Imagine finding a coin in your pocket worth nearly a million dollars. That’s the case with the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, a modern coin that has collectors buzzing.
Most Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollars are worth just one dollar. But a rare version with a unique minting error has sold for as much as $880,000 at auction. Could one be hiding in your change or coin jar?
The Story of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
- Introduced in 1979 as a replacement for the paper dollar bill.
- Featured Susan B. Anthony, the famous women’s suffrage leader.
- First U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than Lady Liberty.
- Failed in circulation because it was too similar to a quarter in size and color.
- Production ended in 1981, with only limited runs later in 1999.
That’s where the rare 1981 issue comes in—specifically the “Clear S” mint mark error.
The Mark That Makes It Special
The San Francisco Mint produced many proof versions of the SBA dollar. Most coins had a blurry “S” mint mark due to a worn-out punch. But a small number were struck with a sharper, clear “S”, now called the “Clear S” variety.
- Blurry S = common
- Clear, sharp S = extremely rare
Only a handful of these coins exist, and that’s what makes them worth hundreds of thousands of dollars today.
How to Check Your 1981 SBA Dollar
If you have Susan B. Anthony dollars lying around, here’s how to check if one could be worth a fortune:
- Look for the 1981 date on the coin.
- Check for the “S” mint mark below the date.
- Use a magnifying glass to see if the “S” is clear and sharp, not fuzzy.
- Compare your coin with trusted images of the “Clear S” variety.
- If it looks promising, get it authenticated by a professional coin dealer or grading service.
Auction Prices: Rare vs. Regular Versions
Here’s a quick look at how much these coins can be worth:
| Coin Type | Auction Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1981 “Clear S” Proof | Up to $880,000 |
| 1981 Regular (Circulated) | $1 – $5 |
| 1981 Regular (Uncirculated) | $5 – $20 |
This shows just how much difference one tiny mint mark can make.
Could It Still Be in Circulation?
While the Susan B. Anthony dollar is rarely used today, some coins are still floating around in:
- Old wallets and piggy banks
- Family coin collections
- Loose change jars
The odds of finding a “Clear S” variety in circulation are slim—but not impossible. Every coin hunter’s dream is to stumble across one of these rare treasures.
If you do find one, don’t rush to sell it at face value. Get it checked, graded, and appraised—because it could be your ticket to a life-changing payday.
FAQs About the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Q: Why is the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar so rare?
A: Most 1981 SBA dollars were proofs, but only a few have the sharp “Clear S” mint mark error, making them extremely valuable.
Q: How do I know if I have the “Clear S” version?
A: Look closely at the mint mark below the date. If it’s sharp and distinct, not blurry, you might have the rare version.
Q: Can I still find one in circulation?
A: It’s unlikely, but possible. Many people overlook SBA dollars, so checking old change and coin collections is worth it.
Q: Where can I sell a rare Susan B. Anthony dollar?
A: The best options are professional coin auctions, reputable coin dealers, or grading services like PCGS and NGC.