The Sacagawea dollar has been a part of U.S. coinage since 2000. Most examples are worth face value, but a few rare varieties and high-grade specimens can be worth far more. This guide covers the top 3 most valuable Sacagawea dollars you should not spend, how to identify them, and what to do if you find one.
Why Sacagawea Dollars Can Be Valuable
Value comes from rarity, condition, and collecting interest. Errors, special minting runs, and low-mintage proofs often attract high prices from collectors.
Even modern coins can be valuable if they have an unusual strike, a rare die variety, or an exceptionally high grade from a third-party grading service.
Top 3 Most Valuable Sacagawea Dollars in U.S. History
Below are three Sacagawea dollar types that have produced the highest market values and are worth protecting if found in circulation or old collections.
1. 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Wide Rim (the “Cheerios” Variety)
The 2000-P wide rim Sacagawea dollar is one of the most famous rare modern-dollar varieties. It differs from the mass-produced close-rim coins by having a noticeably wider rim and slightly different lettering spacing.
Why it is valuable:
- Very few were struck or released, making it scarce compared with standard 2000-P issues.
- Collectors prize the distinct rim and spacing differences as a clear variety.
Typical value: high-grade examples can bring thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on condition and market demand.
2. 2000-S or 2000-W Proofs in Exceptional Grades
Proof Sacagawea dollars struck for collectors, especially from the West Point or San Francisco mint, can be valuable when found in top grade with perfect surfaces.
Why it is valuable:
- Proofs had smaller mintages than circulation strikes.
- Deep cameo or perfect proof surfaces in PR69–PR70 are rare and collectable.
Typical value: pristine proof Sacagaweas certified PR70 or with special finishes command premium prices among advanced collectors.
3. Major Error and Doubled-Die Varieties
Certain Sacagawea dollars with major mint errors—such as strong doubled dies, off-center strikes, or significant planchet flaws—are highly collectible.
Why it is valuable:
- Large, obvious errors are rare and attract both error collectors and mainstream numismatists.
- Distinctive visual problems can make a common-date coin suddenly scarce.
Typical value: value varies widely by error type and grade; dramatic errors can sell for thousands.
The Sacagawea dollar’s obverse was designed by sculptor Glenna Goodacre. Despite starting as a circulation coin, selective varieties from the first year have become some of the most sought-after modern U.S. coins.
How to Identify Valuable Sacagawea Dollars
Identification starts with careful visual inspection and a magnifier. Look for unusual rims, doubled design elements, and off-center strikes.
Steps to check a coin:
- Examine the rim width and lettering for the 2000-P wide rim variety.
- Look for doubled die features on the obverse (date and lettering) and reverse (eagle and stars).
- Check the edge: some proofs or errors show unique edge characteristics.
- Compare with certified reference photos from trusted numismatic sites or catalogs.
How to Protect and Preserve a Valuable Sacagawea Dollar
If you suspect you have a valuable Sacagawea dollar, handle it carefully. Oils and scratches from fingers can reduce a coin’s value significantly.
- Hold coins by the rim only, preferably with cotton gloves.
- Place the coin in a soft holder or coin flip immediately—do not attempt cleaning.
- Consider professional grading if the coin appears rare or in exceptional condition.
Quick Checklist Before Spending a Sacagawea Dollar
Before you hand a Sacagawea dollar to a cashier, run this quick list:
- Is the coin dated 2000? First-year coins include the most sought-after varieties.
- Does the rim look unusually wide or the lettering spaced differently?
- Are there obvious doubling, off-center strikes, or planchet errors?
If you answered yes to any, set the coin aside and take photographs for documentation.
Real-World Example: A Small Discovery That Paid
A collector found a 2000-P Sacagawea in a change roll and noticed the rim looked different. After submitting photos to an online coin forum and consulting a dealer, the coin was identified as the wide rim variety.
The owner had the coin graded and later sold it at auction. The sale price was much higher than face value, turning a brief moment of attention into a significant gain. The key actions were quick recognition, careful handling, and getting a professional opinion before selling.
What to Do If You Find One
Do not spend it. Document the coin with clear photos of both sides and the rim. Reach out to a reputable local coin dealer or submit images to a trusted online numismatic community for an initial opinion.
If the coin seems to be a true rare variety, consider third-party grading (PCGS, NGC) before trying to sell. Grading removes buyer uncertainty and often increases achievable sale price.
Final Practical Tips
- Keep suspected valuable coins separate from everyday change.
- Avoid home cleaning—cleaning often destroys value.
- Use graded comparisons and trusted dealer advice to confirm rarity.
Modern coins are not immune to rarity. Knowing the top 3 most valuable Sacagawea dollars and following practical steps to identify and protect them can save you from accidentally spending a coin worth far more than face value.