Why the 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Is Getting Attention
Stories about a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar reportedly worth $880,000 have circulated online and in collector groups. Most of these reports refer to extreme error coins or unique specimens that sold at auction after professional grading.
At the same time, ordinary 1981 Susan B Anthony dollars are common in circulation. This guide explains what to look for, how to verify a rare piece, and practical steps for checking your change.
Quick facts about the 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar
- Type: Susan B Anthony (SBA) dollar, struck for circulation 1979–1999
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: about 8.1 grams
- Composition: copper core with cupronickel cladding
- Edge: plain (no reeding)
What makes a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar valuable?
Most circulated 1981 SBA dollars are worth face value or a small premium to collectors. Value jumps when a coin has one of the following:
- Major minting errors (broadstrikes, missing cladding, off-center strikes)
- Significant die errors or doubled dies
- Extremely high uncirculated condition (graded by a trusted service)
- Unique varieties with strong documentation
Why an $880,000 claim might appear
A reported $880,000 sale would almost always involve an extraordinary error, rarity, or a top-graded specimen authenticated by a major grading company. Such sales are outliers and do not reflect typical value.
Always verify large claims by checking auction records from major marketplaces and grading companies.
How to inspect a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar in your change
Use these practical steps to quickly evaluate a coin you find in circulation.
- Look at the date and mint mark. The date should read 1981. Mint mark (if present) is on the obverse near the rim.
- Check the weight and diameter with a small scale and caliper if available. Deviations can signal errors.
- Examine the rim and edge. Plain edge is standard; missing cladding or exposed core is an error.
- Use a magnifier to inspect for doubling, die cracks, or unusual planchet features.
- Compare the coin to reliable photos of standard 1981 SBA dollars online or in a coin guide.
Red flags that suggest a serious error
- Part of the copper core exposed or missing cladding
- Strong, clear doubling on date or portrait
- Extremely off-center strike or multiple strikes
- Planchet splits or unusual metal composition
Most Susan B Anthony dollars were produced in large numbers, so ordinary circulated examples are usually worth face value. High values come from rare errors or pristine graded pieces.
When to get a coin professionally graded
If you believe you found a significant error or an uncirculated specimen, professional grading can authenticate and greatly increase buyer confidence. Follow these steps:
- Research major grading services: PCGS and NGC are the two widely recognized companies.
- Document the coin with clear photos before sending it anywhere.
- Contact the grading company for submission instructions and estimated fees.
- Use an insured shipping method and keep records of the submission number.
Costs vs benefits
Grading costs vary by service and declared value. Only submit if the coin shows convincing signs of rarity or you are prepared to pursue full authentication.
Real-world example: a small case study
A retail worker discovered a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar with an unusual appearance in a cash drawer. The coin showed an oddly thin rim and what looked like missing outer layer metal.
They photographed the coin, compared it to reference images, and contacted a local coin dealer. The dealer advised submitting the piece to a professional grading service for authentication. After grading, the coin was confirmed as an error strike that drew collector interest and sold at a specialty auction for a significant premium over face value.
Where to sell or get appraisals
If you have a coin that might be rare, consider these options:
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading and authentication
- Consult a reputable local coin dealer for a preliminary opinion
- Use major auction houses or specialist coin auction platforms for sales
Practical checklist before you act
- Verify the date clearly reads 1981 and note any mint mark
- Photograph obverse, reverse, rim, and any anomalies
- Compare to reference images and known error types
- Get a second opinion from a trusted dealer before paying grading fees
- Keep the coin safe in a protective holder while you research
Final advice: check your change, but manage expectations
It’s worth checking small-change coins for unusual features because rare finds do occur. However, most 1981 Susan B Anthony dollars in circulation are common and worth only face value or a small collector premium.
Treat headlines about extraordinary prices with caution. Verify claims against auction records and rely on professional grading before assuming any coin is worth huge sums like $880,000.
