The Susan B. Anthony dollar is often overlooked and sometimes confused with a quarter, but one rare version of this small U.S. dollar coin has stunned collectors. A 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar has been valued as high as $880,000, and experts believe a few examples may still be hiding in collections—or even everyday change.
What makes this coin so valuable? The answer lies in rarity, minting history, and a very specific detail most people never notice.
A Short History of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted from 1979 to 1981, with a brief return in 1999. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman rather than a symbolic figure.
Unfortunately, its size and color closely resembled a quarter, causing confusion in circulation. As a result, the coin was unpopular and quickly removed from daily use.
Why the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Is Special
The key reason the 1981 issue is so valuable is that most 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars were never intended for circulation. They were struck primarily for collectors as part of official mint sets.
Because of this:
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Circulation strikes are extremely rare
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Many examples remained untouched in mint packaging
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High-grade coins are scarce and highly valuable
Only a small number are believed to have escaped into circulation, making any genuine circulated example a potential treasure.
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The $880,000 Variety Explained
The Susan B. Anthony dollar linked to the $880,000 valuation is typically a 1981 Proof or high-grade circulation-strike coin, often associated with rare mint characteristics and flawless condition.
The most valuable examples include:
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1981-S Proof Type 2
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Perfect or near-perfect condition (PR70 or MS68+)
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Sharp strike with no wear, marks, or damage
Because survival rates in top condition are extremely low, elite collectors are willing to pay extraordinary prices.
How to Identify a Valuable 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you find one, check these details carefully:
1. Look at the Date
The coin must be dated 1981.
2. Check the Mint Mark
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P = Philadelphia
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D = Denver
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S = San Francisco
San Francisco proof coins are often the most valuable.
3. Examine the Rim and Details
Proof coins have mirror-like fields and sharp edges. Type 2 proofs show clearer, more defined mint marks.
4. Condition Is Everything
Any wear, scratches, or cleaning can drastically reduce value.
Why Some Are Still in Circulation
Many people mistake Susan B. Anthony dollars for quarters and spend them without a second thought. Others inherit collections and unknowingly mix rare coins with loose change.
Banks, vending machine returns, old wallets, and estate collections are still common places where these coins surface.
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What to Do If You Think You Found One
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Do not clean the coin
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Handle it only by the edges
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Store it safely
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Have it authenticated by a professional grading service
Authentication is essential before any serious valuation.
Final Thoughts
The idea that an $880,000 Susan B. Anthony dollar could still be out there may sound unbelievable—but history proves it’s possible. Rare coins don’t always sit in museums; sometimes they hide in plain sight.
Before you dismiss that odd-looking dollar coin, take a closer look. Checking your change today could uncover a rare piece of American numismatic history—and possibly a life-changing find.
