Is Your 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth More Than You Think?

The 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar value is more than a footnote in coin collecting—it might be worth revisiting your change jar. Though not widely used in everyday transactions, this final-year issue has become a low-key collectable, especially in top condition.

The 1981 mint run was never released for general circulation, making these coins harder to find in the wild. Add in the fact that it marked the end of the series (until a brief return in 1999), and you’ve got a coin that’s often overlooked—but not undervalued.

Of course, figuring out what your coin is actually worth involves more than checking a date. That’s where modern tech like Coin ID Scanner steps in, helping collectors identify, grade, and evaluate their coins in seconds—without flipping through bulky guides or relying on guesswork.

Quick Facts About the 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar

Here’s what makes the 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar a standout for collectors:

• Mint Locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”)
• Composition: Copper-nickel clad—the outer layer is 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a pure copper core.
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Weight: 8.1 grams
• Edge: Reeded
• Design: Features Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an eagle landing on the Moon on the reverse—a tribute to the Apollo 11 mission.

Mintage Totals:

• Philadelphia: 3,000,000
• Denver: 3,250,000
• San Francisco (Business Strike): 3,492,000
• San Francisco (Proof): ~4,063,000

Because most 1981 SBA dollars were sold directly to collectors as part of annual mint sets, they’re often found in uncirculated condition. That’s great news for hobbyists who care about quality and preservation.

Why Coin Condition Makes All the Difference

Not all 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars are equal in value—and the difference often comes down to condition.

Coins are graded using the Sheldon scale, which ranges from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Mint State). A higher grade means less wear, better detail, and greater collector appeal. While many 1981 SBA dollars were preserved in mint sets, subtle differences in condition can have a big impact on value.

Here’s a rough idea of how condition affects price:

• Circulated examples: Usually $1 to $3
• Uncirculated (MS60–MS64): $4 to $10
• High-grade uncirculated (MS65–MS67): $15 to $80+
• Proof coins (1981-S): Generally, $10 to $20+, depending on grade and cameo quality

Grading can be surprisingly tricky—even experienced collectors sometimes disagree on whether a coin deserves an MS64 or MS66. That’s where a tool like Coin ID Scanner becomes useful: AI-powered image recognition gives you an estimated value just by analyzing a photo. It’s fast, easy, and takes the guesswork out of the equation.

How Much Is a 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Worth Today?

The value of a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar depends on three key factors: mint mark, condition, and type (business strike vs. proof).

Here’s what you can expect in today’s market:

1981-P (Philadelphia)

• Circulated: $1 to $2.50
• MS65: Around $15
• MS67: Up to $75+

1981-D (Denver)

• Circulated: $1 to $2.50
• MS65: $10 to $25
• MS67: $50 to $85+

1981-S (San Francisco – Business Strike)

• Circulated: $1 to $3
• MS65: $10 to $20
• MS67+: $80+

1981-S Proof

• PR65 to PR69: $5 to $20
• PR70 Deep Cameo: $50 to $150+

Collectors prize high-grade examples, especially with full luster, clean fields, and strong strikes. Proof coins with deep cameo contrast—where the frosted design pops against a mirror-like background—can command premium prices, especially in perfect grades.

How to Tell If Your 1981 SBA Dollar Is Valuable?

Even if your 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar looks like pocket change, there are a few key features that can signal a higher value:

1. Check the Mint Mark

• No mint mark = Philadelphia
• “D” = Denver
• “S” = San Francisco

San Francisco minted both business strikes and proof coins, so spotting an “S” doesn’t guarantee it’s special—but it’s worth a closer look.

2. Inspect the Condition

Look for sharp details, no wear on high points (like Anthony’s cheekbone), and clean, shiny surfaces. A coin with full mint luster and no scratches might qualify as MS65 or higher, which significantly boosts its value.

3. Is It a Proof?

Proofs have a mirror-like background and frosted design—strikingly different from regular coins. These are typically housed in protective cases from U.S. Mint sets. If yours shines like a tiny mirror, it could be a proof coin, which collectors love.

Let’s face it though—grading and identifying coins by eye is tough, especially if you’re new to the hobby. But you don’t need to be an expert, just snap a pic with Coin ID Scanner and let the app do the heavy lifting. It uses AI to analyze your coin photos and tells you exactly what you’re holding in your hand. 

Turn Spare Change into Smart Discoveries

The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar might not scream “rare treasure,” but with the right mint mark and condition, it can be worth more than you’d expect—especially in high grades or proof quality.

While most examples hover close to face value, MS67+ and Proof 70 coins can fetch strong prices from collectors. Spotting those diamonds in the rough is all about precision—and that’s exactly where Coin ID Scanner shines.

Why guess when you can scan?

Whether you’re sorting through inherited coins, browsing flea markets, or just curious about that oddly shiny dollar in your drawer, Coin ID Scanner helps you identify and evaluate coins instantly. It’s fast, reliable, and puts the power of numismatic knowledge in your pocket.

Ready to discover what your coins are really worth? Download Coin ID Scanner and start scanning today—because every great collection starts with that one special coin.