With their detailed depiction and ties to American history, rare Sacagawea coins were released in 2000 and are highly prized by coin collectors. Specifically, these coins honor the legacy of Sacagawea, a Shoshone Nation member who served as an important guide for Lewis and Clark during their 1804–06 expedition.
This dollar coin was the first dollar to have a manganese brass exterior layer, which gave it a golden hue.
The obverse of the Golden Dollar features a three-quarter profile of Sacagawea, also known as heads. Unlike the custom of numismatics, she faces directly into the holder's eyes. The big, dark eyes that Shoshone folklore credited to Sacagawea were created by obverse artist Glenna Goodacre. Randy'L He-dow Teton, a Shoshone college student now, served as Goodacre's model.
Sacagawea is carrying her young son, Jean Baptiste, on her back. Sacagawea gave birth to Jean Baptiste early in the Lewis and Clark expedition, having been six months pregnant when she set out.
The chosen reverse, which was made to match the obverse, has an eagle in flight surrounded by 17 stars. Every state in the Union at the time of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition is represented by the 17 stars.
| Manganese brass composition | Golden Dollar's overall composition | Mint Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 77% copper | 88.5% copper | Denver (D) |
| 12% zinc | 6% zinc | Philadelphia (P) |
| 7% manganese | 3.5% manganese | San Francisco (S) |
| 4% nickel | 2% nickel |
There are rarer Sacagawea coins than others. For instance, the U.S. Mint and Cheerios, the breakfast cereal, collaborated to create just 5,500 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea dollar coins. Certain Cheerios cereal boxes came with these coins. Examining them with a magnifying glass is a joy because of their immaculate state and the fine detailing on the eagle's tail feathers. Moreover, very few of these coins have been located in reality. It's worthwhile to have one of these valued if you own one. In 2008, one sold for $34,500.
The United States Mint gave Glenna Goodacre a $5,000 commission for her artistic rendition of Sacagawea. Goodacre asked that her payment be sent to her Santa Fe, New Mexico, studio in Sacagawea dollars. The coins given to her were different from the dollars minted for general circulation. The US Mint struck these coins on polished planchets, giving them a "Specimen" or proof-like look. In 2013, a Goodacre specimen graded SP69 was sold for $5,288.
A rare and valuable Sacagawea coin, the 2000 P Wounded Eagle Die Variety would make a wonderful addition to any collection. The die gouge used to create the wounded eagle die variant of the Sacagawea dollar coin gives the impression that the bird's breast is being punctured by a spear or an arrow.
To recognize this coin, examine the reverse of the Sacagawea dollar coin for a line that passes through the eagle's breast, entering close to the center of the chest and leaving near the right wing. Only roughly 100 of these coins are known to exist, but there's always a chance that more could appear. Be careful to check your 2000 P Sacagawea dollars!
A specimen of the Wounded Eagle Sacagawea coin, classed MS68, brought $5,160 at auction in 2017.
There is only one known coin in existence, making the last coin on our list the rarest of all!
Undoubtedly, the most precious Sacagawea dollar coin is the one with the edge inscription, but why is it so valuable?
Well, rarity increases its value even further because there is only one known to exist. Why is it uncommon? The edge wording on this coin is exclusive to Presidential dollar coins. This indicates that the coin was inadvertently thrown in among the Presidential dollar coins. It is possible that an employee discovered it on the ground and, without further examining it, thought it was a Presidential dollar.
What is the value of this coin then? In any case, in 2012, it sold for $17,161!
The scarcity and worth of Sacagawea coins are raised by the following typical coin minting faults.
Like most collector's artifacts, rare Sacagawea coins increase in value with their rarity. For instance, in certain years, the US Mint only produced Sacagawea dollar coins as collector's goods; in other years, they were never used in circulation. The rarest of these coins can fetch up to six figures in value due to their scarcity and, therefore, higher demand. Even the most widely circulated ones, nevertheless, are comparatively uncommon and are therefore valued at least $1.05. This is a small premium over their $1.00 face value.
Many of the Sacagawea dollar coins exhibit clear signs of aging since the coin's minting was discontinued in 2008. Therefore, the value of a Sacagawea dollar coin increases when it is in good condition. For instance, the fact that every coin contained in Cheerios boxes was newly minted contributed to the appeal of the Cheerios Sacagawea dollar. This undoubtedly added to the coin's high value.
| Coin Description | Unique Features | Number in Existence | Auction Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar | Detailed tail feather design on eagle's back | ~60-70 | $5,000 to $25,000+ |
| 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar on Susan B. Anthony Planchet | Sacagawea design with Susan B. Anthony coin coloring | Unknown | $16,800 (2022) |
| 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar on Massachusetts Quarter | Sacagawea design struck on a Massachusetts Quarter | Unknown | $8,000+ (2007) |
| 2000-D Sacagawea Dollar and South Carolina Quarter Mule | Sacagawea obverse, South Carolina Quarter reverse | 1 | $66,000 (2022) |
| 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar and Statehood Quarter Mule | Sacagawea obverse, George Washington Quarter reverse | 18 | $144,000 (2022) |
| 2014-D Sacagawea Dollar and Presidential Dollar Mule | Sacagawea obverse, Presidential Dollar reverse | 1 | $84,000 (2022) |
Here are some pointers to help you if you decide to start collecting Sacagawea coins:
In conclusion, rare Sacagawea coins offer a fascinating and valuable addition to any coin collection. Despite their modest face value of $1, certain varieties can fetch thousands or even six figures at auctions due to their rarity and unique features. Numismatists value these coins for their historical importance, elaborate artwork, and the narratives surrounding their origins.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding the different types, values, and market trends of rare Sacagawea coins will help you make informed decisions and enhance your collection. Happy collecting!
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