$880,000 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Still in Circulation : Picture discovering a dollar coin in your change that’s valued at nearly a million dollars. That’s the excitement surrounding a rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, which might be tucked away in your wallet or coin jar. Often confused with a quarter, this coin has a unique feature that makes it a collector’s gem. Here’s everything you need to know about this hidden treasure and how to identify it.
A Coin with History
The Susan B. Anthony dollar, first minted in 1979, was created to honor the women’s rights icon. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, but its size and color made people mistake it for a quarter, so it never gained popularity. By 1981, the U.S. Mint halted production for general use, making only a small number for collectors. Some of these rare coins, however, slipped into circulation, and one version could now be worth up to $880,000.
The Mark That Counts
To spot this valuable coin, look for the “S” mint mark just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder on the front. You want the 1981-S Type 2 proof, which has a crisp, distinct “S” with sharp, serif-like edges. Most 1981 coins have a fuzzy or filled-in “S,” but the Type 2 is scarce because only a few were struck with a new minting die. If you find one in excellent condition, it could bring a fortune at auction.
How It Ended Up in Circulation
How did a collector’s coin make it into everyday use? Experts suggest proof coins sometimes escape through errors, like bank mix-ups or estate sales. Since the Susan B. Anthony dollar closely resembled a quarter, many were spent without a second thought. This means a coin worth hundreds of thousands could be hiding in a cash register or piggy bank right now, just waiting to be discovered.
Tips to Check Your Coins
If you think you have a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, here’s how to see if it’s the valuable Type 2:
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check the Date | Look for “1981” on the front | Only 1981 coins have this value |
| Find the Mint Mark | Spot the “S” above the shoulder | The “S” indicates a San Francisco mint |
| Examine the “S” | Use a magnifying glass for detail | Type 2 has a clear, sharp “S” |
| Don’t Clean It | Keep the coin untouched | Cleaning can destroy its value |
If it seems promising, have it evaluated by a professional at a service like PCGS or NGC. They can verify if it’s authentic.
A Treasure Hunt for All
The thought of a coin worth $880,000 hiding in your change is exhilarating. Coin collecting is growing in popularity, and stories like this inspire people to search through their spare coins. The 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony dollar shows that ordinary items can hold extraordinary value. So, the next time you get a dollar coin, take a closer look. You might uncover a life-changing treasure hiding in plain view.