The 1981 US Mint Proof Set was significant as it was the last year that the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was included. The Mint sold 4,063,083 of these Proof Sets, which makes it second only to the 1976 Bicentennial Proof Set in sales. The Anthony Dollar was unpopular in circulation, thus, the Mint produced it only for issue in Proof Sets and Mint Sets in 1981. This was the last year that Proof Sets contained 6 coins until 1999. All coins in the Set were intended to have a cameo or deep cameo finish. This Set was made by the US Mint in San Francisco. Provident Metals is currently offering the 1981 US Mint Proof Set for purchase online.

Highlights:

• Set arrives in a black plastic frame with an outer box!
• It includes the six 1981 coins from the US Mint!
• Total of 4,063,083 proof sets were issued in 1981.
• Proof visuals.
• The obverse and reverse designs vary per coin.
• Each coins respective face value is in US dollars.
• Please note some sets may be missing the outer envelope/sleeve/box.

Each Proof Set contains one each of the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, Kennedy Half Dollar, and the last set offering of the Susan B. Anthony Dollar.

Designs

The 1981 Proof Sets have 2 distinctly different mint marks, referred to as Type 1 and Type 2. The Type 1, or Round Top variety, is a deteriorated version of the 1979 Type 2 Plato (Flat) Top. The 1981 Type 2, or Plato (Flat) Top S variety, is a more clearly defined mint mark. The most valuable 1981 Proof Sets are those where all coins are of the Plato (Flat) Top S variety. In addition, the Type 2 Lincoln Cent and Anthony Dollar have the largest premiums.

The most notable coin in the Set is the Anthony Dollar. The US Mint made the coin for only 4 years (1979 1981, and 1999). The government had hopes of it replacing the paper dollar in circulation, but it was so unpopular, they instead stopped making it. It made a reappearance in 1999, but was not included in Proof Sets.

History

Packaging of the 1981 Proof Sets utilized the down-sized packaging from 1980. The coins were set in individual slots in a red plastic insert, which was sealed in a clear plastic case. A black plastic sleeve which served to protect the Set and could be used as a stand – slid over the clear plastic case. The outer cardboard box had a single opening at the top to slide the main holder into.

Ordering

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Provident Metals Customer Service team, they will be happy to assist you. We can be reached via phone at 800-313-3315, online using our live chat, or via our email address.