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The 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for high-grade specimens. While most of these “small dollars” found in change are only worth their face value, certain mint marks and finishes make the 1981-S a prize for collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F-AU) | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $3.00 – $10.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS65+) | $35 – $250+ |
| Proof (Type 1) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof (Type 2 – Clear S) | $50 – $400+ |
History of the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar was a revolutionary coin when it was first released in 1979. It was the first time a non-mythical woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. However, the public generally disliked the coin because its size and color were too similar to the Washington Quarter. By 1981, the government stopped producing them for general circulation.
This makes the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar particularly interesting. Since these coins were only issued in Mint Sets and Proof Sets for collectors, you won’t typically find them in your pocket change unless someone broke open a collector set. If you are unsure what you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard strike and a proof.
The “S” mint mark indicates the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Because these were not meant for daily commerce, most surviving 1981-S dollars are in relatively good condition. However, “good condition” in the world of coin collecting is a spectrum, and the difference between a $5 coin and a $500 coin often comes down to microscopic details that CoinKnow can help you spot.
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Identifying the 1981-S Proof Type 1 vs. Type 2
One of the most important factors in determining the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar value is the “S” mint mark variety. During 1981, the San Francisco Mint replaced a worn-out mint mark punch with a new, clearer one. This created two distinct varieties for proof coins: the Type 1 (Filled S) and the Type 2 (Clear S).
The Type 1 “Filled S” is the more common variety. The “S” looks slightly blob-like, and the loops of the letter are filled with metal. The Type 2 “Clear S” is much sharper, with defined bulbous ends on the letter S and a clear field of space within the loops. The Type 2 is significantly rarer and commands a much higher premium among numismatists.
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The 1981 SBA dollar price trends show that while Type 1 proofs often sell for under $10, a perfect Type 2 Proof (PR70) can fetch hundreds of dollars at auction. Discriminating between these two requires a steady hand and a magnifying glass, or a specialized tool like CoinKnow.
| Variety | Distinguishing Feature | Average Value (PF69) |
|---|---|---|
| 1981-S Type 1 | Blobby/Filled Mint Mark | $12 |
| 1981-S Type 2 | Clear/Sharply Defined S | $65 |
Grading and Condition of the 1981-S Dollar
For the business-strike (non-proof) 1981-S coins that came in Mint Sets, the grade is everything. Most of these coins fall into the MS63 to MS65 range. Because the Susan B. Anthony dollar has large, flat surfaces—specifically on the cheek of Susan B. Anthony and the fields of the coin—they are very prone to “bag marks” or tiny scratches.
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A 1981-S dollar in MS67 condition is a rarity. At this level, the coin must have nearly perfect luster and almost no visible marks under magnification. When a coin reaches the MS68 grade, the price jumps exponentially. Investors often look for these “top pop” coins (highest population) to add to their portfolios.
You can find a detailed breakdown of the 1981-S dollar worth by grade, which helps explain why professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is so common for this year. If your coin looks “perfect” to the naked eye, it might be worth the investment to have it professionally certified.
The “Souvenir” Nature of the 1981-S SBA Dollar
Since the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar was never officially released for circulation, almost every example you find today will be in “Uncirculated” or “Proof” condition. They were sold by the U.S. Mint in 1981 Uncirculated Coin Sets (often called Mint Sets) and 1981 Proof Sets.
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If you find a 1981-S dollar that looks worn or dirty, it means someone likely took it out of a collector set and spent it as a regular dollar. Ironically, “circulated” 1981-S dollars are actually quite rare because they shouldn’t exist in the wild, but this doesn’t make them more valuable. Collectors want the pristine, shiny versions found in the original packaging.
If you’ve inherited a collection or found a stash of these coins, downloading CoinKnow can help you organize your inventory. The app uses image recognition to help you identify the specific mint and variety, ensuring you don’t accidentally spend a rare Type 2 Clear S proof at the grocery store.
| Mint State Grade | Description | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | Average Uncirculated; some marks | $5 |
| MS65 | Gem Uncirculated; very attractive | $30 |
| MS67 | Superb Gem; nearly flawless | $350+ |
Rare Varieties and Errors to Look For
While the Type 2 Clear S is the most famous variety, error hunters also look for other anomalies on the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar. These “mint errors” occur during the manufacturing process and can drastically increase a coin’s value to thousands of dollars.
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Common errors for this series include off-center strikes, where the coin was not properly aligned with the dies, and broadstrikes, where the “collar” that holds the coin in place fails, causing the coin to spread out like a pancake. Double dies—where the image is struck twice, creating a blurred or “shadow” effect on the lettering—are also highly sought after.
Because the SBA dollar is relatively modern, many high-quality errors are still being discovered in old Mint Sets. Always inspect the rim and the lettering of your 1981 coins. If you see something that looks “wrong,” it might actually be a very “right” find for your bank account!
FAQ
Q: Why is the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar special?
A: It is special because it was not produced for general circulation. It was only available in United States Mint collector sets, making it rarer than the 1979 or 1980 versions which were produced by the hundreds of millions.
Q: How can I tell if my 1981-S is a Type 2?
A: Look at the “S” mint mark with a magnifying glass. If the ends of the “S” are flat and the loops are filled with metal, it is a Type 1. If the ends of the “S” are bulbous and the loops are clear and distinct, you have a Type 2.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Is it worth getting my 1981-S dollar graded?
A: Only if it is a Type 2 Proof in perfect condition or a business strike that appears to be MS67 or higher. For most 1981-S dollars worth $5 to $20, the cost of professional grading (usually $30-$50) would exceed the value of the coin.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (heads) side, just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (your left), near the base of her neck.
Q: Can I spend a 1981-S dollar at a store?
A: Yes, it is still legal tender worth exactly one dollar. However, because they are worth at least a small premium to collectors, it is better to sell it to a coin shop or keep it as an investment.