How Much Is a 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth?

The Susan B Anthony coin 1981 is an example of how small pieces can hold great historical and cultural significance. As the first coin in the United States to depict a real woman, it came to symbolize the struggle for equal rights and a reminder of the importance for change achieved due to people like Susan B. Anthony. However, it has also attracted attention for its rarity and controversial reaction from the public. 

But how much is a 1981 dollar coin worth? So, here we will discuss in detail its history, characteristics, identifying coins and their values.

How It Appeared

1981 Susan B Anthony coin is a dollar piece dedicated to prominent American feminist and women's rights activist Susan Brownell Anthony. Those first saw the light of day in 1979, as in the late 70's the government was puzzled by the introduction of a more convenient and practical (smaller) dollar than the Eisenhower one.

Thus, in 1979 a specimen with the image of Susan B. Anthony - activist, prominent American feminist and fighter for women's rights and equality Susan Brownell Anthony saw the light of day. 

The 1981 dollar was part of a series that began in 1979 and was a significant event, as up to that time all the images on the coins were either allegorical or represented famous men.

Public Response

The idea of its issuing was to solve the problem of inconvenient circulation of coins, but the reality turned out to be different. Though it was important, it was not well received by the public. 

The main problem was its external similarity to the quarter (25-cent piece) and, consequently, the confusion of the coins in size and color. The same color and roughly similar size caused mix-ups in stores and on public transportation - people often mistook the Susan B. Anthony dollar for a quarter.

From the point of view of symbolism, the idea of immortalizing the figure of Susan B. Anthony on the dollar was highly appreciated, but it itself was not widely accepted in circulation. 

Thus, already in 1981 the minting of these specimens was suspended and the 1981 one dollar became available only in numismatic sets. Only in 1999 (much after the Kennedy Half Dollar issue) it was resumed again to fill the shortage of one dollar coins.

1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

The 1981 dollar coin value depends on its condition and type (regular or proof). It can reach several tens of dollars, and proof ones in rare cases up to several hundred dollars.

It attracts the attention of collectors and investors, especially if it is in excellent condition or is a Proof version (i.e. 1981 S Susan B Anthony dollar value is higher since the coin has Proof grade and issued especially for collectors).

1981 Susan B Anthony Type 1 Vs Type 2

Type 1 (Philadelphia Mint - No Mintmark)

Mintmark: None, as it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

Reverse Design: On the Type 1, the "S" mintmark (San Francisco) is absent because it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint.

Characteristics: It was struck during the production of the standard one. No significant visual difference on the obverse (which features Susan B. Anthony's portrait) from Type 2.

Type 2 (San Francisco Mint - "S" Mintmark)

Mintmark: The "S" mintmark is present, indicating that it was struck at the San Francisco Mint.

Reverse Design: The reverse features the "S" mintmark near the "DOLLAR" inscription.

Characteristics: The Type 2 was part of a special proof set that was issued for collectors in 1981. These were struck with the higher-quality, mirror-like finish typical of proof ones.

Key Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2:

• Mintmark: Type 1 has no mintmark (struck in Philadelphia). Type 2 has the "S" mintmark (struck in San Francisco as part of proof sets).

• Production Quality: Type 1 is a circulating one. Type 2 is a proof 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar uncirculated coin.

• Collectibility and Value: Type 1 pieces are typically found in circulation or in mint sets. Type 2 specimens are usually found in proof sets, and their value tends to be higher due to their limited production and special striking process.

• The 1981 coin value of Type 2, especially in high-grade proof condition, can be higher than Type 1.

Mintage

Although a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin was issued from 1979 to 1981, the mintage of the latter year was the most limited, making it the rarest in the series. Accordingly, this 1981 one dollar coin value is higher compared with others.

Here is the mintage data:

Related article: Wartime Coins. 

The Role of Errors

Despite their small mintage, the 1981 Susan B. Anthony pieces are not perfect exceptions and have some minting errors that make them even more attractive to collectors. Some of the most famous errors include those with double strikes or improper die placement.

These rare specimens can be worth hundreds of dollars at auction. For example, known minting errors on 1981 coins can increase their value by up to $200-300, depending on the condition and the rarity of the error itself.

Big Story of a Small Collectible

The 1981 Susan B. Anthony coin (despite initial difficulties and confusion, its small size and unpopularity) left a significant legacy - becoming a symbol of the struggle for women's rights and recognizing women's contributions to public life. Its historic and cultural role still attracts the attention of collectors today. 

If you are also interested in numismatics and want to know more but spend less time, the modern tool - Coin ID Scanner app - is perfect for you. Easily find out the price and value and go deep into numismatics easily. Let your passion bring you a lot of fun and knowledge.

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_B._Anthony_dollar

2. https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-medal-programs/circulating-coins/susan-b-anthony-dollar