In 2000, the United States Mint launched the Sacagawea dollar coin, marking the first time a Native American was featured on a circulating U.S. coin. Dubbed the "Golden Dollar" due to its distinctive color, the coin generated a lot of buzz when it debuted.
While the Sacagawea dollar ultimately failed to gain traction in commerce, it has become a popular collectible. Certain varieties, like the Cheerios dollar and the Goodacre presentation coins, are highly sought-after by collectors.
In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about 2000 Sacagawea dollar values. You‘ll learn the coin‘s history, key features, mintages, errors to look for, and what these coins are worth today. Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this article will help you understand the 2000 Sacagawea dollar.
The Story Behind the Sacagawea Dollar
The idea for a new dollar coin featuring a woman came about in the 1990s. A committee formed by the U.S. Treasury Secretary recommended several candidates, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Bessie Coleman. But in the end, Sacagawea—the Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter on the famous Lewis and Clark expedition—was chosen.
Sculptor Glenna Goodacre designed the obverse of the coin, which features a portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste on her back. The reverse, by U.S. Mint engraver Thomas D. Rogers, depicts a soaring eagle surrounded by 17 stars, representing the states in the Union at the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
To promote the new "Golden Dollar," the U.S. Mint launched a $40 million marketing campaign that included partnerships with Walmart, Cheerios, and other companies. They even gave away free coins to the public. Despite these efforts, the Sacagawea dollar never gained widespread usage and the Mint stopped producing them for circulation after 2001.
Sacagawea Dollar Specifications and Composition
The 2000 Sacagawea dollar measures 26.5 mm in diameter, weighs 8.1 grams, and has a smooth edge. It‘s composed of an outer layer of manganese brass (77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, 4% nickel) bonded to an inner core of pure copper. This unique "golden" color was chosen to distinguish the coin from the quarter.
Mintages and Values for Regular Issues
Over 1.2 billion Sacagawea dollars were struck in 2000 at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints:
- 2000-P: 767,140,000 minted
- 2000-D: 518,916,000 minted
Due to these high mintages, regular 2000-P and 2000-D Sacagawea dollars are very common. A typical uncirculated example is worth $1.50 to $3. Higher grade MS66 or MS67 coins can sell for $20 to $50. Proof specimens, included in the 2000-S Proof Set, are valued at around $5 to $10.
Rare and Valuable 2000 Sacagawea Dollar Varieties
While regular issues are plentiful, there are several rare and highly collectible varieties of the 2000 Sacagawea dollar that every collector should know about:
Cheerios Dollar
To help launch the new coin, the U.S. Mint partnered with General Mills to include a 2000 Lincoln cent in 10 million boxes of Cheerios cereal. 5,500 of those boxes also contained a specially-struck 2000-P Sacagawea dollar with detailed tail feathers on the reverse. These "Cheerios Dollars" have become one of the most desirable modern coins, with gem uncirculated examples selling for $5,000 to $25,000.
Goodacre Presentation Coins
Sculptor Glenna Goodacre received 5,000 specially-struck Sacagawea dollars from the Mint as compensation for her work designing the coin‘s obverse. These coins exhibit a proof-like finish and are highly sought-after by collectors. Goodacre Presentation dollars typically sell for $400 to $1,000.
Millennium Coinage & Currency Set
This special U.S. Mint set included a 2000 American Silver Eagle bullion coin, a 2000 Sacagawea dollar with a burnished satin finish, and a $1 Federal Reserve note. The Sacagawea dollars in these sets can be identified by their matte-like surfaces. Only 75,000 Millennium Sets were produced, making them scarce and desirable. They‘re valued at around $150 to $250.
Wounded Eagle Error
This rare die error features a raised gash across the eagle‘s belly on the coin‘s reverse. Caused by damage to the die during production, only about 115 Wounded Eagle Sacagawea dollars are known to exist. These dramatic errors trade for $400 to over $1,000, depending on condition.
Mule Error
Perhaps the most famous Sacagawea dollar error occurred when a reverse die was paired with an obverse die from a Washington state quarter. As of 2022, only 19 examples of this incredible mule error have been found, making it extremely valuable. An uncirculated piece could be worth over $50,000.
How to Find Valuable 2000 Sacagawea Dollars
You probably won‘t find a rare Sacagawea dollar in your spare change, but it‘s still worth keeping an eye out for them. Cheerios Dollars and other varieties were originally released into circulation, so there could be more out there waiting to be discovered.
Aside from searching rolls of dollar coins from your bank, you can also cherrypick through dealers‘ inventories and online marketplaces. Pay close attention to the obverse and reverse of each coin, looking for the detailed tail feathers of the Cheerios dollar, the wounded eagle error, or any other oddities. If you spot something unusual, be sure to have it authenticated by a reputable third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC.
FAQ About 2000 Sacagawea Dollars
Q: Are Sacagawea dollars made of real gold?
A: No, despite their golden color, Sacagawea dollars do not contain any gold. They‘re composed of copper, brass, and manganese.
Q: Why was the Sacagawea dollar discontinued?
A: The coin failed to circulate effectively. Like other dollar coins before it, the public preferred using the $1 bill instead.
Q: How many Sacagawea dollars were minted in 2000?
A: The Philadelphia Mint struck 767,140,000 and the Denver Mint produced 518,916,000, for a total of 1,286,056,000 coins.
Q: What is the most valuable 2000 Sacagawea dollar?
A: The Cheerios Dollar is the most valuable variety, often selling for $5,000 to $25,000 in uncirculated condition.
Final Thoughts
While short-lived in circulation, the 2000 Sacagawea dollar has become an important modern collectible. With several rare and valuable varieties to pursue—like the famed Cheerios Dollar and the dramatic Mule Error—there‘s a lot for hobbyists to get excited about.
By familiarizing yourself with the coin‘s history, specifications, and key varieties, you‘ll be well-positioned to cherrypick valuable pieces or assemble a meaningful set. As always, buy the best quality coins you can afford, focus on rarity and condition, and work with respected dealers and grading services.
Whether you‘re drawn to the Sacagawea dollar for its stunning design, its fascinating history, or its profit potential, this distinctive golden coin is sure to be a rewarding addition to your collection. Examine your coins closely—maybe you‘ll be the next lucky collector to discover a rare variety!
