How to Identify the Sacagawea Dollar

What It Is

The Sacagawea Dollar debuted in 2000, replacing the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar. It depicts Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who assisted the Lewis and Clark expedition. From 2000-2008 it used a single reverse; starting in 2009 the same obverse was paired with a new reverse each year under the Native American $1 Coin Program.

Obverse Design

Sacagawea is shown facing right, carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste on her back in a cradleboard. "LIBERTY" arcs above, "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears in the field, and the date is near the rim. Designed by Glenna Goodacre.

Reverse Design

The original 2000-2008 reverse shows an eagle in flight encircled by seventeen stars, representing the states in the Union at the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition. From 2009 onward, the reverse changes yearly to depict different themes from Native American history and culture, while the obverse stays the same.

Size, Weight & Metal

The coin has a distinctive golden color from its manganese-brass clad layer over a pure copper core. It weighs 8.1 grams, measures 26.5 mm across, and has a smooth (plain) edge on 2000-2008 issues.

Mint Marks

From 2000-2008, the mint mark ("P" or "D") appears on the obverse near the rim above the date. Starting in 2009, the mint mark moved to the coin's edge along with incuse lettering including the date and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," similar to the change made on Presidential dollars.

Telling It Apart from Similar Coins

The golden color and smooth edge separate it instantly from the silver-colored, 11-sided-rimmed Susan B. Anthony dollar it replaced. Compared to the Presidential dollar series struck alongside it, the Sacagawea/Native American dollar always keeps the same Sacagawea obverse, while Presidential dollars rotate a different president's portrait each issue.

Grading at a Glance

Look for wear on Sacagawea's cheek, hair, and the top of the baby's head, plus flatness on the eagle's breast on 2000-2008 reverses. Because the manganese-brass alloy can tone unevenly, look for original golden luster versus a dull, brownish, or spotted surface, which indicates wear or environmental damage.

Authenticity Red Flags

A small number of 2000-P coins struck with an enhanced reverse design (sometimes called the "Cheerios dollar") show slightly different tail feather detail; verify such claims carefully rather than assuming any golden dollar is one. General red flags include a magnetic response (genuine coins are not strongly magnetic), incorrect diameter or weight, or a poorly struck, mushy portrait, all of which suggest a plated or cast counterfeit rather than genuine U.S. Mint coinage.