Online headlines sometimes claim a single coin is worth vast sums. One recent claim points to an $880,000 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar still in circulation. This guide explains how to evaluate that claim, how to check coins you find in your change, and what steps to take if you think you have something rare.
Why people say an $880,000 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar is circulating
Social posts and viral headlines often mix facts about rare coins, high auction results for unrelated pieces, and speculation. That combination creates a compelling but misleading story.
As of mid 2024, there are no widely accepted public auction records that document a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar selling for $880,000. Most high-dollar sales in U.S. numismatics involve much older or extremely rare pattern and proof coins, not standard business-strike SBA dollars from 1981.
How to check coins in your change for valuable features
Follow these practical steps whenever you think a coin might be valuable. Use a clean, well-lit area and a magnifier (10x loupe preferable).
- Look at the date and mint mark (obverse and reverse details matter).
- Examine condition: sharp details, luster, and absence of wear increase value.
- Search for errors: off-center strikes, doubled dies, missing elements, or planchet issues can be valuable.
- Weigh and measure: an authentic SBA should weigh about 8.1 grams and be 26.5 mm in diameter.
- Compare to known varieties using PCGS or NGC references and error guides.
Common valuable features to watch for on a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar
Not every unusual coin is worth a fortune, but certain traits are commonly sought by collectors.
- Major minting errors: significant off-center strikes or clipped planchets.
- Double die obverse or reverse visible under magnification.
- Proof or special mint issues with deep cameo contrast.
- High mint-state (MS) grades: MS67 and above for these modern coins are scarce.
How much is a typical 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar worth?
Most circulated 1979181 Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth face value to a small premium. Uncirculated examples and certified high grades can be worth more.
Typical market values:
- Circulated business strike: usually around face value to a few dollars.
- Uncirculated (MS60
MD): modest premiums of $3
to $30 depending on grade. - Certified high grade or error coins: can be worth hundreds to a few thousand dollars in rare cases.
Where to verify and sell a potentially valuable coin
If you believe you have an unusual or high-grade 1981 SBA, use trusted resources for verification and selling.
- Check online databases: PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Coin Explorer, Heritage Auctions archive.
- Search completed sales on eBay and auction houses to see real prices realized.
- Get professional grading: submit to NGC or PCGS for a formal grade and authentication.
- Sell through reputable channels: major auction houses, certified dealers, or graded-coin marketplaces.
Red flags and common scams to avoid
Be cautious of anyone offering instant high cash for coins found in change or insisting on secrecy.
- High pressure offers and lowball immediate payment are common tactics.
- Online “guarantees” without third-party grading are unreliable.
- Avoid shipping coins without tracking and insurance to unknown buyers.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was issued from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999. Despite being short-lived, most of these coins were produced as business strikes and remain common in circulation.
Small real-world example
Case study: A local cashier found a 19791981 Susan B. Anthony dollar with an off-center strike in a bank deposit. They posted photos in a coin forum and followed these steps: photograph the coin, compare to reference guides, and submit for grading. The coin was authenticated as a significant error and sold at auction for several hundred dollars after certification. The seller noted that professional grading and clear documentation helped realize a higher price.
Step-by-step checklist: What to do if you find a suspected valuable coin
- Handle by the edges and avoid cleaning the coin.
- Take high-quality photos from multiple angles under strong light.
- Compare markings to trusted references (PCGS, NGC, major auction archives).
- Post images in reputable numismatic forums for feedback from experienced collectors.
- Consider professional grading if multiple experienced sources agree it may be valuable.
- If selling, prefer auction houses or reputable dealers with transparent fees and records.
Final practical advice
While viral claims of a single 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar being worth $880,000 are not supported by recognized auction records, unusual coins do appear in circulation. The best approach is calm, methodical verification and relying on reputable grading and selling channels.
Check your change—it takes only a minute, and you may find something interesting. If you think you found a truly rare coin, document it, get expert input, and use certified services to maximize the chance of a fair outcome.