2 Varieties Of The 1981 Proof Set: Do You Own The Valuable One?

The 1981 proof set attracts a lot of attention among coin collectors who specialize in proof sets because 2 varieties of proof sets were made that year:

• 1981 Type 1 Proof Sets include the same S mintmark used in late-1979 and throughout 1980.
• 1981 Type 2 Proof Sets were packaged with 1981 proof coins that have more well-defined S mintmarks than those used from late-1979 through mid-1981.

Because relatively few 1981 Type 2 proof sets were made, they are worth significantly more than 1981 Type 1 proof sets.

In fact, while the 1981 Type 1 set usually sells for no more than $12 to $15, 1981 Type 2 sets can easily command prices well over $250.