Most coins in your change are worth only their face value — but every now and then, one turns out to be worth a small fortune. That’s the case with a rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar that has sold for as much as $880,000 at auction. Even more surprising? Experts believe a few could still be floating around in everyday circulation.
The Story Behind the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
First issued in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar honored the legendary women’s rights activist and became the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman (other than Lady Liberty) on its obverse.
The coin had a distinctive 11-sided border and a reverse design featuring the Apollo 11 moon landing — but it was short-lived. Public confusion with the quarter and low popularity led to its discontinuation after 1981 (with a brief return in 1999).
What Makes the $880,000 1981 SBA Dollar So Valuable?
While millions of Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted, this specific 1981 variation is extremely rare due to a combination of factors:
- Proof-Only Release: The 1981 SBA dollars were never released for general circulation — they were only made for collector sets.
- Special Mint Mark: The ultra-rare variety has a “Clear S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint, where the “S” is sharply defined instead of filled or blurry.
- Condition: Flawless, proof-grade examples with perfect surfaces are the ones fetching top prices.
- Low Survival Rate: Only a small number exist in pristine condition today.
How to Identify the $880,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you think you might have one, here’s what to check:
- Date: Look for 1981 on the obverse.
- Mint Mark: A sharp, well-defined “S” under the date is the key.
- Finish: Proof coins have a mirror-like shine with frosted details.
- Condition: Coins without scratches or wear are worth far more.
Why It Might Still Be in Circulation
Although intended only for collector sets, some of these rare proof coins may have been accidentally spent or released into circulation over the years. Estate sales, coin roll hunting, or simply forgotten collections could easily put one back into the public’s hands.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve spotted the rare 1981 “Clear S” SBA dollar:
- Don’t clean it — this can ruin its value.
- Get it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.
- Consider auctioning through a major coin auction house to attract serious buyers.
Overview Table
| Feature | Common 1981 SBA Dollar | Rare $880,000 SBA Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 1981 | 1981 |
| Mint Mark | Filled “S” or other marks | Sharp “Clear S” |
| Finish | Circulated or standard proof | Flawless proof |
| Value | $1 – $20 | Up to $880,000 |
| Availability | Common | Extremely rare |
FAQs
Q1: Are all 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars valuable?
A: No, only the rare proof coins with a sharp “Clear S” mint mark in perfect condition can reach extreme values.
Q2: Where should I look for rare SBA dollars?
A: Old proof sets, inherited coin collections, and coin roll hunts are the best places to start.
Q3: Why was the Susan B. Anthony dollar unpopular?