$880,000 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar : In the world of coin collecting, stories of small change turning into small fortunes ignite hope and curiosity. One such story centers around the 1981 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar — a coin many overlook, yet one specific version is said to have fetched an astonishing $880,000 at auction. Is it still in circulation? Could one be sitting in your coin jar right now? Let’s take a closer look.
A Quick History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The U.S. Mint introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979, marking the first time a real woman (not an allegorical figure like Lady Liberty) appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. Named after the famed suffragette, the coin was small, silver-colored, and designed to replace the dollar bill.
Unfortunately, the coin was often mistaken for a quarter due to its size and color, which led to limited public adoption. The series was struck from 1979 to 1981 and then briefly again in 1999.
The Mythical $880,000 Coin: What’s the Deal?
The $880,000 price tag attached to the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar isn’t for just any version of the coin. This value typically applies to extremely rare proof errors or coins in mint condition with highly unusual features. There’s speculation and reports (though not widely confirmed by the U.S. Mint or major grading services) that a small handful of proof strikes, particularly from the San Francisco Mint (marked with an “S”), could reach astronomical prices at auction.
These coins were not released for general circulation and were only included in collector sets. So, if one ended up in pocket change, it likely escaped from a broken set or a collector’s cache — a highly unlikely, but not impossible scenario.
The Mark to Look For
If you’re checking your coins, here’s what to look for:
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Mint Mark: Look just above Anthony’s shoulder — coins minted in San Francisco will show an “S”, Philadelphia has a “P”, and Denver a “D”.
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Proof Finish: A true proof coin has a mirror-like background and frosted, highly detailed images. This isn’t something you’ll often see in circulated change.
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Condition: Coins fetching top dollar are often graded PR70 (perfect proof) by agencies like PCGS or NGC.
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Errors or Anomalies: Off-center strikes, double dies, or unusual planchet compositions can significantly raise a coin’s value.
Could It Still Be in Circulation?
Technically, yes — though it’s extremely unlikely. Most 1981 SBA dollars were never released into circulation and were only sold in proof or mint sets. However, over the years, some may have made their way into coin rolls, cash drawers, or personal stashes.
The vast majority of 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars in circulation are worth only face value or slightly more. But as with all collectibles, rarity, condition, and demand can drive certain specimens to eye-popping prices.
Final Thoughts
The chance of finding a $880,000 Susan B. Anthony dollar in your pocket is slim — but it’s not zero. If you’re sorting through your spare change and stumble upon a 1981 SBA dollar, especially one with an “S” mint mark and proof-like qualities, don’t spend it just yet. It might be worth a closer look, or even a trip to a certified coin grading service.
After all, coin collecting is about more than just money — it’s about history, mystery, and the thrill of the hunt.
Tip: If you think you’ve found a valuable SBA dollar, consult with a professional numismatist or submit it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
$880,000 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q: Is the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar really worth $880,000?
A: While most 1981 SBA dollars are worth face value or a few dollars, rare proof versions or error coins in perfect condition (graded PR70) can fetch thousands — and in extremely rare cases, potentially six figures. The $880,000 figure is often cited in connection with rumors or very limited private sales of ultra-rare specimens.
Q: How can I tell if I have a rare 1981 SBA dollar?
A: Look for:
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A “S” mint mark (San Francisco Mint), just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder.
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A proof finish: mirror-like background and frosted design.
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Any striking errors, such as off-center images, doubling, or unusual color/metal.
Q: What is a proof coin?
A: Proof coins are specially made for collectors, with a high-quality finish, sharp details, and a mirror-like background. They are not meant for general circulation and are usually found in proof sets.
Q: What mint marks were used for the 1981 SBA dollar?
A:
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P – Philadelphia
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D – Denver
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S – San Francisco (used mostly for proof coins)
Q: Are 1981 SBA dollars still in circulation?
A: Yes, but they are rare in everyday use. Most 1981 coins were only released in collector sets and never circulated. Some may have made their way into circulation accidentally.