Sacagawea Dollar (Native American Dollar)
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 2000-Present
Denomination: One Dollar ($1.00)
Composition: Copper core with manganese-brass cladding: 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, 4% nickel
Brief Description
A golden-colored US dollar coin featuring Sacagawea on the obverse and varying themes on the reverse (the image appears to show the 2011 'Wampum Belt' or 2012 'Trade Routes' design).
Historical Significance
Introduced in 2000 to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar, it was the first US circulating coin to depict a Native American woman. Since 2009, the series has featured different annually rotating reverse designs celebrating Native American contributions.
Estimated Value
$1 in circulated condition, $2-$5 in high-grade uncirculated.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish the coin, as this damages the surface and lowers numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in a non-PVC coin holder.
Mint Mark
P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco) typically located on the obverse near the date or on the edge (post-2009).
Mintage & Rarity
Common; hundreds of millions were minted for circulation, though later years were only minted for collectors.
Weight & Diameter
8.1 grams / 26.5 mm
Edge
Plain (2000-2008); Lettered with date and mint mark (2009-Present)
Apparent Grade
Appears to be Circulated to About Uncirculated based on visible luster and blurring, though image quality is low.
Obverse (Front)
Features a portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Designer: Glenna Goodacre.
Reverse (Back)
The specific 2011 design (likely shown) depicts the Wampum Belt commemorating the Great Law of Peace, or the 2012 design showing trade routes. Designer: Various (rotating annually).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/grade and specific year of issue. Key varieties (like the 2000-P 'Cheerios' or 'Wounded Eagle') are significantly more valuable.
Similar Coins
Susan B. Anthony dollar (silver color), Presidential Dollars (different portraits), gold-colored tokens.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for correct weight and a magnetic response (the coin should not be magnetic). Look for crisp edge lettering on post-2009 issues.
Notable Varieties & Errors
2000-P 'Wounded Eagle' reverse, 2000-P 'Cheerios' dollar with enhanced tail feathers, and muled errors.
Created At: 2026-04-21T18:02:21.435001