Sacagawea Dollar (Golden Dollar)

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 2000-present

Denomination: One Dollar ($1 USD)

Composition: Manganese-Brass clad Copper: 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, 4% nickel

Sacagawea Dollar (Golden Dollar)

Brief Description

A golden-colored US dollar coin featuring the portrait of Sacagawea carry her infant son and an eagle in flight.

Historical Significance

Introduced in 2000 to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar, it was designed to be easily distinguishable by its golden color and smooth edge. It depicts the Shoshone woman who aided the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Estimated Value

$1 in circulated condition; $2-$10 in high uncirculated grades (MS-65+). Rare 2000-P 'Cheerio' or 'Wounded Eagle' varieties can be worth significantly more.

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish, as this removes the coin's natural luster and significantly lowers its numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in a PVC-free holder.

Mint Mark

Typical marks include P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco). Not clearly visible in image due to blur.

Mintage & Rarity

Common. Billions were produced in 2000, though later years were produced in much smaller quantities for collectors only.

Weight & Diameter

8.1 grams / 26.5 mm

Edge

Plain (unlettered) for 2000-2008; Lettered edge for 2009-present.

Apparent Grade

Uncirculated to About Uncirculated. The coin retains its golden color and sharp outlines despite the blurry photo quality.

Obverse (Front)

A portrait of Sacagawea in profile, carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, on her back. Designed by Glenna Goodacre.

Reverse (Back)

A soaring bald eagle surrounded by 17 stars. Designed by Thomas D. Rogers Sr. (Standard for 2000-2008 coins).

What Drives This Coin's Value

Most are worth face value. Value increases for specific date/mint combinations (like 2001-S) and specific varieties from the year 2000.

Similar Coins

Presidential Dollars and American Innovation Dollars look similar but have different portraits on the obverse.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check for the distinct golden color and ensure it is not attracted to a magnet. Authentic coins have a smooth (plain) edge for years 2000-2008.

Notable Varieties & Errors

2000-P 'Cheerio' dollar (enhanced tail feathers); 2000-P 'Wounded Eagle' (die crack through eagle's chest); 2000-P Mule (Sacagawea obverse with State Quarter reverse - extremely rare).

Created At: 2026-04-21T18:01:25.335964