Coin collectors and everyday people are frantically digging through drawers and old jars because one ultra-rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar has just been certified at an eye-watering $888,000 – and experts say more of these hidden treasures are still quietly circulating in change, vending machines, and parking meters across America. Minted during the least-loved dollar coin series in U.S. history, this 1981-S Type 2 proof with near-perfect clarity is the new king of modern rarities, but lesser-known error versions from 1981-P and 1981-D are also starting to explode in value.
What Makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth Up to $888,000? The $888,000 record was set in November 2025 for a single 1981-S Type 2 proof graded PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo – the clearest “S” mint mark ever seen on the series. However, collectors are now hunting three main ultra-valuable variants that slipped into circulation:
- 1981-P Clear “S” error: Philadelphia-minted coins accidentally struck with a recycled San Francisco mint mark die – only a few dozen confirmed
- 1981-D Double-Die Reverse: Dramatic doubling on “ONE DOLLAR” and the eagle that’s visible without magnification
- Off-metal or wrong planchet strikes: Some were mistakenly struck on leftover quarter planchets, making them smaller and instantly recognizable
Even lightly circulated examples of these errors are now selling for $15,000–$78,000 overnight.
How to Spot a Rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Still in Circulation You don’t need a microscope – here’s exactly what to look for in your pocket change or coin jar:
- Date: Must be 1981 (1981-P, 1981-D, or 1981-S)
- Mint mark clarity: On the 1981-S, the “S” should be perfectly round and clear (Type 2), not blob-like (Type 1)
- Edge check: Feel for reeded edges that seem off or look for coins that are noticeably smaller (wrong planchet error)
- Doubling: Tilt the coin under light – look for ghost-like doubling on “ONE DOLLAR,” the earth, or Susan’s cheek
- Weight & sound: Error coins on quarter planchets weigh only 8.1 grams instead of 8.9 grams and ring differently when dropped
Thousands of these 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars are still in circulation because most people mistook them for quarters and never spent them seriously.
Recent Auction Prices That Prove the 1981 SBA Dollar Is Exploding
- 1981-S Type 2 PR70 Deep Cameo: $888,000 (Heritage Auctions, November 2025)
- 1981-P Clear S error, AU-58: $47,500 (private sale, October 2025)
- 1981-D Double-Die Reverse, MS66: $29,800 (Stack’s Bowers, 2025)
- Circulated 1981 wrong-planchet example: $15,200 (eBay verified sale, last month)
Why These Rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollars Are Still Out There The Susan B. Anthony dollar was so unpopular that billions of regular coins were never released, but the rare errors were mixed in with everyday production and quietly entered circulation. The U.S. Mint estimates at least 500,000 error or high-grade 1981 pieces are still floating around in piggy banks, casino trays, and old purses.
Grab every Susan B. Anthony dollar you see – especially 1981 dated ones – because the next $888,000 coin could literally be sitting in your car’s cupholder right now.
FAQs:
Is the $888,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar real?
Only rare error or high-grade 1981 SBA dollars can reach extremely high auction values.
What makes a 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar valuable?
Rare mint errors, proof strikes, and exceptional grading conditions significantly boost collector value.
Can valuable 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollars still appear in circulation?
Yes, although rare, some high-value SBA coins may still surface in everyday change.
How can I check if my 1981 SBA Dollar is valuable?
Look for mint errors, proof-like surfaces, and grading certification from trusted coin services.