In the world of coin collecting, certain editions of the Sacagawea dollar have become exceptionally valuable, attracting attention for their rarity and fascinating histories. While the Sacagawea dollar initially circulated as a simple one-dollar coin, particular editions have reached staggering values at auction due to unique errors, rare mintages, and limited release dates.
Some of these coins are now worth over $200,000, making them highly sought-after pieces. Here’s a closer look at the most valuable Sacagawea dollars and what makes each one so desirable to collectors.
Cheerios Dollar
The Cheerios Dollar, minted in 2000, is famous for its unique design and rarity. Given as a promotional gift in boxes of Cheerios cereal, this coin features a distinct eagle tail design on the reverse, differing from other Sacagawea coins. Collectors have been willing to pay top dollar for Cheerios Dollars in perfect condition.
Goodacre Presentation Dollar
Renowned for its elegance, the Goodacre Presentation Dollar is a commemorative edition named after artist Glenna Goodacre, who designed the coin. This coin is highly prized because only 5,000 pieces were produced, each in brilliant uncirculated condition. Collectors are drawn to its beauty and limited mintage.
2000-P Wounded Eagle Dollar
The 2000-P Wounded Eagle Dollar is a remarkable find. Known for a minting error that resulted in a strike-through across the eagle’s belly, it appears as though the eagle is “wounded.” This unique error makes the coin valuable and highly collectible, particularly in high-grade condition.
2001-P Dollar
Although most Sacagawea dollars were mass-produced, the 2001-P Dollar is a significant exception. This particular coin had a low mintage as the U.S. Mint shifted focus away from circulation coins. Because fewer were produced, collectors place high value on the 2001-P Dollar, especially when it’s in mint condition.
2000-P Glenna Goodacre Pattern Dollar
In honor of Glenna Goodacre’s contribution to the coin’s design, the U.S. Mint created a special version of the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar. Unlike the regular version, this edition has a polished planchet, giving it a distinct appearance. Only a small number were produced, making it highly valuable among collectors.
Prototype Sacagawea Dollar
The Prototype Sacagawea Dollar is one of the rarest versions of this coin, made during the initial design and testing phase. These coins were never intended for circulation and are highly prized because of their unique characteristics and limited availability. They are considered valuable artifacts in the world of coin collecting.
2000 Mule Error Dollar
The 2000 Mule Error Dollar is one of the most fascinating and rare errors in U.S. Mint history. This coin features the Sacagawea design on one side and the obverse of a Washington quarter on the other. The rarity of this error has made it incredibly valuable, with collectors willing to pay substantial amounts for this coin.
2009 Native American Dollar
The 2009 Native American Dollar is notable for its design, which celebrates Native American contributions to agriculture. This coin had a limited mintage compared to other Sacagawea dollars, increasing its value among collectors, especially when found in pristine condition.
2000-D Golden Dollar
The 2000-D Golden Dollar is a less common Sacagawea coin that stands out due to its Denver mint mark and beautiful uncirculated finish. Though it doesn’t feature any prominent errors, the Denver-minted 2000-D coins have gradually gained value as a sought-after collectible.
2007-P Satin Finish Dollar
The 2007-P Satin Finish Dollar, struck as part of a collector’s series, has a unique satin appearance that distinguishes it from typical Sacagawea dollars. The limited mintage and special finish make it highly appealing to coin enthusiasts.
| Coin Name | Year | Distinct Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios Dollar | 2000 | Unique eagle tail design | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Goodacre Presentation | 2000 | Special uncirculated finish | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Wounded Eagle Dollar | 2000 | Strike-through on eagle’s belly | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| 2001-P Dollar | 2001 | Low mintage | $500 – $1,000 |
| Goodacre Pattern Dollar | 2000 | Polished planchet finish | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Prototype Dollar | 1999 | Test minting coin | $7,500 – $10,000 |
| Mule Error Dollar | 2000 | Sacagawea reverse, Washington obverse | $200,000+ |
| Native American Dollar | 2009 | Celebrates Native contributions | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 2000-D Golden Dollar | 2000 | Denver-minted rarity | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Satin Finish Dollar | 2007 | Satin appearance | $1,000 – $1,500 |
These coins demonstrate how unique features, such as minting errors, limited mintage, or special designs, can significantly boost a coin’s value. Whether due to a mistake in production or a special commemorative design, each of these Sacagawea dollars has garnered attention and value beyond its face worth, enticing collectors to search for these hidden treasures.
Why is the Cheerios Dollar so valuable?
The Cheerios Dollar is valuable because of its unique eagle tail design, given exclusively as a promotion in Cheerios cereal boxes. Only a limited number were distributed, making it rare.
How can I identify a Wounded Eagle Dollar?
The Wounded Eagle Dollar features a strike-through error across the eagle’s belly, creating the appearance of a wound. This distinct flaw is only present on some 2000-P Sacagawea dollars.
What makes the 2000 Mule Error Dollar special?
The 2000 Mule Error Dollar is unique because it has the Sacagawea design on one side and the Washington quarter’s obverse on the other, making it a rare minting error highly sought after by collectors.
