front of you.

FAQs