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The 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $10 in standard proof condition to over $500 in top-tier deep cameo grades. This specific variety is a favorite among collectors because it represents one of the rarest “S” mint marks in the entire series.
| Condition Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Type 1) | $5 – $8 |
| PR 69 (Type 1) | $15 – $20 |
| PR 65 (Type 2 – Clear S) | $40 – $60 |
| PR 70 DCAM (Type 2) | $450 – $650+ |
Understanding the Rare 1981-S Type 2 Variety
If you just found a small, golden-colored (or silvery) dollar coin with a woman’s portrait, you might be holding a piece of history. In 1981, the United States Mint produced Susan B. Anthony dollars primarily for collectors’ proof sets rather than for general circulation.
Among these, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions of the “S” mint mark. If you aren’t sure which one you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark to see the tiny details that separate a $5 coin from a $50 coin.
The Type 2 variety, often called the “Clear S,” is the one everyone wants. The mint replaced a worn-out punch during production, resulting in a much sharper, more distinct “S” mark. Because these were only released in proof sets, finding one in your change is rare, but identifying them correctly is the first step to a big payday. CoinKnow makes this process incredibly easy by comparing your coin’s image to high-resolution database photos.
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How to Identify the Type 1 vs Type 2 Mint Mark
Identifying the difference between the two 1981-S varieties requires a keen eye or a magnifying glass. The Type 1 “S” (Filled S) looks blob-like and messy. The loops of the letter “S” are almost touching the middle bar, making it look like a rectangular blob rather than a clear letter.
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In contrast, the Type 2 “S” (Clear S) is crisp with bulbous ends and a clear field of flat mirror-like finish between the loops. This variety is far scarcer because it was introduced late in the production run. Collectors are always on the hunt for these because the 1981 Susan B. Anthony proof dollar values for clear mint marks are significantly higher than the standard versions.
When you look at your coin, check the “S” located on the left side, just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder. If the “S” has clear internal spaces and looks professional, you likely have the Type 2. If you are still in doubt, CoinKnow can provide an instant visual analysis to confirm the variety.
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| Feature | Type 1 “S” | Type 2 “S” |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Appearance | Indistinct, “Blob-like” | Sharp, Clear, Defined |
| Rarity Level | Common Proof | Scarcce / Rare |
The Market Value of 1981-S Type 2 Dollars
The value of your 1981-S dollar depends heavily on its “grade.” Since these were issued in plastic cases for collectors, most are in excellent condition. However, “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) versions—where the portrait looks frosty white and the background looks like a black mirror—command the highest prices.
Checking the current 1981-S dollar value data is essential because prices fluctuate based on auction results. A standard PR68 (Proof 68) Type 2 might sell for $50, but if it reaches the perfect grade of PR70, the price can skyrocket into the hundreds of dollars.
For the everyday American, it is important to remember that most 1981-S coins found outside of their original packaging may have scratches (“hairlines”). These scratches significantly lower the value. If your coin has lived in a drawer or a pocket, it may only be worth a few dollars, but a pristine, boxed version is a different story.
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Why the 1981-S Dollar is a Collector Favorite
1981 was a strange year for the U.S. Mint. After poor public reception in 1979 and 1980, the Treasury decided not to release the Susan B. Anthony dollar for general circulation in 1981. This means every 1981-P, 1981-D, and 1981-S coin was originally intended for collectors only.
This scarcity creates a “floor” for the value. Unlike a 1979 dollar which you might find at any bank, 1981 dollars are inherently harder to find. When you add the Type 2 variety into the mix, you have a perfect storm for value growth. Using CoinKnow can help you track these trends and see if the market for these specific proofs is rising.
The history of the “S” mint mark itself is interesting. The San Francisco Mint has always been the “boutique” branch of the U.S. Mint, focusing on high-quality strikes. The 1981-S Type 2 is seen as the pinnacle of the Susan B. Anthony series, marking the end of the initial production run before the coin was briefly revived in 1999.
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| Mint Location | Mintage Quantity | Release Type |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | 3,000,000+ | Mint Sets Only |
| Denver (D) | 3,000,000+ | Mint Sets Only |
| San Francisco (S) Proof | 4,063,083 | Proof Sets Only |
How to Store and Protect Your Rare Dollar
If you believe you have found a Type 2 Clear S variety, stop touching it with your bare fingers! The oils from your skin can permanently damage the mirror-like finish of a proof coin. Instead, handle it only by the edges or wear lint-free cotton gloves.
The best way to preserve the 1981-S Type 2 value is to keep it in a PVC-free plastic flip or its original Mint lens. If the coin is already loose, placing it in a cardboard 2×2 holder will prevent further scratches.
Many people ask if they should get their coin professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. This is usually only worth the cost (about $30-$50 per coin) if the coin is a Type 2 in near-perfect condition. If your coin looks “frosty” and has no visible marks, it might be a candidate for a high grade.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 2 in my spare change?
A: While highly unlikely, it is possible. Sometimes collectors spend their sets or heirs unknowingly use them as cash. However, because 1981 dollars were not released to banks, any 1981-S found in circulation was likely removed from a collector set first.
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Q: Is Susan B. Anthony dollar made of real silver?
A: No. These coins are composed of a copper-nickel “clad” composition. They have a copper core and an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. They do not contain any silver, despite their silvery appearance.
Q: How many 1981-S Type 2 coins were made?
A: While the total proof mintage for 1981-S was over 4 million, it is estimated that only about 10% to 20% of those (roughly 400,000 to 800,000) are the Type 2 variety. This makes them much rarer than the Type 1.
Q: What is the most ever paid for a 1981-S Susan B. Anthony?
A: High-grade PR70 Deep Cameo examples of the Type 2 variety have sold at major auctions for over $1,000 in the past, though current market prices for a PR70 usually hover around $500 to $700.