The 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is a fascinating coin for collectors, often called the “pocket change coin worth up to $880,000” due to its rarity and limited mintage in certain varieties.
Why the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Is So Valuable
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In 1981, the U.S. Mint produced only a limited number of Susan B. Anthony dollars for general circulation: approximately 3 million pieces from the Philadelphia (P) Mint and around 3.25 million from Denver (D) Mint. This is significantly lower than previous years.
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Most 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars were actually minted and released only as proof coins and collector sets, not intended for general circulation, making business strikes from 1981 incredibly rare.
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The San Francisco Mint also struck about 3.5 million proof coins in 1981, which are highly prized and command premium prices.
Record Auction Prices
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The rarest 1981-S (San Francisco proof) Susan B. Anthony dollar (graded MS67+) sold at Heritage Auctions for approximately $21,600.
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High-grade Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) Mint 1981 business strikes have sold in the mid-thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on condition, with MS67 or MS68 examples valued between $2,500 to $3,000 or more.
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Specific rare minting errors and high-grade specimens push values even higher.
Typical Market Values by Condition
| Coin Type | Condition | Approximate Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 P Business Strike | Circulated | $10 – $50 |
| 1981 P Business Strike | Mint State (MS65+) | $1,200 – $3,200 |
| 1981 D Business Strike | Mint State (MS68) | $2,900+ |
| 1981 S Proof | Proof | $50 – $400 |
| 1981 S Proof | MS67+ Rare Specimen | $21,000+ |
Why It’s a Collector’s Dream
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar represents a rare example of a U.S. circulating coin with incredibly low mintage, especially in the business strike category. Its rarity combined with mint mark and condition has made it highly sought after and a cornerstone coin among modern U.S. dollar collectors.
Tips for Owners
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Check your coins for mint marks “P”, “D”, or “S” and whether they are proof or business strikes.
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High-grade, uncirculated coins substantially increase value.
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Have coins professionally graded for authentication and valuation if suspected to be a rare 1981 variety.
Conclusion
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins, with rare specimens surpassing extraordinary prices at auction. While many circulated ones hold modest value, pristine official business strikes and proofs represent collector’s treasures potentially worth thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, making it well worth checking your coin collection or wallet for this “hidden” gem.
