Imagine holding a coin in your hand that could be worth nearly $880,000. That’s exactly the buzz surrounding a rare version of the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, which experts believe might still be quietly circulating in everyday change.
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar: A Coin with a Complicated History
Introduced in 1979 to replace the larger Eisenhower dollar, the Susan B. Anthony dollar struggled to gain popularity. Its size and color closely resembled the quarter, leading to widespread confusion. Production mostly stopped after 1981, except for a brief run in 1999. However, certain versions of the 1981 coin, especially those with rare minting characteristics, have become highly prized by collectors.
The Rare 1981-S “Type 2” Proof Dollar
One standout among these rare coins is the 1981-S “Type 2” proof dollar. Unlike regular circulation coins, proof coins were specially made with sharper details and were never intended for everyday use. The “S” mintmark indicates the coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint. What sets the Type 2 apart is the distinct, sharply defined “S” mintmark — a much cleaner and more refined mark compared to the blobbier “Type 1.”
Why This Coin Commands Such a High Price
Most Susan B. Anthony dollars hold little value beyond their face value. But the 1981-S Type 2 proof dollar is incredibly rare and highly sought after. Limited in number, these coins that remain in mint condition can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
The real excitement comes from rumors that a handful of these rare proof coins might have accidentally entered circulation. If one of these coins in pristine condition were found, it could sell for as much as $880,000 to the right buyer.
How to Identify a 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If you think you’ve found this valuable coin, here’s what to look for:
- The date “1981” clearly visible on the coin’s front.
- An “S” mintmark located just above Susan B. Anthony’s shoulder on the obverse side.
- The shape of the “S” mintmark itself — the Type 2 mintmark is sharp and serif-style, while the Type 1 is rounder and less defined.
A magnifying glass can be a big help in spotting these subtle differences. If you believe you have a Type 2 proof, avoid cleaning the coin. Cleaning can seriously reduce its value. Instead, seek a professional appraisal or submit the coin to a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Is It Possible This Coin Is Still in Your Change?
While it may seem unbelievable, rare proof coins have been known to slip into circulation. Estate sales, bank rolls, and human error have all contributed to these hidden treasures appearing in everyday transactions.
Collectors often remind us that piggy banks, coin jars, and change drawers could be filled with forgotten valuables. Given that the Susan B. Anthony dollar was often mistaken for a quarter, the chances of a rare 1981-S Type 2 proof coin still being out there aren’t as slim as you might think.
Final Thoughts: Could Your Spare Change Be a Fortune?
Finding a 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony dollar is rare, but far from impossible. As interest in coin collecting grows, more people are carefully inspecting their spare change, and some are cashing in big.
With values potentially soaring to $880,000, it’s well worth a closer look at that old coin jar. You just might be sitting on a hidden fortune waiting to be discovered.