The 1881 Sydney, as denoted by the S mintmark underneath the shield on the reverse is the second date in the beaded reverse design series.
It is probably the toughest date in this sub-series though many consider the 1882 Sydney to be slightly scarcer. The date is available in mint state, but is more often found in the VG to Fine range like much of this era. The date does turn up in VF or better from time to time but for one reason or another is generally more heavily circulated than its neighbouring dates. The date sold around the $6000 mark in EF, and down to $250 in VF with intermediate grades selling at around the $2000 mark at the Reserve Bank of Australia Sale in 2005 (Downies, 2005) .