1981-S Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar Type 1

The Final Year in Pristine Proof Quality

Own a piece of numismatic history with this 1981-S Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar, struck during the final year of the original series run. When production ceased in 1981 due to public confusion with the quarter, the San Francisco Mint created these stunning proof specimens for collectors who appreciated the coin's historical significance and artistic merit. This Type 1 proof represents the pinnacle of the Mint's craftsmanship, featuring mirror-like fields and frosted devices that showcase the design's intricate details.

What Makes This Coin Special

• Proof condition - mirror-like surfaces with frosted design elements
• San Francisco Mint (S mintmark) - struck at the facility renowned for proof coinage
• Type 1 variety - filled "S" mintmark style from early 1981 production
• Final year of original series (1981) - last production until the 1999 revival
• Copper-nickel clad composition - durable construction with distinctive 11-sided inner border
• Legal tender status - official U.S. currency backed by the federal government

The Artistry Behind the Coin

Obverse: Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro's powerful portrait of Susan B. Anthony faces right, her determined expression capturing the spirit of the suffragist who fought tirelessly for women's voting rights. The proof finish brings exceptional clarity to every detail, from the fine lines in her hair to the subtle contours of her profile. The inscriptions "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" frame her portrait, with the date "1981" below and the "S" mintmark positioned to the right of Anthony's shoulder. The design honors her legacy as a champion of equality and social reform.

Reverse: The reverse features the iconic Apollo 11 mission insignia, adapted from the Eisenhower Dollar design. An American eagle descends toward the lunar surface, olive branch in its talons, with Earth rising majestically in the background. The proof strike reveals intricate feather details and the subtle texture of the lunar landscape. The distinctive 11-sided inner border creates a unique visual signature that sets this dollar apart from all other U.S. coins, while the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" complete the design.

Why Collectors Choose This Piece

The 1981-S Proof Susan B. Anthony Dollar represents the culmination of the series' original three-year run. Struck exclusively for collectors at the San Francisco Mint, these proof coins showcase the design with a level of detail and beauty impossible to achieve in circulation strikes. The Type 1 variety, featuring the filled "S" mintmark, adds an extra layer of numismatic interest for variety collectors. While the series faced challenges in public acceptance, proof specimens like this one have earned respect among collectors for their superior quality and historical significance. This coin bridges the gap between modern commemorative coinage and the rich tradition of honoring American pioneers, making it an essential addition to any collection celebrating women's history or 20th-century U.S. coinage.

Images are stock photos and may not represent the exact coin shipped.