1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: You might be surprised to learn that a coin from 1981, worth just one dollar when it was made, has recently been talked about as being worth a whopping $880,000. Yes, we’re talking about the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, a small coin that many people thought was just pocket change. So how can one of these coins be worth such a massive amount? Let’s dig deeper into this fascinating story.
Who Was Susan B. Anthony and Why Was She on a Coin?
Susan B. Anthony was a well-known American women’s rights activist who fought for women’s right to vote. To honor her legacy, the U.S. Mint introduced a coin in 1979 with her face on it. This made her the first real woman to appear on a U.S. coin. Although the coin was made to celebrate history, it wasn’t very popular when it came out.
What Makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Special?
The coin was produced in 1979, 1980, and 1981, and again in 1999. The 1981 version was only released for collectors and not widely circulated, which already makes it a bit rarer. But there’s something more — certain 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars have a special mint mark or were struck in a way that makes them extremely valuable to collectors today. These rare versions are the ones that can fetch high prices, sometimes even up to $880,000.
Still in Circulation — Or Just a Collector’s Dream?
Even though most Susan B. Anthony dollars are no longer seen in everyday transactions, some still float around. That means there’s still a small chance that someone could unknowingly have a valuable coin in their possession. While it’s rare, it’s not impossible. If you’ve got some old change lying around, it might be worth taking a closer look.
What Is a Mint Mark and Why Does It Matter?
A mint mark is a small letter on a coin that shows where it was made. For the Susan B. Anthony dollar, common mint marks include “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. The 1981 dollar with the “S” mint mark, especially one with a proof finish or certain errors, is what makes collectors very excited. These details can turn an ordinary-looking coin into something extraordinary.
How Can a $1 Coin Be Worth $880,000?
Not every 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is worth a fortune. The $880,000 price tag is connected to coins in perfect condition, with rare errors or proof versions that are extremely hard to find. These coins are often sold at auctions where collectors are willing to pay big money for rare finds. So while it’s possible, it’s also quite rare. The high value comes from a mix of condition, rarity, and collector demand.
Checking Your Change: Could You Have One?
If you’ve got a jar of old coins, now’s the time to check. Look for the 1981 date and the “S” mint mark. If your coin looks shiny and untouched or has unusual features like double images or sharp details, it might be worth getting it checked by a coin expert. Most likely, you’ll have a regular dollar, but there’s no harm in dreaming a little.
Quick Value Table for Susan B. Anthony Dollars
| Year | Mint Mark | Type/Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | P/D/S | Common Circulated | $1 – $3 |
| 1981 | S | Proof Coin (High Grade) | $50 – $1,500 |
| 1981 | S | Rare Error/Perfect Grade | Up to $880,000 |
| 1999 | P/D | Last Year of Issue | $1 – $10 |
FAQs About the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Is the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar still being used today?
Not really. Most people don’t use these coins anymore, but you might still find one in old coin jars or from a bank.
How do I know if my coin is worth a lot?
Check the year (1981), the mint mark (look for “S”), and the condition. Rare errors or proof coins can be valuable.
What should I do if I think I have a rare one?
Take it to a coin dealer or get it graded by a coin grading service. They can tell you if it’s special or not.
Can I spend the coin like regular money?
Yes, it’s still legal to use. But if it’s rare, it’s worth much more than one dollar, so don’t spend it just yet!
