1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value is higher than most people realize — but only under the right conditions. All 1981 coins were struck exclusively for collector sets, never for circulation, making them NIFC (Not Issued For Circulation) key dates with mintages under 3.5 million at each facility.

Most examples trade near face value in lower grades, but the picture changes dramatically at the top. The 1981-S MS67+ holds the series auction record at $21,600, while the 1981-P and 1981-D both reached four figures in top certified grades.

 

1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value By Variety

Collectors find significant value differences among 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollars depending on mint mark and condition, with San Francisco issues and Deep Cameo proofs bringing notably higher prices than Philadelphia or Denver pieces.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value (1979-1999)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Worth Money

High-grade 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollars command significant premiums in the collector market. The 1981-S MS67+ leads the entire series at $21,600 — this is the only coin certified at that level by either PCGS or NGC, with twelve total at MS67 and none graded finer.

The proof side tells a different story. The 1981-S Type 2 PR70 reached $5,463 at Heritage Auctions in May 2007, while the older 1981-S Type 1 proof set an unusual record of $8,338 at Bowers & Merena in July 2003 — a result driven by the ANACS PR62 grade designation from an era before modern grading standards were fully standardized.

On the business strike side, the 1981-P MS67 sold for $3,220 at Heritage Auctions in December 2007, and the sole 1981-D MS68 reached $2,938 at Heritage in January 2017. These results show that all three mint marks produce genuine condition rarities at the top of the grade scale.

 

History Of The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar

Susan B. Anthony was a social reformer born in 1820 who played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement. Her work helped pave the way for the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, giving women the right to vote — fourteen years after her death in 1906.

When Congress began planning a smaller dollar coin in the mid-1970s, a 1975 report from the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) recommended a distinctive color and edge to prevent confusion with the quarter. Those recommendations were largely ignored during final design and production decisions.

President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation authorizing the coin into law on October 10, 1978. The coin quickly earned the unflattering nickname “Carter Quarter” among the public, who regularly confused it with the 25-cent piece at cash registers and vending machines.

The first Susan B. Anthony dollars were released in July 1979. The 1979 production run alone exceeded 757 million coins — a massive oversupply that never circulated. By the end of 1980, over 520 million coins sat unused in Federal Reserve vaults, and the Treasury faced a genuine surplus problem.

Rather than melt the coins (which would have reversed $0.98 of seignorage per coin back to the national debt), the government chose to simply stop making new ones. In 1981, all three mints struck a final combined total of just 9,742,000 coins — exclusively for Mint and Proof Sets. No 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars were ever released into circulation.

After President Ronald Reagan took office, the program quietly ended. The coin saw a brief revival in 1999 when vending machine demand — particularly from the United States Postal Service, which had deployed SBA dollars in over 9,000 stamp machines — depleted the remaining stockpile ahead of the Sacagawea dollar’s 2000 debut.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Silver Dollar Coins Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Is Your 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Rare?

The CoinValueChecker App provides instant identification and rarity assessment for your 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar through AI-powered image recognition technology, helping collectors verify grade, mint mark, and current market value.

 

Key Features Of The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar

Recognizing the distinctive characteristics of the 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar helps collectors properly authenticate and evaluate these coins. Frank Gasparro, serving as Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, designed this historic piece — the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real (non-allegorical) woman.

Gasparro originally prepared an alternative reverse design showing a flying eagle in flight, but after design details were leaked to Congress, legislation mandated the Apollo 11 insignia already in use on the Eisenhower dollar be retained instead.

The Obverse Of The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar

A right-facing portrait of suffragette Susan B. Anthony dominates the obverse, showing her in a high-necked blouse with her hair pulled back into a bun. Just below Anthony’s left shoulder, designer Frank Gasparro placed his initials “FG.”

“LIBERTY” stretches across the top portion, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in small lettering to the right of her chin. Encircling the inner rim are thirteen five-pointed stars — seven on the left and six on the right.

Above Anthony’s right shoulder sits the mint mark (P, D, or S). Below her bust, the date “1981” marks the coin’s year of issue.

The Reverse Of The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar

The reverse displays the Apollo 11 mission insignia — an eagle landing on the Moon, originally created by astronaut Michael Collins as the mission’s emblem. The eagle faces left with wings spread, gripping an olive branch, descending toward the cratered lunar surface across the lower third.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” follows the upper rim’s curve, with “ONE DOLLAR” along the bottom edge. Earth appears in the background, as seen from the lunar surface. Gasparro’s initials “FG” appear again below the eagle’s tail feathers.

Other Features Of The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar

A copper-nickel clad construction forms the coin — 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core. Despite its silvery appearance, the piece contains no precious metals whatsoever, with a melt value of approximately $0.10.

Both sides feature an eleven-sided inner border — an undecagon — designed to help users distinguish the dollar from the quarter by touch. Grooved reeding decorates the edge, though ironically this similarity to the quarter’s edge actually increased public confusion between the two coins.

Physical dimensions include a 26.5-millimeter diameter and 8.1-gram weight. A genuine coin will produce a clear, consistent ring when dropped and maintain precisely 2.00mm thickness — useful for spotting cast counterfeits, which typically weigh about 7.77 grams and sit thicker on one side.

Also Read: Top 80+ Most Valuable Sacagawea Dollar Worth Money (2000-P to Present)

 

1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar represents the lowest mintage year in the series across all three mints. Philadelphia struck 3,000,000 pieces, Denver minted 3,250,000, and San Francisco struck 3,492,000 business strikes.

The San Francisco Mint also struck over 4,063,083 proof coins, divided between Type 1 and Type 2 varieties. All 1981 business strikes carried the NIFC (Not Issued For Circulation) designation, meaning every piece came directly from collector sets — never from bank rolls or general commerce.

Survival rates vary dramatically across strike types. Business strikes from all three mints maintain survival rates above 98%, because mint set packaging protected them from normal circulation wear. This high survival rate is why most lower-grade examples remain affordable.

The proof coins show markedly different survival patterns. The S Type 1 DCAM (Deep Cameo — meaning deep mirror fields with frosted raised devices) maintains a 64.8% survival rate with about 2,632,877 examples remaining. The S Type 2 DCAM shows the lowest survival at just 16.2%, with only 658,219 specimens confirmed, making it significantly scarcer than its Type 1 counterpart.

Also Read: Top 40+ Most Valuable Presidential Dollar Coins Worth Money

 

The Easy Way To Know Your 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

Evaluating a 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar requires examining three critical elements: the mint mark location above Anthony’s shoulder, the clarity of the “S” mint mark distinguishing Type 1 from Type 2 proof varieties, and the coin’s overall surface condition.

A magnifying glass reveals whether the San Francisco mint mark appears sharp or partially filled — a subtle difference that separates a $10 coin from a $400+ coin. Professional grading by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) is recommended for any 1981 example you believe grades MS66 or higher.

Rather than manual research and comparison, the CoinValueChecker App transforms this complex authentication process into seconds. Its AI-powered recognition technology scans your coin’s image, identifies mint mark varieties automatically, assesses grade through surface analysis, and delivers instant market values.

 

1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value Guides

The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar series encompasses five distinct categories, each with unique characteristics that appeal to different collector interests. All 1981 coins were struck exclusively for U.S. Mint and Proof Sets rather than circulation.

The business strike coins from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco represent the standard issues distributed in mint sets. Meanwhile, the proof varieties from San Francisco include the scarce Type II proof — one of only three major die varieties in the entire SBA series, alongside the 1979-P Wide Rim and the 1979-S Type II proof.

• 1981-P Susan B Anthony Dollar – Philadelphia Mint business strike, lowest series mintage at 3,000,000
• 1981-D Susan B Anthony Dollar – Denver Mint issue, second-lowest mintage at 3,250,000
• 1981-S Susan B Anthony Dollar – San Francisco business strike, collector-only distribution
• 1981-S Type 1 DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar – Proof with filled “S” mint mark, most common 1981 proof
• 1981-S Type 2 DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar – Rare proof with clear, flat “S” mint mark, scarcest modern SBA variety

 

1981-P Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The 1981-P is the key date of the entire Susan B. Anthony circulation strike series — the lowest mintage business strike with only 3,000,000 produced. PCGS numismatic writer Jaime Hernandez has confirmed it as “the key date in the whole Susan B. Anthony Dollar series” and the second most difficult to find in high uncirculated condition.

Most MS64 and below examples remain close to face value, making them accessible type coins. The value curve steepens sharply at MS66 (around $50) and becomes dramatic at MS67.

PCGS has certified just 21 coins at MS67, with zero graded higher at either major service. NGC census shows 50 examples at MS67, also with none finer. That means the entire worldwide certified population at the terminal grade totals just 71 coins combined across both services.

The auction record stands at $3,220 for an MS67 example sold at Heritage Auctions in December 2007. The 1981-P ranks as the second toughest to find in top condition behind the 1981-S.

Detailed auction histories document pricing trends across all certified grades.

Current market chart shows how collector interest has evolved through recent months.

 

1981-D Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The Denver facility produced 3,250,000 pieces — the second-lowest mintage among all Susan B. Anthony business strikes — all released exclusively through 1981 Uncirculated Mint Sets. In MS65 and above, the 1981-D appears more frequently in certified populations than the 1981-P or 1981-S.

A single MS68 specimen — the finest certified at either major service — sold for $2,938 at Heritage Auctions in January 2017. That grade holds terminal status, meaning no example from either PCGS or NGC has ever graded higher.

Current retail prices place MS67 specimens near $375 (approximately 120 coins certified), MS66 around $65, and MS64 near $18. These figures reflect the 1981-D’s position as the most obtainable of the three 1981 issues in gem condition.

Collectors assembling three-coin 1981 sets typically source the Denver piece first, then allocate remaining budget toward the scarcer Philadelphia and San Francisco examples where high-grade populations are tighter. The 1981-D functions as the “gateway” issue into the 1981 key date group.

All notable past sales of the 1981-D dollar are summarized in the following auction record table.

Observing current market trends helps gauge collector attention and liquidity for this issue.

 

1981-S Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

San Francisco produced 3,492,000 business strikes alongside its proof coins in 1981 — the third-lowest mintage among all SBA circulation strikes. The 1981-S proves the hardest of the three 1981 mint marks to find in MS66 and above, creating a supply constraint where serious collectors compete intensely.

That scarcity is reflected in its auction records. The sole MS67+ example — the only coin certified at that level by either PCGS or NGC — reached $21,600 at Heritage Auctions in October 2022, setting the all-time auction record for any Susan B. Anthony dollar. The next tier down (MS67) counts roughly twelve certified examples.

For comparison: Philadelphia’s MS67 brought $3,220 in 2007, and Denver’s MS68 achieved $2,938 in 2017. The San Francisco gap to those prices is enormous — a direct reflection of its tighter high-grade census.

Business strikes from San Francisco attract added collector interest because the facility typically devoted itself to proof production during this era. The narrow census at MS67 and above keeps registry set competition active and prices elevated.

Comprehensive sale records document how certified examples have traded across auction platforms.

Market tracking shows consistent activity levels of this San Francisco dollar through the past year.

 

1981-S Type 1 DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The 1981-S Type 1 proof uses the same worn mintmark punch that was originally made for the 1979-S Type 2 Dollar. By autumn of 1981, that punch had degraded significantly after two years of service, producing the partially filled, less distinct “S” that defines the Type 1 variety.

Because the replacement punch arrived late in the production run, the vast majority of the 4,063,083 proof sets made in 1981 contain the Type 1 mint mark. It represents roughly 80–85% of all 1981-S proofs struck.

At PR69 DCAM (Deep Cameo, meaning deep mirror fields contrasted against frosted portrait and devices), examples typically sell for $10–$20. At PR70 — the highest possible grade — examples bring $30–$50 in current markets. The documented auction peak for a PR70 specimen was $896 in October 2020.

Despite being the more common variety, the 1981-S Type 1 still offers collectors an attractive and affordable proof issue in top grades. Its historical connection to the worn 1979 punch gives it a story that appeals to variety specialists.

Comprehensive auction records trace this variety’s sales history across major numismatic platforms.

Market tracking chart reflects ongoing collector interest of the Type 1 coin through recent months.

 

1981-S Type 2 DCAM Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The Type 2 was created when the Mint introduced a fresh replacement mintmark punch late in the 1981 proof production run. This new punch produced a flat, sharply defined “S” with distinct, clearly separated serifs — instantly recognizable under even modest magnification.

Only approximately 8% of the 4,063,083 proof dollars struck carry this clear mintmark, making the 1981-S Type 2 the scarcest modern Susan B. Anthony variety. It stands alongside the 1979-P Wide Rim and 1979-S Type 2 as one of only three major collectible varieties in the entire series.

PCGS and NGC combined have certified 5,314 coins at PR69 DCAM and just 764 at PR70 — numbers that reveal how few have survived four decades without contact marks or surface issues. Current values: PR69 DCAM trades around $120, PR70 brings approximately $350–$400, and PR68 settles near $80–$140.

The all-time auction record stands at $5,463 for a PCGS PR70 specimen sold at Heritage Auctions in May 2007. Album builders specifically seek both Type 1 and Type 2 specimens, creating consistent buyer demand that supports continued appreciation as fewer gem examples remain accessible.

A review of past auction results provides insight into how collector interest and pricing have evolved over time.

Following that, the chart illustrates how these coins have performed in the market over the past year.

Also Read: 17 Rare Dollar Coin Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Error List

The 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar marks the final year of the coin’s initial production run — a year when minting shifted exclusively to collector sets rather than circulation. This unusual production context means any error that escaped quality control from these sets is exceptionally scarce.

Within this limited population, specific minting anomalies transform these modern coins into significant numismatic finds. Production flaws that survived four decades of collector handling now command substantial premiums in today’s market.

1. Off-Center Strike Errors

An off-center strike occurs when the planchet misaligns between the dies before striking, producing a coin with part of the design missing and a blank crescent on the opposite side. Most discovered 1981 examples show displacement ranging from 5% to 20%.

Authentication focuses on date visibility, which confirms the coin’s year and validates its status as a legitimate mint error. These misstrikes appear across all three 1981 facilities. Current valuations range from $150 to $500 depending on displacement percentage, with examples showing higher off-center percentages while retaining full date visibility commanding the top prices.

Broadstrike errors — where the coin is struck outside its retaining collar — are a related variety. Broadstruck SBA dollars lack their normal reeded edge and appear wider and flatter than standard coins. These sell for $50–$100, and a 1981-P Broadstrike graded MS-64 reportedly sold for approximately $1,800 in recent years at specialized error auctions.

2. Clipped Planchet Errors

Clipping errors originate during blank preparation when the cutting dies punch overlapping patterns into metal strips. The resulting coins display straight-edge clips from overlapping punches, or crescent-shaped curves when partially missing metal creates a curved void.

The clipped area exposes the coin’s copper core through the outer nickel cladding layers — visible to the naked eye without magnification. Weight verification provides additional authentication, as clipped specimens fall below the standard 8.1 grams in proportion to the missing metal.

Base valuations start around $25 for minor clips but escalate with severity. Larger clips affecting 15–20% of the planchet command $75–$150, particularly in higher grades. Uncirculated specimens with dramatic clips occasionally exceed $200 at specialized auctions.

3. Wrong Planchet Errors

Among the rarest and most valuable Susan B. Anthony errors are coins struck on planchets intended for a different denomination. When a quarter planchet accidentally enters the dollar press, the smaller blank cannot accommodate the full dollar design — the eleven-sided inner border typically fails to appear on both sides.

Wrong planchet SBA dollar errors are extraordinarily rare, with documented examples for the series trading in the $3,000–$15,000 range depending on the planchet type and grade. A 1999-P SBA dollar struck on a Sacagawea planchet — a related transitional error — sold for $16,100 at Heritage Auctions in January 2006. A 1979-S SBA dollar struck on a dime planchet fetched $10,062.50 in a 2004 auction. Any 1981 wrong planchet example would be among the most valuable pieces in the series and requires PCGS or NGC certification for market acceptance.

4. Multiple Strike Errors

This error occurs when a planchet becomes trapped between the dies and receives additional unintended strikes before ejection. The overlapping impressions create ghosted doubling where design elements appear in multiple positions with varying rotation angles.

Unlike die deterioration doubling — which creates a mushy, shelf-like appearance — genuine multiple strikes show completely separate, distinct impressions with clear spacing. Authentication requires examining both sides for corresponding overlapped elements. Market values begin at $500 for authenticated pieces, with dramatic examples commanding four-figure sums. Professional certification is essential for market acceptance.

 

Where To Sell Your 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar?

Now that you understand your 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar’s potential value, choosing the right selling platform becomes your next priority. Each marketplace offers distinct advantages depending on your coin’s condition and rarity.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQ About The 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

1. Are 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollars rare and valuable?

Yes, 1981 coins are the rarest in the entire series. All three mint marks (P, D, S) had mintages under 3.5 million, making them the lowest-production Susan B Anthony dollars ever struck.

Most examples are worth face value in lower grades, but high uncirculated grades change everything. The sole MS67+ from San Francisco sold for $21,600 at Heritage Auctions in October 2022 — the highest price ever paid for any Susan B. Anthony dollar.

2. Do 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollars contain silver?

No, these coins contain no silver despite being dollar coins. They are made from copper-nickel clad composition — the same alloy used in modern dimes and quarters since 1965.

The coins consist of outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. Their melt value is approximately $0.10, meaning their worth is entirely driven by numismatic collector demand rather than precious metal content.

3. What is the difference between the 1981-S Type 1 and Type 2 proof?

The distinction lies entirely in the mintmark appearance, caused by a punch change at the San Francisco Mint. Type 1 proofs show a partially filled or “clogged” S mintmark — the result of die wear on the punch originally used for the 1979-S Type 2 proofs.

Type 2 proofs display a flat, sharply defined S with clearly separated serifs from a fresh replacement punch introduced late in the 1981 production run. Type 1 coins represent roughly 80–85% of all 1981 proofs and trade for $10–$50. Type 2 coins are far scarcer, with PR69 examples around $120 and PR70 pieces reaching $350–$400.

4. How do I identify a 1981-S Type 2 proof?

Use a 5x or 10x magnifying loupe and examine the “S” mintmark above Anthony’s right shoulder on the obverse. A Type 1 S will look somewhat filled-in, blurry, or lacking sharp interior definition — as if partially clogged with grease.

A Type 2 S will appear crisp, flat, and clearly defined with visibly separated inner spaces. The serifs (the small feet at the top and bottom of the letter) will look sharp rather than rounded or merged. When in doubt, compare side-by-side images from PCGS CoinFacts before submitting for professional grading.

5. Is it worth getting a 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar professionally graded?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs roughly $20–$50 per coin and is worth pursuing in specific cases. It makes financial sense if your 1981 business strike appears to grade MS66 or higher, if you have a 1981-S proof you believe is Type 2 in PR68 or better, or if you have any error coin.

For MS65 and below examples, grading fees typically exceed any premium you would gain from certification. The key is using the CoinValueChecker App or a coin dealer’s initial assessment before committing to grading costs.

6. What is a NIFC coin and why does it matter for 1981 dollars?

NIFC stands for “Not Issued For Circulation” — a designation for coins struck by the U.S. Mint exclusively for collector sets rather than general commerce. All 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars carry this designation, as no 1981 coins were ever released through banks.

This matters because NIFC coins were typically protected by mint set packaging, giving them unusually high survival rates in uncirculated condition. However, that same packaging sometimes caused “mint set rub” — light contact marks from the coin moving against the packaging insert — which suppresses grades below MS66.

7. Why did the 1979 production run exceed 757 million coins but 1981 only had 9.7 million?

The U.S. Mint initially anticipated strong public demand and produced coins at full capacity in 1979. When the SBA dollar proved deeply unpopular — largely due to its similarity in size and color to the quarter — mintages plummeted from roughly 758 million in 1979 to 89.6 million in 1980, and finally to just 9.7 million in 1981.

By 1981, over 520 million coins sat unused in Federal Reserve vaults. Rather than melt them (which would have created a $0.98-per-coin debt obligation from reversed seignorage), the Treasury simply stopped minting new ones and served remaining collector demand through mint sets only.

8. Can I find a 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar in circulation today?

It is possible but very uncommon. The 1981 coins were distributed exclusively in Mint and Proof Sets and were never released through banks for circulation. However, coins from collector sets sometimes enter general commerce when owners spend them or exchange them at banks.

If you do find one in change, it’s worth setting aside. Even a lower-grade example in apparent uncirculated condition may be worth having assessed, since all 1981 business strikes carry the key date premium from their sub-3.5-million mintages.

9. What errors add the most value to a 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar?

Wrong planchet errors represent the top tier, potentially worth $3,000–$15,000+ depending on the host planchet and grade — though authenticated 1981 examples are extraordinarily rare. Multiple strike errors with clear, distinct impressions start at $500 for certified specimens.

Off-center strikes showing 20%+ displacement with a full visible date can reach $300–$500. Broadstrike errors (smooth edge, wider than normal) sell for $50–$100. Minor clipped planchet errors start around $25, scaling upward with the size of the clip.

10. How does the 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar compare to the 1999 reissue in collector value?

The 1981 business strikes generally hold stronger value than the 1999 issues at most grade levels, because of their NIFC status and lower mintages. The 1999-P and 1999-D were struck in larger quantities (approximately 41.3 million combined) for actual vending machine use, giving them much wider availability.

However, one notable exception exists: the 1999-D in top MS67 grade is actually rarer and more valuable than the 1981 issues at that level, worth around $600 due to widespread surface quality issues from rushed production. The 1999-P also produced a famous transitional error — struck on a Sacagawea planchet — that sold for $16,100 in 2006, well above any standard 1981 issue.