Many people still carry Susan B Anthony dollar coins in their wallets and jars. A widely shared claim says an exceptional 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar has sold for large sums, prompting collectors and casual finders to check their change. This guide explains how to identify a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar, what to look for, and practical next steps if you find one.
Why the 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Is Worth Checking
The 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar is one of the later issues of this series. Most circulated coins are worth face value, but certain error coins and high-grade specimens can attract premiums. Reports and market listings sometimes mention very large sale prices for extreme rarities, which is why many people examine their change closely.
Checking your coins is low effort and can pay off if you discover an unusual piece. The key is learning simple identification and verification steps before assuming a big value.
How to Identify a 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar
Start with a basic visual inspection. Look for the date and the portrait on the obverse, then examine the reverse for design details. Use good light and a magnifier when possible.
- Confirm the date: find the year 1981 stamped on the coin.
- Observe the portrait: Susan B Anthony on the obverse is the series hallmark.
- Check the reverse: the small eagle design adapted from earlier dollar designs should be present.
- Locate the mint mark: many 1981 issues have mint marks that indicate where they were struck.
Look for Errors and Varieties
Errors and varieties are the main ways common coins become valuable. Look for things that differ from normal examples.
- Double dies or doubled lettering
- Off-center strikes or clipped planchets
- Wrong metal planchets or broadstrikes
- Repunched mint marks or missing mint marks
Photograph any anomaly and compare with reference photos from trusted numismatic sites before assuming value.
Assessing Value: What to Expect for a 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar
Most circulated 1981 Susan B Anthony dollars are worth face value. Uncirculated or proof coins, and coins with genuine errors, can be worth more. Values vary widely depending on condition and rarity.
Practical price steps:
- Circulated common pieces: face value or a small premium to collectors.
- Uncirculated or high-grade examples: often tens to a few hundred dollars depending on grade.
- Clear rare errors or certified high-grade rarities: can sell for much more, but extreme sale prices are exceptional.
Be Skeptical of Viral Price Claims
Claims of six-figure sales for modern common-date coins should be treated cautiously. Verify any extraordinary price with independent auction records or professional dealers. One-off sales do not establish market value for all similar coins.
The Susan B Anthony dollar was the first US circulating coin to feature a real woman. It was issued in 1979 and again in later years, including 1981. Many remain in circulation because they are the same size as a quarter.
Step-by-Step: Check Your Change for a 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar
Follow these simple steps to inspect coins calmly and effectively.
- Gather coins in a well-lit area and sort by date. Focus on identifying 1981 pieces.
- Use a magnifier or smartphone camera to inspect the date, mint mark, and design details.
- Compare suspicious features with reputable online references or coin catalogs.
- Photograph any coin with clear anomalies from both sides at high resolution.
- Store the coin in a soft holder and avoid cleaning it, which can reduce value.
- If it appears valuable, consult a local reputable coin dealer or submit it to a grading service for authentication.
Where to Get a Second Opinion
Contact a local coin shop or a professional grading service for confirmation. Industry-standard grading companies include PCGS and NGC. A professional can verify whether an error or high-grade status is genuine and advise on sale options.
Example Case Study: Finding and Verifying a Suspected Rare Coin
A community member found a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar while emptying a change jar. The coin showed unusual doubling on the lettering. They photographed it, compared it with published examples, and took it to a nearby coin dealer.
The dealer confirmed the doubling looked like a die variety and suggested professional grading. After submission, a grading company authenticated the variety and assigned a grade that resulted in a notable premium over face value. The finder sold the coin through a dealer and used the proceeds to expand their collection.
This example shows the value of careful inspection, documentation, and using reputable graders and dealers rather than relying solely on social media claims.
Tips to Protect and Sell a Potentially Valuable 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar
- Do not clean or alter the coin in any way.
- Handle by the edges and keep in a soft holder to prevent damage.
- Get multiple opinions from reputable dealers if a high value is claimed.
- Consider professional grading for coins with clear market appeal.
- Use documented sale records to set realistic price expectations.
Checking your change is quick and can be rewarding. While most 1981 Susan B Anthony dollars will remain at face value, occasionally a genuinely unusual piece appears. With careful inspection and sensible verification, you can determine whether a coin is a keeper or worth selling.
If you find a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar, follow the steps above and seek professional advice before making decisions about sale or preservation.