1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value & Identification
The 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $30 in standard Proof condition to over $500 in top-tier museum quality. While most Susan B. Anthony dollars you find in pocket change are only worth face value, this specific “Clear S” variety is a prize for collectors.
| Condition / Variety | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| 1981-S Type 1 (Filled S) Proof | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| 1981-S Type 2 (Clear S) Proof | $35.00 – $65.00 |
| 1981-S Type 2 (Deep Cameo Gem) | $150.00 – $500.00+ |
Why the 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar is Special
If you have just discovered a small, gold-colored or silver-toned dollar coin in your drawer, you might be holding a piece of history. In 1981, the United States Mint stopped producing Susan B. Anthony dollars for general circulation because the public found them too similar in size to quarters. As a result, 1981 coins were only issued in Mint Sets and Proof Sets. This makes any 1981 dollar immediately scarcer than those from 1979.
However, the “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint holds a secret. During the production run, the minting hub for the “S” mark became worn out and was replaced with a new, much clearer design. This created two distinct versions: Type 1 (The Filled S) and Type 2 (The Clear S). If you are uncertain which one you have, using a free coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark and distinguish the subtle differences between the two strikes.
For everyday Americans, spotting the Type 2 variety is like finding a hidden treasure. While Type 1 coins are common in 1981 Proof sets, the Type 2 version was produced in smaller quantities toward the end of the year. To get a better sense of how these coins are trading today, you can check the live Susan B. Anthony dollar auction results which show that high-grade specimens continue to command a premium. Using an app like CoinKnow can also help you track these realized prices in real-time.
How to Identify the Type 2 “Clear S” Mint Mark
Identifying the 1981-S Type 2 requires a keen eye or a magnifying glass. On the Type 1 variety, the “S” mint mark looks “blobby” or filled in. The loops of the S are barely visible, making it look like a solid rectangle with rounded edges. This is often referred to as the “Filled S.” This version was the standard for most of the 1981 production year and, while still collectible, it doesn’t carry the high price tag of its successor.
The Type 2 “Clear S,” on the other hand, features a very distinct, sharp, and well-defined “S.” The loops are open, and the ends of the letter “S” have bulbous serifs that do not touch the rest of the letter. This crispness indicates a fresh punch was used. Because collectors value clarity and rarity, this variety is the “holy grail” of the SBA dollar series.
If you aren’t sure which one you are looking at, CoinKnow allows you to take a high-resolution photo and compare it against a database of known Type 1 and Type 2 examples. Many beginners misidentify their coins because of light reflections on the Proof finish, so having a digital reference is vital. Knowing the current value of 1981-S dollars depends entirely on this identification step, as the price gap between the two types is significant.
Full Comparison of 1981 SBA Dollar Values
When evaluating your coin, you must consider the mint mark (P, D, or S) and the condition. Coins from the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints were only sold to collectors in Uncirculated Mint Sets. While they are rarer than 1979 P or D coins, they are generally less valuable than the 1981-S Type 2 Proof. Proof coins are specially made for collectors and have a mirror-like finish, which makes the “S” varieties stand out.
The following table breaks down the expected market values based on the mint and variety:
| Mint Mark | Expected Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1981-P (Philadelphia) | MS-63 Uncirculated | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| 1981-D (Denver) | MS-63 Uncirculated | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| 1981-S Type 1 | PR-69 Proof | $10.00 – $18.00 |
| 1981-S Type 2 | PR-69 Proof | $45.00 – $70.00 |
| 1981-S Type 2 | PR-70 (Perfect Grade) | $400.00 – $800.00 |
The Role of Grading in Determining Value
Condition is everything in the world of coin collecting. For a 1981-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollar to reach its maximum monetary potential, it usually needs to be graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. Most Type 2 coins found in original government packaging (the plastic Proof set cases) will grade between PR-65 and PR-68.
“Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designations are also important. This is when the portrait of Susan B. Anthony looks frosty and white, while the background (field) looks like a black mirror. A 1981-S Type 2 with a perfect PR-70 Deep Cameo rating is extremely rare and can sell for several hundred dollars at high-end auctions.
If you are a casual hunter, you can use CoinKnow to get an “estimate” of your coin’s grade before spending the money on professional grading fees. Professional grading can cost $30 to $50 per coin, so you want to be sure your coin has a chance at a high grade before sending it off. If your coin has scratches, fingerprints, or looks “cloudy,” it likely won’t hit those top-tier prices.
Where to Sell Your 1981-S Type 2 Dollar
If you have confirmed that you own a Clear S variety, you have several options for selling. For quick cash, local coin shops are an option, though they will typically offer you 50-60% of the retail value so they can make a profit. Many collectors prefer online marketplaces like eBay, where “Type 2” SBA dollars have a dedicated following.
When listing your coin, make sure to take a very clear close-up photo of the mint mark. This is the “proof” buyers need to see. Mention whether the coin is still in its original Mint packaging. If you are a high-volume seller or looking to build a collection, tools like CoinKnow can help you organize your inventory and track the market trends for modern US small dollars.
| Selling Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant cash, safe | Lower payout |
| eBay / Online | Market prices, high demand | Fees, shipping effort |
| Auction Houses | Best for PR-70 grades | Long wait times |
Final Thoughts on the 1981 SBA Series
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was often called the “Carter Quarter” because of its unpopularity during its release. Today, however, that unpopularity has led to a lower mintage for 1981, making it a favorite for modern coin collectors. The 1981-S Type 2 stands as the peak of this short-lived series.
Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or just someone who found a shiny dollar in an old box, checking for the “Clear S” is always worth the five minutes of your time. With values for perfect specimens reaching into the hundreds, it is one of the more accessible “rarities” in modern American coinage.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 2 in my spare change?
A: It is very unlikely. The 1981-S dollars were only issued in Proof Sets intended for collectors. While someone might have broken a set open and spent the coin, most 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollars found in circulation are P or D mint marks from Uncirculated sets.
Q: What is the difference between a Mint Set and a Proof Set?
A: A Mint Set contains coins intended for circulation but in uncirculated condition (P and D mints). A Proof Set contains coins specially struck with polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like finish (S mint). The Type 2 variety only exists in the Proof Sets.
Q: Why is the Type 2 more expensive than the Type 1?
A: The Type 2 is scarcer. The Mint replaced the “Filled S” punch late in the 1981 production cycle. Because fewer coins were made with the new “Clear S” punch before the year ended, the supply is lower and the demand is higher.
Q: Is there a 1981-S “Type 3”?
A: No, for the Susan B. Anthony dollar series, there are only Type 1 and Type 2 varieties for the 1979-S and 1981-S years. Always double-check your year, as the 1979-S also has similar Type 1 and Type 2 varieties!
