A simple dollar coin from 1981 has just made headlines by selling for a staggering $750,000 at a private auction. The coin in question? A Susan B. Anthony Dollar, long overlooked in the world of U.S. coin collecting — until now.
But what could possibly make this everyday-looking coin command such a high price? The answer lies in a rare combination of history, condition, and something called a “proof finish.” And collectors are buzzing.
The Coin That Wasn’t Meant to Be Found
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first minted in 1979 and remained in regular production until 1981, with a final appearance in 1999. Unlike other U.S. coins, it featured a pioneering woman — Susan B. Anthony, a civil rights leader and suffragette — making it unique in its symbolism.
However, what makes this 1981 coin so special isn’t just the design — it’s how it was made.
This particular specimen features a rare “proof finish”, a type of ultra-detailed, mirror-like coin typically produced only for collectors and not for general circulation. Proof coins are struck multiple times using specially polished dies, resulting in crisp detail and glossy surfaces.
What’s rare here is that this 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar with a Type 2 “S” mint mark wasn’t part of any standard collector set — or if it was, it somehow ended up being preserved in absolutely flawless condition. According to experts, this finish is so pristine, it’s likely the finest known example of its kind.
What’s the Deal With the Type 2 Mint Mark?
For seasoned collectors, the “Type 2” proof coins from 1981 are something of a holy grail. The U.S. Mint in San Francisco used two types of “S” mint marks that year. The Type 1 has a cloudy, blob-like appearance, while the Type 2 is sharply defined — something visible only under magnification.
Only a small percentage of 1981 proofs featured the sharply struck Type 2 mark, and fewer still have survived in “PR70 Deep Cameo” condition, a grade that basically means the coin is perfect under 5x magnification.
It’s this rare combination of proof finish, mint mark type, and flawless condition that sent this coin’s value into the stratosphere.
Why Now? And Why So Much?
The recent sale of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar for $750,000 highlights a growing trend in numismatics (coin collecting): the surge in interest for coins that were once overlooked or undervalued.
For years, Susan B. Anthony Dollars were mocked for their resemblance to quarters and were largely unpopular in daily use. Yet now, decades later, certain varieties are proving to be hidden treasures.
Market analysts say that high-net-worth collectors are increasingly targeting ultra-rare U.S. coins, driving up prices for specimens with perfect grades and unique minting quirks.
“The buyer didn’t just purchase a coin — they bought a moment in U.S. Mint history,” said one auction insider.
Still Out There?
Could more rare Susan B. Anthony Dollars be out there? Possibly — but not likely in the same immaculate state.
Most of the proof coins were kept in collector sets, and only a few escaped into the open market. If you have a 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar, it’s worth checking for that sharp, Type 2 “S” mint mark — and having it graded by a professional.
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Final Thoughts
This sale is a powerful reminder that history sometimes hides in plain sight — or in this case, in an old drawer, coin jar, or collector’s case. While not every dollar coin will bring in a fortune, some can carry stories — and value — far beyond face value.
So next time you’re sorting through old change or a family coin collection, keep an eye out. That plain-looking Susan B. Anthony Dollar might just be your ticket to an unexpected windfall.
