$880,000 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Many people don’t think twice when they see a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. It’s small, silver-colored, and often mistaken for a quarter. But did you know that one version of this coin from 1981 could be worth up to $880,000? Yes, that’s right—a coin you might pass over without a second thought could be a hidden treasure.
Who Was Susan B. Anthony?
Susan B. Anthony was a leader in the fight for women’s rights in the United States. She played a big role in the women’s suffrage movement and worked hard to give women the right to vote. To honor her, the U.S. Mint released the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979. This made her the first woman to appear on a circulating U.S. coin.
The Coin’s Short Life in Circulation
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was not very popular. People didn’t like that it looked too much like a quarter. Because of this, the coin was only made for a few years—1979, 1980, 1981, and once again in 1999. This short production period makes some of these coins especially rare and valuable to collectors today.
Why the 1981 Coin is Special
Most of the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars were not released to the public. They were made only for collectors and sold in special coin sets. This makes them harder to find in everyday pocket change. Even more rare are certain versions of the 1981 coin that have small details—like mint marks or design errors—that can make them extremely valuable.
What Makes It Worth $880,000?
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar that could be worth $880,000 isn’t just any coin. It’s believed to have a unique minting error or a very rare variation that collectors are eager to find. This version may have a special “S” mint mark or other features that set it apart. Only a few of these may exist, and that’s what drives the price so high.
Still in Circulation? Here’s the Truth
While the coin was never widely accepted by the public, it’s still legal tender. That means you could find one in your change, though the chances are slim—especially for the 1981 versions. But since some were used or accidentally released, there’s always a tiny chance that a rare version could still be floating around.
The Mint Mark to Look For
When checking your coins, look closely at the mint mark—the small letter that shows where the coin was made. For the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, a tiny “S” near the date stands for the San Francisco Mint. Some of these “S” marked coins are part of the rare Proof sets, and a few even have variations that collectors are willing to pay big money for.
Quick Comparison Table: Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1981)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | 1981 |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Metal Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
| Face Value | $1 |
| Possible Value | Up to $880,000 for rare variations |
| Still Circulates? | Yes, but rare |
What Should You Do If You Find One?
If you think you’ve found a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, don’t rush to spend it. First, check the date and mint mark. Then compare it to photos of rare versions online or show it to a coin dealer. It might be worth more than you think—maybe even a life-changing amount.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Your Change
Most of us overlook the coins we carry every day, but stories like this remind us that even common-looking money can hold hidden value. The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is proof that small details can make a huge difference. It pays to take a second look!
FAQs
Q: Can I still spend a Susan B. Anthony dollar at a store?
Yes, it’s still legal U.S. currency, though many people don’t use them regularly.
Q: How do I know if my 1981 coin is rare?
Look for a clear “S” mint mark and research rare variations. A coin expert can help identify valuable versions.
Q: Where can I sell a valuable coin like this?
You can go to a coin dealer, sell it at an auction, or list it through a trusted collector’s website.
Q: Is it likely to find this coin in my pocket change?
It’s very rare, but not impossible. Most 1981 coins were not widely released, but a few may still be in circulation.