Could You Own $888,000? Rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Still In Circulation

Imagine rifling through your change jar and discovering a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar that could potentially be worth $888,000.

That idea may sound like pure fantasy — but for a tiny number of very special Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollars, it’s a reality.

In this article, we explore why one specific variety from 1981 has exploded in value, how to tell if you might have one, and what steps to take if you think you’re holding a hidden treasure.

What Is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar?

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted by the United States in 1979, 1980, and 1981, with a brief revival in 1999.

The coin features the likeness of Susan B. Anthony, a pioneer of women’s suffrage, and was the first U.S. coin to depict a real woman.

With a diameter of about 26.5 mm and weighing around 8.1 grams, it’s slightly larger than a quarter but much less popular when it was circulated.

Why Is the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar So Valuable?

Not all 1981 SBA dollars are worth large sums. The astonishing valuations come from a very small group of 1981 proof coins, specifically from the San Francisco “S” mint, that exhibit a rare mint‑mark error. The key factors that contribute to the high value include:

1. Missing or Weak “S” Mint Mark: Some proof coins from 1981-S appear to lack the “S” mint mark entirely, which makes them extraordinarily rare.
2. Flawless Proof Condition: Many of the highest‑value examples are graded at PR 69 or even PR 70, indicating near-perfect proof quality.
3. Deep Cameo Contrast: Coins with a deep cameo finish, where the devices are frosted and the fields are mirror-like, attract major collector interest.
4. Scarcity: The known population of these error proofs is extremely low — only a handful of collectors and grading services have recorded them.

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Key Facts About the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Here is a table summarizing the critical details and variants of the 1981 SBA dollar:

Aspect	Details
Year	1981
Mint Marks	P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Metal Composition	Copper core, copper-nickel outer layers
Diameter & Weight	~26.5 mm, ~8.1 grams
Notable Error Variety	1981‑S proof with no visible “S” mint mark
Grading for Top Value	Proof grades PR 69–70, often Deep Cameo
Valuation Range	Up to $888,000 for error proof; typical circulated value ~$1–$10

Because of this potential for human error and the occasional mishandling, a rare 1981 error coin could theoretically resurface in circulation.

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How to Identify a Potentially Valuable 1981 SBA Dollar

If you want to check whether you might have one of these rare coins, here is a practical checklist:

1. Inspect the Date and Mint Mark: The “1981” date should be clearly visible. On proof coins, look for the “S” mint mark (or its absence) above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder.
2. Examine the Finish: Proof coins have a highly reflective, mirror‑like field. Deep cameo proofs will show frosted design elements contrasting with shiny backgrounds.
3. Evaluate Condition: Look for minimal or no signs of wear, scratches, or handling marks.
4. Use Magnification: A loupe or magnifying glass helps in spotting a weak or missing mint mark.
5. Seek Professional Grading: If you suspect you have an error proof, get the coin graded by a reliable grading company. A grade of PR 69 or PR 70 significantly affects value.

Owning a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar worth nearly $888,000 is not a common lottery ticket — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime possibility that only applies to a very narrow and specific variety: the 1981-S proof with a missing or extremely weak mint mark, in near-perfect condition.

While most SBA dollars in circulation are worth just a dollar or a few dollars at most, the rare error proofs belong in a completely different league.

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