The 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $40 in standard proof condition to over $1,000 for specimens graded in perfect PR70 Deep Cameo. This specific coin is a favorite among collectors because it represents the final year of the original short-lived “small dollar” series and features a distinct mint mark variety.

Why the 1981 S Type 2 Susan B Anthony Dollar is Significant

Finding a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar in your pocket change is actually quite rare because these coins were produced primarily for collectors in United States Mint sets. By 1981, the government realized the public wasn’t embracing the small dollar, so they halted production for general circulation. If you have one of these, you are likely looking at a proof coin that has escaped into the wild.

To truly understand the value, you need to use a top coin identifier app to see if you have the common “Filled S” or the elusive “Clear S.” The San Francisco mint used two different stamps for the mint mark this year, and the difference in price between them is substantial. While most people see just a dollar coin, savvy collectors see a valuable variety.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a proof or a regular strike, the CoinKnow app can help you analyze the luster and strike clarity. Authentic proof coins from 1981 should have a mirror-like background and frosted details, making the portrait of Susan B. Anthony pop against the field.

The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Mint Marks

The “Type 2” designation refers specifically to the shape of the “S” mint mark found just above the wearer’s shoulder on the obverse. In early 1981, the mint used a worn-out punch, resulting in the Type 1 “Filled S.” This mark looks like a blob of metal where the loops of the S are almost touching the center bar.

The 1981-S Type 2, also known as the “Clear S,” features an improved punch. On this variety, the S is very crisp, with round bulbous ends and a clear, deep field visible between the curves of the letter. This variety is much scarcer than the Type 1. Identifying this nuance is the key to unlocking the higher 1981 dollar value that collectors are willing to pay for.

Because the physical difference is tiny, many people use a magnifying glass or a high-resolution camera. If you want a second opinion on your find, the CoinKnow mobile tool is an excellent way to get a visual comparison against known Type 2 specimens.

Current Market Value and Pricing Guide

The value of your coin depends heavily on its “Grade” or physical condition. Since all 1981-S dollars are proof coins, they are judged on how many scratches (hairlines) they have and how strong the “Cameo” effect is. A Deep Cameo (DCAM) coin has a stark white frost on the portrait and a pitch-black mirror finish on the background.

Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to receive for a 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar in various conditions.

Coin Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$40 – $55
PR 67 Deep Cameo	$75 – $110
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$180 – $250
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$750 – $1,250

Keep in mind that prices for the common Type 1 variant are much lower, usually hovering around $5 to $10. Always verify the mint mark before assuming high value. You can check the latest auction results and 1981-S SBA dollar price data to see what similar coins have recently sold for on eBay or at major auction houses.

How to Care for Your 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar

If you believe you have found a Type 2 Clear S, the most important thing is to stop touching the surface of the coin with your bare fingers. The oils from your skin can permanently damage the mirror finish of a proof coin, leading to “clouding” that can drop the value by 50% or more instantly.

Handle the coin only by the edges. If it is already in a plastic mint case, leave it there. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the only ways to “guarantee” a PR70 grade, but this process costs money. Before sending it off, use the CoinKnow app to determine if the coin is clean enough to warrant the grading fee.

Most “raw” (unauthenticated) 1981-S Type 2 dollars sold on the secondary market will fetch between $30 and $50. To reach the four-figure prices, the coin must be slabbed and graded as a perfect specimen, as even a single microscopic hairline scratch can downgrade it.

Summary of the Susan B Anthony Series Termination

The 1981-S marked the end of an era. The Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first time a non-mythical woman appeared on a circulating U.S. coin, yet the public disliked it because it was too similar in size and color to the quarter. Production stopped in 1981, though a brief one-year return occurred in 1999 to fill a need for vending machine change.

Because the 1981 coins were only sold in sets to collectors, they were never intended to be spent. This is why any 1981-S you find is special. The rarity of the Type 2 punch makes it the “King” of the Susan B. Anthony set. Whether you are a casual hobbyist or a dedicated investor, holding a Clear S variety is like holding a small piece of American numismatic history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell for sure if my 1981-S is a Type 2?

A: Look closely at the “S” mint mark. If the ends of the S are rounded and there is a clear space between the middle bar and the loops, it is a Type 2. If the S looks like a solid lumpy rectangle or the “holes” in the S are filled with metal, it is a Type 1.

Q: Are all 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars valuable?

A: Not necessarily. The 1981-P (Philadelphia) and 1981-D (Denver) versions are worth more than face value because they weren’t released for circulation, but they typically only sell for $2 to $5. The 1981-S Type 2 is the only one that regularly commands high prices.

Q: Should I clean my coin to make it look better?

A: Never clean a coin. Cleaning creates tiny scratches that professionals can see immediately. A cleaned proof coin loses almost all its premium value to collectors.

Q: Where is the mint mark located on this dollar?

A: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the left side of the coin, just above Susan B. Anthony’s right shoulder (your left when looking at the coin).