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The Sacagawea dollar is also known as the Sacajawea dollar or the golden dollar. It was first minted in 2000. This one-dollar coin commemorates Sacagawea. She's a Shoshone woman that is famous for her role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
There are many different variants, such as the 2000P Sacagawea coin and the rare Cheerios Sacagawea dollar coin.
But what makes this coin so special, and how much could it be worth today?
Numismatic Breakdown of the Sacajawea Dollar Coin:
Feature | Description |
Design (Obverse) | Sacagawea carrying her son, Jean Baptiste |
Design (Reverse) | Soaring eagle with 17 stars |
Designer (Obverse) | Glenna Goodacre |
Designer (Reverse) | Thomas D. Rogers |
Composition | Copper core with a manganese-brass clad finish |
Weight | 8.1 grams |
Diameter | 26.49 mm |
Thickness | 2 mm |
Mint Marks | Philadelphia (P) Denver (D) San Francisco (S) W (West Point, special strikings only) |
Despite being called the Sacagawea gold dollar, the coin contains no actual gold like in the Stella gold coin. Its golden hue comes from the manganese-brass alloy used in its cladding. The coin’s design and rich historical backstory made it very popular among many collectors.
History and Symbolism of the Dollar Coin with Sacagawea
Who is Sacagawea on a coin? Sacagawea, featured on the Sacagawea dollar coin, was a Shoshone woman who was a guide and interpreter during the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 to 1806. Her image on the coin reflects how she helped explore the American West. Sacagawea carried her infant son (Jean Baptiste) throughout the expedition. This motherly depiction is reflected in the coin’s design.
The decision to feature Sacagawea on the one-dollar coin was made to honor the often-overlooked contributions of Native Americans in U.S. history. Her image is about strength, guidance and cultural significance.
The coin of Dollar Sacagawea was meant to replace the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar. Its widespread circulation never took off. However, its significance in American history has made it a collector’s favorite. People who are interested in collecting gold coins and U.S. currency would like to have one in their collections.
Interestingly, many refer to this coin as the Sacajawea dollar coin, reflecting an alternate spelling of her name. Regardless of the spelling, the coin represents U.S. history that honors Native American contributions.
Variants and Special Editions of the Sacagawea Dollar
There’s no shortage of interesting and valuable variants of the gold Dollar Sacagawea. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy editions:
2000 P Sacagawea Coin: It was minted in Philadelphia. This edition is one of the most common in circulation. It often holds only a modest 2000 P Sacagawea coin value, but some well-preserved examples or rare variants, e.g., the one Dollar Coin 2000 P Wounded Eagle, are highly coveted.
2009 D Sacagawea Dollar: This edition marked the beginning of the Native American series and celebrated Native contributions to agriculture, trade, and exploration. Although typically worth face value, pristine, uncirculated coins may hold higher value among collectors.
Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar: Perhaps the most famous variant, these coins were distributed in Cheerios boxes as part of a U.S. Mint promotion. How many Sacagawea coins are there? Only about 5,500 released. The Cheerios Sacagawea dollar is very rare and features a more detailed reverse design than standard coins.
2000 P Wounded Eagle Variant: This error coin features a defect on the eagle’s wing. So, it’s seen as if it was being "wounded." This 2000P Sacagawea coin value skyrockets for this variant, as it’s highly wanted by many numismatists.
How Many Sacagawea Coins Are There?
Since its introduction in 2000, the U.S. Mint has produced millions of Sacagawea dollars, though not all variants are created equal. In total, there are tens of millions of these coins, with the Sacagawea Dollar 2000 P being the most common. However, special editions, error coins, and specific mint marks—like the Sacagawea 2000 D Dollar—make certain coins far rarer and more valuable than others.
What Is a Sacagawea Dollar Coin Worth?
Now comes the burning question: How much does a gold coin worth if it’s a Sacagewea dollar? How to check old coin value? For most circulated Sacagawea coins, the value remains around $1. However, some rare variants and uncirculated coins can cost much more. Here’s a breakdown of some common and rare Sacagawea gold dollar value:
Coin Edition | Average Value (Circulated) | Average Value (Uncirculated) | Rare Variants |
2000 P Sacagawea Dollar | $1.50 - $5 | $10 - $15 | N/A |
2000 P Wounded Eagle Variant | $200 - $300 | $500+ | One of the rarest error coins |
2009 D Sacagawea Dollar | $1.50 | $3 - $5 | N/A |
Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar | $500 - $1,000 | $2,000 - $5,000 | Special reverse design |
2000 Gold Sacagawea Dollar (Mint) | $1.50 | $3 | Not actual gold but valued as collectible |
The Sacagawea dollar coin value fluctuates and depends on condition, rarity, and the edition. For example, the Sacagawea Cheerios dollar difference lies in its reverse design that makes it one of the most valuable variants available.
While the Sacagawea dollar is often referred to as a “gold dollar,” like different gold coins with angels, it contains no actual gold. However, if you’re interested in investing in actual gold coins, you might wonder how much does a gold coin cost? The price of gold coins depends on weight, gold content, and market conditions. Collectors interested in rare gold dollar Sacagawea coins often turn to gold bullion or rare collectors gold coins for serious investments.
The Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar: Rare and Expensive
One of the most famous variants of the Sacagawea dollar coin is the Cheerios Sacagawea dollar. In 1999, as part of a promotion, the U.S. Mint distributed these coins in boxes of Cheerios cereal. However, the reverse design was different from standard coins, as it featured a more detailed eagle.
Today, these Cheerios Sacagawea dollars are incredibly rare and can be worth thousands of dollars. If you happen to have one in your collection, you could be really rich.
Where Can I Get a Sacagawea Coin?
Do you want to start your own collection of rare gold dollar coins, including Sacagawea dollar coins? But how much does a gold coin cost and what are the places where you can find them?
These coins are occasionally found in circulation, but they are more commonly bought and sold through coin dealers, auctions, or online marketplaces. Websites like eBay or Heritage Auctions are excellent places to start. Many collectors also turn to buying gold coins from the US Mint for other rare U.S. coins, though the Sacagawea dollar (or Saquagia coin) is not made of actual gold.
Conclusion
The 2000 Gold Sacagawea Dollar, with its rich history, stunning design, and various rare variants, continues to be a favorite among collectors.
In the ever-evolving world of coin collecting, these coins remain a golden link to America’s past and a potential numismatic investment thanks to their high Sacagawea Dollar value.
Would you like to have one in your collection? We’d definitely like to. And who knows? Maybe one of us, experienced or beginning collectors, will find this coin and evaluate its Sacagawea Gold Dollar worth as the most valuable ever. Let’s cross our fingers!
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