Rare $880,000 Susan B. Anthony Dollar – How To Spot The 1981 Coin Still In Circulation

There’s been plenty of buzz online about a “$880,000 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar” supposedly still in circulation. While the story grabs attention, the reality is very different.

The 1981 SBA dollars do have collector interest, but they are far from million-dollar coins. In fact, 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar dollars were never officially released for general circulation, making them harder to find in everyday change.

This guide will walk you through how to identify these coins, the key varieties that carry real value, and what collectors are actually willing to pay.

Quick Facts About 1981 SBA Dollars

• Minted Years: 1979–1981, and again in 1999.
• Circulation Status: 1981 coins were sold only in U.S. Mint and Proof sets, not given to banks.
• Mintmarks: Found under Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder — P, D, or S.
• Key Variety: 1981-S Type 2 “Clear S” proof is the most valuable.
• Price Reality: High-grade or rare varieties may bring hundreds or a few thousand dollars, not hundreds of thousands.

Why 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Are Different

The U.S. Mint produced the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar dollar primarily for collectors, due to low public interest after its initial release in 1979.

Because they weren’t put into circulation, most examples remain in excellent condition—good for collectors, but this also means they’re not extremely rare in uncirculated form.

If you do find a 1981 SBA in change, it probably came from a broken Mint or Proof set.

The Valuable One: 1981-S Type 2 Proof (“Clear S”)

San Francisco struck proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar dollars in 1981 with two different S mintmark styles:

• Type 1: “Blobby” or filled S.
• Type 2: Crisp, sharp “Clear S” — scarcer and more desirable.

The Type 2 Clear S commands higher prices in perfect grades, especially in PR69 or PR70 Deep Cameo. While some older sales topped $5,000, most recent market prices are in the hundreds to low thousands.

Another Valuable SBA to Watch For: 1979-P Wide Rim

While the 1981 coins are sought after, one of the best finds in pocket change is the 1979-P “Wide Rim” (Near Date) variety.

The date is positioned closer to the coin’s rim, creating a thicker appearance. In high grades, these can sell for hundreds or even over a thousand dollars.

Market Reality vs Online Myths

Here’s a breakdown of notable Susan B. Anthony Dollar coins and their typical real-world value:

Coin / Variety	How to Spot	Typical Value (High Grade)
1981-S Proof Type 2 “Clear S”	Sharp, well-defined “S” mintmark	Hundreds to a few thousand
1981-P or 1981-D Uncirculated	Standard mintmark; set-only issue	Tens to hundreds in higher grades
1979-P Wide Rim	Thick rim close to date	Hundreds to over $1,000
Common SBA Dates	No special variety	Usually $1–$10 unless top grade

How to Check If You Have a Valuable SBA Dollar

1. Check the Date & Mintmark: For 1981 coins, look for P, D, or S.
2. Identify Type 2 Proofs: If it’s an “S,” examine the mintmark with magnification. A sharp, clean “S” is the Type 2.
3. Look for the Wide Rim in 1979: Compare rim spacing to see if it’s the Near Date variety.
4. Evaluate Condition: Coins with no wear, strong luster, and sharp details are worth more.
5. Consider Professional Grading: Certification can confirm authenticity and increase resale value.

Why 1981 Coins Rarely Appear in Circulation

Since 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar dollars were never intended for circulation, the only way they show up in change is if someone breaks open a collector set and spends them.

This makes finding one a neat surprise, but not a life-changing event.

The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar has a fascinating history, but the million-dollar rumors are just myths.

Serious collectors value them—especially the 1981-S Type 2 Clear S—yet realistic prices remain in the hundreds or low thousands.

If you enjoy coin hunting, knowing these key details could help you turn a small-dollar find into a worthwhile addition to your collection.

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