Rare 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollars have the ability to bevalued as high as some $880,000 because of a rare mint mark. Minted between 1979 and 1981 and briefly again in 1999, this coin honored a women’s rights pioneer and was often mistaken for a quarter, eventually falling out of circulation. This article further explores why some 1981 coins are so valuable, how they can be identified, and what one should do if they find one.
The Rare 1981-S Type 2 Proof Coin
Introduced in 1979, the dollar was not circulated in 1981, with production supplied solely to collector sets, which make the 1981 coins a rarity. The real prize is a 1981-S Proof coin exhibited with a Type 2 “Clear S” mint mark, which is sharply defined with flat, clear edges, unlike the almost blurry Type 1 “S.” Very few of the Type 2 coins were ever produced at San Francisco, but those set in PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) condition- apparent flawlessness under 5x magnification-command auction prices of upwards to $880,000 because of their rarity and perfection.
Why So Valuable?
The 1981-S Type 2 Proof has its value primarily due to its limited mintage and pristine condition. It is a genuine collector jewel indeed, as the Clear S mark was only briefly used by the U.S. Mint, and the coin was never meant to go into circulation. The Type 2 Proof is all the more desirable due to its clad copper-nickel composition and its status as the first U.S. coin featuring a real woman. Coins with lesser errors, such as double die varieties, can range anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000, whereas the Type 2 Proof in perfect condition is truly special.
How To Identify A Valuable Coin
To identify ‘$880,000’ coins:
- Check the Year and Mint Mark: Look for 1981 issues bearing the “S” mint mark under Susan B. Anthony’s portrait.
- Examine the “S”: Use a loupe to distinguish the Type 2 Clear S (sharp, flat-topped) from a Type 1 (blurred, filled in).
- Assess Condition: Look for an uncirculated coin free of scratches or marks, with a mirror-like finish.
- Weigh the Coin: An authentic coin weighs 8.1 grams and measures 26.5 mm in diameter.Avoid cleaning a coin, as its value gets reduced drastically.
Steps To Take If It Is Found
If you believe you have a Type 2 1981-S Proof coin, a little bit of care should be exercised in holding and storing it in a protective envelope to prevent damage. It should then be submitted to a legitimate grading service such as PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading, deemed necessary for high-end sales. A coin like this may show up in some old collection, from a bank-roll, or even an estate sale, as some of these meticulously formed collector sets actually slipped into circulation. Auctioning a PR70 DCAM coin will bring in irresistible, life-changing money.
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