The 1981-S Type 1 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $3,000 for perfect specimens. While most of these coins found in drawers are common collector items, specific minting details can significantly boost their market price.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR-65 (Choice Proof)	$5 – $10
PR-69 (Near Perfect)	$15 – $25
PR-70 (Perfect Grade)	$500 – $3,500+

Understanding the 1981-S Type 1 Proof Dollar

The 1981 Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar holds a unique place in American numismatic history. By 1981, the government had realized that the public wasn’t fond of the small-sized dollar coin, often confusing it with a quarter. As a result, the 1981 dollars were not released for general circulation. Instead, they were only available in Mint Sets and Proof Sets. If you have found one of these coins in your pocket change, it was likely broken out of a set by someone who didn’t realize its numismatic value.

To determine exactly what you have, many collectors use a top coin identifier app to distinguish between the minting varieties. The “S” mint mark on this coin indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. In 1981, there were two distinct types of mint marks used on these proof coins: Type 1 and Type 2. The Type 1 “S” is often referred to as the “Filled S.” On this version, the loops of the letter S are filled in or blurry, lacking the clear, crisp definition found on the rarer Type 2 “Clear S.”

Because these were only sold to collectors, the 1981-S Type 1 isn’t as rare as the Type 2, but it is still highly sought after by those completing a full series set. When checking your collection, using a tool like CoinKnow can help you zoom in on the mint mark to see if the “S” is blob-like (Type 1) or distinct and clear (Type 2).

Official Mintages and Production Facts

The San Francisco Mint produced a substantial number of proof dollars in 1981 compared to the other mints that year. While the Philadelphia and Denver mints struck “uncirculated” versions for collector sets, San Francisco focused on the high-quality proof strikes. Interestingly, the transition from the Type 1 punch to the Type 2 punch happened late in the production year, meaning the Type 1 is much more common.

Mint Mark	Type	Total Mintage (Proof)
1981-S	Type 1 (Filled S)	Approx. 3,500,000
1981-S	Type 2 (Clear S)	Approx. 500,000

While the mintage of over 3.5 million for the Type 1 might seem high, remember that many of these coins have been damaged or lost over the last four decades. High-grade examples that have been preserved in their original plastic packaging are the ones that command premium prices. When researching current market trends, checking the 1981 Susan B. Anthony price trends can provide a clearer picture of what auction buyers are currently paying for these coins.

How to Identify the Type 1 vs. Type 2 Variety

Identifying the difference between the Type 1 and Type 2 1981-S dollar is critical for valuation. The Type 1 mint mark is often called the “Filled S.” If you look closely at the “S” located on the obverse (the side with Susan B. Anthony’s face), you will notice that the center of the “S” is virtually non-existent. It looks like a rectangular blob with very little space between the curves of the letter. This was caused by a worn-out mint mark punch that had been used for several years.

In contrast, the Type 2 (Clear S) was produced using a brand-new punch. This version has very distinct, well-defined bulbous ends on the “S” and plenty of clear space within the loops of the letter. If you are unsure which one you have, CoinKnow allows you to compare high-resolution images of both types side-by-side. Knowing which variety you hold is the first step in understanding the total 1981 dollar value of your specific coin.

Because the Type 1 variety is the “standard” proof for that year, most 1981-S dollars found in proof sets will be Type 1. However, every now and then, a collector finds a set that was produced during the transition period, leading to a much higher payday.

Grading and Quality: Why PR-70 Matters

In the world of coin collecting, the “Grade” is everything. For the 1981-S Susan B. Anthony dollar, the difference between a PR-69 and a PR-70 grade can mean hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. A PR-69 coin is almost perfect but might have a tiny, microscopic scratch or a slight dullness in luster only visible under 5x magnification. A PR-70 is a “flawless” coin as it left the mint.

Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the industry standard for verifying these grades. Because these coins were struck as proofs—meaning they were struck twice on specially polished planchets—they have a mirror-like finish. If your coin has fingerprints, scratches, or has been “cleaned” with a cloth, the value drops significantly. Never clean your coins, as the micro-abrasions from a cloth will instantly ruin a proof’s “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect, where the portrait appears frosted against a dark, mirror background.

Condition	Visual Characteristics	Avg. Market Value
Uncertified Proof	In original mint packaging, no visible wear.	$3 – $8
PCGS PR-69 DCAM	Nearly perfect; bold frosted contrast.	$15 – $30
PCGS PR-70 DCAM	Absolutely flawless under 5x magnification.	$500+

Modern Value Drivers for SBA Dollars

What makes an everyday American coin like the Susan B. Anthony dollar spike in value? Primarily, it is the “Registry Set” market. Serious collectors compete to have the finest known example of every coin in a series. For the SBA dollar series, which only ran from 1979 to 1981 (and briefly in 1999), the 1981-S Type 1 is a mandatory inclusion.

Since these coins were not released into circulation, the supply of high-grade examples is relatively stable. However, as more people get into “stacking” or collecting modern US coins, the demand for PR-70 specimens has outpaced the supply. If you suspect your 1981-S is a perfect specimen, using CoinKnow to track recent auction sales is a great way to see if now is the right time to sell.

Unlike silver dollars from the 1800s, SBA dollars are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. This means they don’t have “melt value” like a Morgan or Peace dollar. Their value is strictly based on their rarity and their condition. This is why preserving the original luster is so vital for anyone hoping to make a profit.

Where to Sell Your 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar

If you’ve identified that you have a 1981-S Type 1 and you’re ready to see if it’s worth the big bucks, you have several options. For common, uncertified proof coins worth $5 to $10, local coin shops or even eBay are your best bets. You can often sell these quickly to dealers who want to fill out their inventory for beginner collectors.

However, if you believe you have a high-grade Type 2 or a perfect PR-70 Type 1, you should consider professional grading followed by a specialized auction house like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. These venues attract high-end collectors who are willing to pay the premium prices listed in price guides. Before you spend money on grading fees, which can cost $30-$50 per coin, make sure the potential value of the coin justifies the expense. A coin worth $10 isn’t worth spending $40 to grade!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the 1981-S SBA Dollar

Q: Is there a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar with no mint mark?

A: No. All 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted in Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S). If you see one that appears to have no mint mark, it is likely a 1981-P, as the “P” mint mark is located just above the shoulder of Susan B. Anthony.

Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 1 in my pocket change?

A: It is extremely rare. Since these were only issued in collector sets, they only enter circulation if someone accidentally spends a proof set or a collection is stolen and spent. If you do find one, it will likely be “circulated” and worth only its face value of $1.

Q: What is the most expensive 1981-S Type 1 ever sold?

A: Flawless PR-70 Deep Cameo examples have sold for prices ranging from $500 to over $3,000 at major auctions. The price depends heavily on the “eye appeal” and the specific grading service that certified the coin.

Q: How can I tell the difference between the 1981 Type 1 and Type 2 “S” easily?

A: Look at the ends of the “S.” The Type 1 has rounded, blurry ends that seem to melt into the background. The Type 2 has flat, clear, bulbous ends that are very distinct. Using a magnifying glass or a coin app is highly recommended for this level of detail.