Sacagawea Dollar (Golden Dollar)
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 2000-2008 (Specific date blurred)
Denomination: $1.00 USD
Composition: Manganese-Brass Clad Copper (88.5% copper, 6.0% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2.0% nickel)
Brief Description
A golden-colored dollar coin featuring a portrait of Sacagawea on the obverse and a soaring eagle on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 2000 to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar, this series honors the Shoshone woman who helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It was the first US coin to feature a woman's portrait that did not represent a personification of Liberty.
Estimated Value
$1 in circulated condition; $2-$5 in high uncirculated grades (MS-65+).
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place inside a non-PVC flip or capsule to prevent tarnish (manganese-brass reacts easily with oils).
Mint Mark
Typical marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco proof). Located on the obverse to the right of Sacagawea's portrait if minted 2000-2008.
Mintage & Rarity
Common. Billions were produced in 2000 alone. Though less common in circulation today, they are not rare unless they are high-grade proofs or rare varieties.
Weight & Diameter
8.1 grams, 26.5 mm
Edge
Plain (smooth) from 2000-2008; Lettered from 2009 onwards.
Apparent Grade
Appears to be Circulated (Fine to Very Fine) due to heavy blurring, loss of fine detail, and surface dullness.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Legends: 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Designed by Glenna Goodacre.
Reverse (Back)
A soaring bald eagle surrounded by 17 stars. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE DOLLAR'. Designed by Thomas D. Rogers Sr.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most specimens are worth exactly face value ($1). Value is primarily influenced by condition (mint state) and specific rare errors like the 'Wounded Eagle' or 'Cheerios' varieties.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the Susan B. Anthony dollar (silver color/different weight) or Presidential Dollars (different obverse and edge lettering).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for weight (8.1g) and magnetism (the copper core is non-magnetic). Most available examples are genuine as they carry low premium value.
Notable Varieties & Errors
2000-P 'Cheerios' Dollar (enhanced tail feathers), 2000-P 'Wounded Eagle' (die crack through eagle's belly), and the Mule error (Sacagawea obverse with State Quarter reverse).
Created At: 2026-06-18T17:36:48.339140