Price Guide for 1981 Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $21,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $3,220.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $2,937.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $575.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $488.75Uncirculated: $16.00 – $5,463.00
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eBayUncirculated: $13.00 – $1,780.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $74.75Uncirculated: $6.00 – $834.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.95 – $895.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $45.00
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eBayUncirculated: $100.00 – $140.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $475.00
Design and Specifications of the 1981 Dollar
The 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the third year of issue for this controversial coin series. Introduced in 1979, it was designed to replace the larger Eisenhower dollar. However, its similarity in size to the quarter led to widespread confusion and rejection by the public. Despite these issues, the coin continued to be minted in 1981, though in significantly reduced numbers compared to previous years.
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel (Copper-Nickel Clad) |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Susan B. Anthony, designed by Frank Gasparro |
| Reverse Design | Eagle landing on the moon, based on the Apollo 11 mission patch, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollars significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. Due to limited circulation, many coins remain in high grades. For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 or higher are more desirable to collectors. Proof coins are generally found in high grades, with cameo and deep cameo contrasts being particularly sought after.
Strike quality is an important factor, with well-struck coins showing full detail on the high points of the design, particularly on Anthony’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. Luster is also crucial, with bright, frosty surfaces being more desirable. While toning is less common on these modern coins, attractively toned specimens can command a premium.
Mintage: 3,000,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to low circulation
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for collectors
Mintage: 3,250,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to low circulation
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for collectors
Mintage: 4,063,083
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades (PR65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Several factors can affect the value of 1981 Susan B. Anthony Dollars:
1. Mint State Grade: Higher grades (MS65 and above) can significantly increase value, especially for circulation strikes.
2. Proof Quality: For proof coins, deep cameo contrasts are highly desirable.
3. Mint Set Coins: Uncirculated coins from mint sets may command a slight premium due to their pristine condition.
4. Historical Significance: As part of a short-lived and controversial series, these coins hold interest for collectors of modern U.S. coinage.
5. Type Collection Demand: The Susan B. Anthony Dollar is often included in type sets of U.S. coins, maintaining steady collector interest.
