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The 1981-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,500 in top-tier proof grades. While most examples found in household jars are worth face value, certain high-quality proof versions and the distinct “Type” variations can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Condition) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Proof (PR69 Deep Cameo) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Proof (PR70 Deep Cameo) | $500 – $1,600+ |
History and Significance of the 1981-S SBA Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar was a short-lived series intended to replace the paper dollar bill. By 1981, the government realized the public wasn’t embracing the small brass-colored coin, leading to a halt in production for general circulation. Consequently, the 1981-S dollars were only issued in Mint Sets and Proof Sets. This limited release makes the 1981-S variety more interesting to collectors than the high-mintage years of 1979 and 1980.
If you have found one of these coins in a collection, the first step is identifying its “Type.” In 1981, the San Francisco Mint used two different mint mark punches. The “Type 1” is the more common version found in most sets, featuring a “S” mint mark that is somewhat filled or blurred. To accurately distinguish these nuances, many hobbyists use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the mint mark details before deciding to send a coin for professional grading.
Because these coins were never released into everyday pockets, they are rarely found in heavily worn condition. Most 1981-S coins come from broken-up sets. Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you track the current market demand for these specific sets, ensuring you don’t undersell a coin that might have a higher premium due to its “Type 2” counterpart.
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Understanding the 1981-S Type 1 vs Type 2 Variations
The 1981-S Proof Susan B. Anthony dollars are famous for having two distinct mint mark varieties: Type 1 and Type 2. The Type 1, also known as the “Filled S,” represents the initial production run. The mint mark on these coins looks a bit “blob-like,” where the loops of the “S” are almost touching the center bar. This was the standard design for the majority of the 1,000,000+ proof sets produced that year.
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In contrast, the Type 2 (or “Clear S”) was an improved punch introduced later in the year, featuring a much more defined, sharp “S” with clear bulbous ends. While both are collectible, the Type 2 is significantly rarer and commands a much higher price. It is essential to check the current Susan B. Anthony dollar market prices to see the drastic jump in value between these two types, especially in perfect condition.
For a beginner, telling them apart can be tricky without a magnifying glass. The Type 1 S-mark often looks like a flattened rectangle with rounded corners, while the Type 2 has distinct “serifs” or feet on the letter S. If you aren’t sure, the CoinKnow app provides high-resolution reference images to help you compare your coin against verified examples.
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| Feature | Type 1 (Filled S) | Type 2 (Clear S) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Appearance | Blurred, filled loops | Sharp, distinct S |
| Rarity | Common (90% of sets) | Rare (10% of sets) |
| PR69 Value | ~$15 | ~$50 |
Determining the Grade and Condition of Your 1981-S Dollar
For the 1981-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, the value is almost entirely dependent on the numerical grade assigned by services like PCGS or NGC. Because these coins are proofs, they were struck twice with polished dies to create a mirror-like background (field) and frosted details (devices). This is known as the “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo” effect.
Most 1981-S Type 1 coins will grade at PR68 or PR69. At these levels, they are beautiful but common. However, the price sky-rockets if the coin reaches a “Perfect 70” (PR70). A PR70 coin has zero visible scratches, fingerprints, or blemishes under 5x magnification. Checking the 1981 dollar value for high-grade specimens reveals that collectors will pay thousands for that elusive perfect grade.
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If your coin has been handled without gloves or has tiny scratches from being in a bin, it has likely lost its chance at a top-tier grade. Modern hobbyists often use CoinKnow to scan their coins; while an app cannot officially “grade” a coin for the market, it can help you identify if your coin still has its original mint luster and mirror finish, which are prerequisites for high value.
Why the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony is Different from 1979
A common mistake is assuming that all Susan B. Anthony dollars are rare. In 1979, the mint produced hundreds of millions of these coins, and most of them remain worth exactly one dollar today. The 1981-S is different because it was never intended for circulation. It was sold in “Souvenir Sets” and “Proof Sets” specifically for collectors.
This means you are much less likely to find a 1981-S in your pocket change. If you do find one in a random roll of dollars from the bank, it is considered a “proof in circulation.” These are interesting to find but usually only worth a few dollars because the delicate mirror finish has been ruined by coming into contact with other coins.
| Mint Mark Location | Availability | Typical Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Left of Portrait | Non-Circulating | Sealed Plastic Lens |
Modern Value Drivers for SBA Dollars
What drives the price of a 1981-S Type 1 today? It mostly comes down to Registry Sets. Many professional collectors compete to build the “perfect” set of coins. Since there are very few PR70 Type 1 coins in existence, when one appears at auction, the price goes high because collectors need it to complete their ranking.
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For the average American, the most realistic value is the “raw” price. This is what a local coin shop would pay you for a coin still in its original government packaging. Typically, you can expect $3 to $8 for a single coin, or $10 to $15 for the entire 1981 Proof Set. While this isn’t a “lottery ticket” win, it is still a nice premium over the face value of the coin.
Always keep an eye out for toning. Some 1981 dollars have developed beautiful rainbow colors over the decades due to the chemicals in the packaging. These “toners” can sometimes sell for 2 to 3 times the standard price, even if it is a Type 1 variety.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1981-S is a Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look at the “S” mint mark under a magnifying glass. If the “S” looks like a blob where the loops are nearly filled in, it is a Type 1. If the “S” is sharp, clear, and has distinct round bulbs at the ends (and looks very different from the 1980 mint mark), it is a Type 2.
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Q: Is the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar made of silver?
A: No, none of the Susan B. Anthony dollars were made of silver. They are composed of a copper-nickel “clad” composition (the same as modern quarters and dimes). Their value comes from their rarity and condition, not their metal content.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1981-S Dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the “heads” side (obverse) of the coin. Look just above Susan B. Anthony’s left shoulder (your left as you look at the coin), near the date.
Q: I found a 1981-P or 1981-D dollar. Are they valuable?
A: Like the 1981-S, the P (Philadelphia) and D (Denver) versions were only issued in Mint Sets. They are worth slightly more than face value, typically $2 to $5 in uncirculated condition, but they do not have the “Type 1/Type 2” variety found on the San Francisco proof coins.