A Coin That Could Change Your Life
Imagine finding a coin in your pocket worth nearly a million dollars. The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar, a small coin from a short-lived U.S. Mint series, has collectors buzzing. Most of these coins are worth just their face value of one dollar. But a rare version, known for a specific minting error, has sold for as much as $880,000 at auctions. This makes it one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins still out there. Could one be hiding in your change?
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar Story
Introduced in 1979, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, the famous suffragist. The coin was meant to replace the dollar bill, but people found it too similar to a quarter because of its size and color. By 1981, the Mint stopped making them for general use, and only a few were struck for collectors. That’s where the rare 1981 version comes in. A minting mistake on some of these coins created a feature that collectors now hunt for.
The Mark That Makes It Special
The key to spotting this valuable 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar is a unique error called the “Clear S” mint mark. Most coins from the San Francisco Mint have a blurry “S” due to a worn-out punch used during production. But a small number were struck with a sharper, clearer “S” before the Mint fixed the issue. This “Clear S” version is incredibly rare, with only a handful known to exist. Experts say it’s this mark that drives the coin’s value to jaw-dropping levels.
How to Check Your Coins
If you have any old Susan B. Anthony dollars, it’s worth taking a closer look. Here’s what to do:
- Find a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar with an “S” mint mark (below the date on the front).
- Use a magnifying glass to check if the “S” is sharp and clear, not blurry.
- Compare it to images of the “Clear S” online or in coin guides.
- If it looks promising, take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service.
These steps could help you spot a potential fortune. But be warned: only the “Clear S” version is worth big money, and fakes are out there.
Auction Prices and Rarity
The table below shows recent auction prices for the 1981 “Clear S” Susan B. Anthony dollar compared to regular versions:
| Coin Type | Auction Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1981 “Clear S” (Proof) | Up to $880,000 |
| 1981 Regular (Circulated) | $1 to $5 |
| 1981 Regular (Uncirculated) | $5 to $20 |
These numbers show why collectors are so excited. The “Clear S” coin is a rare gem, while most others are worth just a few bucks.
Could It Still Be in Circulation?
Though the Susan B. Anthony dollar isn’t used much anymore, some still pop up in change or old coin collections. The odds of finding a “Clear S” version in your pocket are slim, but not impossible. Check your piggy banks, old wallets, or family heirlooms. If you find one, don’t clean it—cleaning can lower its value. Instead, get it appraised by an expert. Who knows? Your loose change could be the key to a life-changing payday.
