The Sacagawea dollar coin is a unique modern series honoring a Native American historical figure. First issued in 2000, the golden-colored dollars feature Sacagawea, the Shoshone interpreter and guide who helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition explore the American West. Her contribution was vital to the journey‘s success.
While most Sacagawea dollars are only worth their $1 face value, certain rare errors and varieties are highly prized by collectors. The short-lived Sacagawea series ran into challenges but offers an appealing and historic collecting opportunity.
History and Controversy Around the Sacagawea Dollar
The Sacagawea dollar has its origins in the 1997 Native American $1 Coin Act, which authorized a new circulating dollar series with designs celebrating Native American history and culture. It was intended to replace the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar that had failed to circulate widely.
Designed by sculptor Glenna Goodacre, the obverse features a striking portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste on her back. The reverse, by Thomas D. Rogers, depicts a soaring eagle. Instead of the typical copper-nickel composition, the "golden dollar" is made of manganese brass, giving it a distinctive color.
The Mint promoted the 2000 release heavily, with some coins even included in Cheerios cereal boxes. However, the Sacagawea dollar struggled with low popularity and circulation. By 2002, the Federal Reserve Banks had a surplus of over 500 million unwanted coins.
Congress eventually passed legislation in 2005 to suspend production of Sacagawea dollars for circulation. Minting would continue for collectors only. The coin never achieved widespread usage like its predecessor.
Some controversy also arose over using Sacagawea‘s image, as certain Native American groups felt it was exploitative to use her likeness for profit without permission. The situation had parallels to the Crazy Horse gold piece that was cancelled due to objections from the Lakota.
Starting in 2009, the Mint changed the reverse of the Sacagawea dollar each year to feature различные нативные иконки, with the series renamed the Native American $1 Coin. This decision received mixed reactions from collectors who preferred the original soaring eagle design.
Grading and Evaluating Sacagawea Dollars
As with most modern coins, condition is king when it comes to Sacagawea dollar values. Coins are graded on a 70-point scale developed by Dr. William Sheldon, with 70 being perfect mint state.
Most numismatists use the grading standards of major third-party coin certifкацион services, chiefly Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Uncirculated examples grading from MS-60 to MS-70 are the most desirable and valuable.
Circulated coins are graded from 1 to 59 to reflect the amount of wear. An About Uncirculated-50 coin has traces of wear on the high points, while a Good-4 piece will have heavy wear but still be identifiable. However, few Sacagawea dollars ever circulated heavily.
Other factors can influence the value of a particular Sacagawea dollar:
- Mint mark – Coins from the Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) branch mints may vary in rarity and value for certain issues and grades
- Year of issue – With a relatively short series, older dates like 2000 tend to be most valuable, as well as low-mintage issues
- Varieties and errors – Specific dies, mint errors, and varieties are rare and highly sought-after
- Eye appeal and strike – Attractive, well-struck coins with good luster and minimal marks will command a premium
- Market supply and demand – Ultimately, a coin is worth what a buyer is willing to pay based on collector demand and dealer supply.
Matte proof Sacagawea dollars were also struck for collectors from 2000 to 2008 at the San Francisco mint. These special coins were not intended for circulation and have a distinctive finish. PCGS and NGC use a separate grading scale for proofs. Many of the S-mint proofs from this period have an exceptionally deep cameo or "ultra cameo" contrast between the frosted devices and mirror-like fields.
Values for Sacagawea Dollars
The majority of Sacagawea dollars are common and worth only face value, even in uncirculated condition. A typical 2000-P or 2000-D dollar might sell for $1.50 to $3 in mint state. However, certain rare issues, varieties, and high grade examples are quite valuable.
Here are some of the most notable valuable Sacagawea dollars:
- 2000-P Cheerios dollars – 5,500 coins were included in Cheerios cereal boxes as a promotion. Examples graded PCGS MS-68 have sold for over $5,000.
- 2000-P Wounded Eagle – On certain coins, a die gouge looks like an arrow piercing the eagle‘s belly on the reverse. This variety is worth $500 to $1,000 in high grades.
- 2000-P Mule Error – A small number of coins were accidentally struck with a Statehood quarter obverse die, creating a mismatched mule error. A PCGS MS-65 specimen held the record price of $158,625.
- 2000-P and 2000-D Burnished Uncirculated – The Philadelphia and Denver mints struck limited quantities of a special burnished finish coin for the annual Mint Sets. Top graded pieces sell for $300+.
- 2000-S Proof-70 Deep Cameo – Perfect proof examples with deep cameo contrast between fields and devices can approach $1,000 in 70 grade.
Here is a more detailed price guide, based on recent auction data:
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As you can see, the potential value is heavily focused on the 2000-dated coins, especially the Philadelphia issues in superb gem uncirculated grades. The later years from 2002 on are virtually all common, with even MS-67 and MS-68 coins selling for nominal premiums over face value.
Collecting Tips
If you want to collect valuable Sacagawea dollars, your best bet is to focus on the key dates and varieties listed above. Most of these rare coins are found in high-end dealer inventories or certified by PCGS and NGC in holders. You can sometimes find good deals searching eBay auction listings, but be wary of raw ungraded coins that may be overgraded or counterfeit.
Joining collector clubs like the American Numismatic Association will give you access to educational resources and contacts within the hobby community. Specialist groups like the Native American Dollar Coin Club are great for meeting fellow collectors who share your interests.
Always try to buy Sacagawea dollars certified by the major grading services, as they will have been authenticated and evaluated for condition by experts. Beware of counterfeit and altered coins, especially from China. Key date dollars in high grades are frequently faked or doctored to deceive collectors.
When buying raw coins, look for attractive specimens with good luster, minimal marks and abrasions, and a sharp strike. Photos should show clear details and accurate color. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Bargains are hard to find for condition-sensitive modern coins.
Building a collection of gem uncirculated and proof Sacagawea dollars is a fun pursuit that won‘t break the bank. The golden dollars have an iconic, classic design with a connection to an important Native American historical figure. While not the most valuable modern series overall, the Sacagawea dollars do contain some interesting and highly sought-after rarities for astute collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much gold is in the Sacagawea dollars?
A: Despite their golden color, there is no actual gold in the Sacagawea dollars. They are composed of manganese brass (88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel) with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This alloy gives them a golden appearance.
Q: Can you still get Sacagawea dollars from the bank?
A: It is possible but unlikely to get Sacagawea dollars from a bank. With their low mintages for circulation, very few remain in the Federal Reserve system. You will likely need to buy rolls or bags of dollar coins on eBay or from dealers to find uncirculated examples.
Q: Is it illegal to melt Sacagawea dollars for their metal content?
A: Yes, it is currently illegal to melt, treat, or export any U.S. 1-cent and 5-cent coins, or to melt any U.S. coins for their metal content. Even though Sacagawea dollars contain no precious metals, they are still protected by these regulations as legal tender currency.
Conclusion
The Sacagawea dollar series offers modern collectors an affordable and interesting pursuit, with a distinctive design, historical significance, and some challenging rarities. As the first circulating U.S. coin to feature an identifiable Native American, Sacagawea‘s legacy adds cultural import and appeal to these golden dollars.
Most Sacagawea dollars are readily available in choice uncirculated condition for a small premium over face value. Certain errors and varieties are quite scarce and valuable, drawing interest from series specialists. Gem and superb gem examples of the 2000 first year of issue can command substantial prices.
Whether you are intrigued by the history, eye-catching golden color, or potential for rare finds in rolls and collections, Sacagawea dollars are well worth a second look. These unusual modern issues have a unique place in the annals of U.S. coinage and American culture.
