The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar coin may not be one you see often, but it is highly collectible. The coin features a design honoring Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, and it was produced in three key mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. However, it is only the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar with the “S” mintmark, indicating San Francisco, that has the potential to be worth a substantial amount. This coin’s rarity and limited mintage have caused its value to rise significantly over the years.
How much your 1981 “S” Susan B. Anthony coin could be worth
If you have a 1981 “S” Susan B. Anthony dollar coin in your possession, it might be time to take a closer look. This coin’s value depends greatly on its condition or grade. Here is some value based on the condition of your coin:
- MS-61 grade: Worth around $7
- MS-62 grade: Up to $10
- MS-63 grade: Worth about $16
- MS-64 grade: Up to $24
- MS-65 grade: Can reach $42
- MS-66 grade: May go for $500
- MS-67 grade: A rare find, valued at up to $6,000
In fact, some MS-67 coins have sold for even more in recent years. In 2022, a 1981 “S” Susan B. Anthony dollar coin in a high grade of MS-67+ was auctioned for an incredible $21,600. The key takeaway? The higher the grade, the higher the potential payout.
How to identify if your Susan B. Anthony dollar is rare
To check if your coin is the rare, valuable 1981 “S” dollar, you need to locate the “S” mintmark on the coin, indicating it was produced in San Francisco. The mintmark is located on the obverse side, right below Susan B. Anthony’s portrait. The “S” mintmark differentiates it from coins minted in Philadelphia (which have no mintmark) and Denver (marked with a “D”). Keep in mind that only the coins in nearly perfect condition hold the most value. If you have one in a high grade, it might be worth getting it professionally graded to confirm its worth.
Should you consider grading your coin?
If you suspect that your 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar could be valuable, it may be worthwhile to consult with a coin dealer or collector. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) offer reliable grading, which could significantly raise your coin’s market value. However, grading can be costly, so it is best to assess whether the potential sale value justifies the grading expense.
Why the 1981 “S” Susan B. Anthony dollar is a hidden treasure
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is not merely a coin, but a historic artifact that pays tribute to one of the fiercest champions of women’s rights. Thanks to a combination of restricted mintage and absence in the highest grades, the coin ended up being a collector’s dream. A brilliant uncirculated coin with an “S” mintmark can indeed transform you from scratching the bottom of your purse for spare coins to thousands of dollars within a split second.
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