1981-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value and What Yours Might Be Worth
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The 1981-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 to $2 in circulated condition, but well-preserved examples graded MS65 or higher can fetch $15 to $50 or more at auction. If you’ve found one of these small silver-colored dollars in an old jar or a forgotten drawer, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar has a reputation for being one of the more overlooked coins in American history — often confused with quarters because of its similar size. But don’t let that fool you. Certain dates and mint marks can carry surprising value, especially in top condition. A good coin identifier and value app can help you quickly figure out what you have before you spend it or toss it into a change jar.
What Is the 1981-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar?
The “D” in 1981-D tells you this coin was struck at the Denver Mint. In 1981, both the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints produced Susan B. Anthony dollars for circulation — though ironically, very few of them actually circulated widely. The public never fully warmed up to the coin, partly because it was so easy to confuse with a quarter.
The Denver Mint struck approximately 3,250,000 Susan B. Anthony dollars in 1981. That number sounds large, but compared to earlier years of the series, production had dropped dramatically. Most of these coins were released into Federal Reserve vaults and sat there for years, which actually helped preserve many of them in excellent condition.
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The obverse features a portrait of women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony, designed by Frank Gasparro. The reverse shows an eagle landing on the moon — a design borrowed from the Apollo 11 mission insignia. It’s a historically meaningful coin that deserves more respect than it typically gets.
1981-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar Value by Grade
The grade of your coin is the single biggest factor in determining its value. Circulated coins that show wear on the high points of the design — Susan’s cheekbone and hair — are worth close to face value. But uncirculated examples are a different story.
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Here’s a general value breakdown based on grade:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, details visible | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, clear design | $1.25 – $1.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, some marks | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated | $15.00 – $35.00 |
| Mint State (MS-67) | Near perfect | $50.00 – $150.00+ |
For more detailed and up-to-date 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar value information across all grades and mint marks, it’s worth checking a reliable coin price resource before selling.
How the 1981-D Compares to the 1981-P
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Collectors often wonder whether the Denver or Philadelphia version is more valuable. The answer is: they’re pretty close in most grades. The 1981-P had a mintage of about 3,000,000 — slightly lower than the 1981-D — which can give it a very slight edge in desirability among serious collectors.
That said, the bigger difference often comes down to the specific coin’s surface quality, luster, and strike sharpness. If you want to see how 1981-P Susan B. Anthony dollar prices in mint state grades compare to the Denver issue, checking a side-by-side price reference can be eye-opening.
Both coins from 1981 also came in a special Proof version struck at the San Francisco Mint (S), which is the most collectible of the three. Proof coins were only sold in sets directly to collectors and feature a mirror-like finish.
Tips for Evaluating Your 1981-D SBA Dollar
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Before you try to sell or grade your coin, there are a few things you can do at home to get a better sense of its condition.
First, never clean your coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and dramatically reduces value — even if the coin looks shinier afterward. Collectors and dealers can always spot a cleaned coin.
Second, look at the coin under a single light source at an angle. This will help you see any bag marks, scratches, or contact marks that affect the grade. Coins with fewer marks and strong original luster are worth significantly more.
Third, use CoinKnow to scan your coin with your phone’s camera. CoinKnow uses AI to identify the coin and give you a real-time value estimate — perfect if you don’t have a price guide handy. It’s one of the easiest ways for everyday people to get a quick, reliable answer.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Where to Sell Your 1981-D Susan B. Anthony Dollar
If your coin grades out as MS-65 or better, it’s worth getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. A certified grade adds credibility and can meaningfully increase what a buyer will pay.
For lower-grade examples, common options include eBay, coin shows, or your local coin shop. Raw (ungraded) circulated 1981-D dollars are easy to sell but don’t expect much above face value unless you have a truly outstanding specimen.
If you’re unsure where to start, try CoinKnow — it can point you toward current market prices and help you decide whether professional grading makes financial sense for your specific coin.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: Is the 1981-D Susan B. Anthony dollar made of silver?
A: No. Despite its silver appearance, the 1981-D SBA dollar is made of a copper-nickel clad composition. It contains no silver at all. Only the Proof version struck at San Francisco for collectors shares the same non-silver makeup. There is no silver melt value to factor in.
Q: What makes a 1981-D SBA dollar more valuable?
A: The biggest factors are grade and eye appeal. Coins that were never circulated and still have their original mint luster are worth the most. Strike quality also matters — coins with sharp, fully defined details on Susan’s hair and the eagle’s feathers tend to command premiums among collectors.
Q: How do I know if my coin is uncirculated?
A: An uncirculated coin will have no flat, worn spots on the design’s high points. Look at Susan B. Anthony’s cheekbone and the tops of her hair curls — if they still show fine detail and luster, your coin may be mint state. Using CoinKnow to scan your coin is an easy first step to get a quick condition estimate right from your phone.
