Sacagawea Coin Facts: Things To Know About Golden Dollar

Launched in 2000, the Sacagawea dollar, also termed as the golden dollar, is the United States dollar coin.

However, due to low popularity among the audience and low demand, the coin has not been used since 2012. Speaking of Sacagawea history, the $1 coins, both first minted in 2000, and the new coin replaced the Susan B.

The United States Mint struck 100 million of these golden dollars at the Denver and Philadelphia Mints before halting production indefinitely to begin producing the George Washington $1 Coin as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005.

Some contain errors on the back of the coins, including missing feathers on some eagles and errors in lettering or fonts.

Many Sacagawea dollar coins have been found with microscopic marks in linear codes in history. Since they are only visible using an electron microscope, they are hard to detect without specialized equipment, but the marks are known to be there, and they can cause problems for vending machines.

Background

The Sacagawea dollar coin was presented as an alternative for Susan B. Anthony dollar.

The new Sacagawea dollar coin was introduced on Thursday, July 3, at a press conference held by the Mint in Denver.

Initially, the Statue of Liberty was chosen as the subject of design. Later on, Sacagawea, the Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark expedition, was finalized as the design subject.

Mints highly marketed the coin through prints, radio, and tv advertisements. However, the coin was not very popular among the public, and there was a sharp drop in the vintage in the consecutive year of production. The vintage number was reduced by 90% in the year 2012.

The mint further decided to issue the coin in 22- carat gold. The idea was soon dropped after the mint's authority was questioned.

Characteristics And Specifications

The coin was beautifully designed. Sacagawea dollar coins are 24-karat gold plated. This means that they are made of a base metal (copper) coated with layers of pure gold. For example, the thickness of the gold plating in a Sacagawea dollar coin is very similar to that of U.S. half dollars.

The coin had a mass of 0.28 oz (8.100 g), a diameter of 1.04 in (26.4 mm), and a thickness of 0.08 in (2 mm). The edge was plain during 2000-2008, which was changed to lettered in 2009.

The core composition of the coin consists of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. The overall composition was 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel.

These coins had a copper core clad and the material manganese brass, giving them a golden shade. The coin also has a face by Glenna Goodacre. The reverse featured an eagle from 2000-2008, designed by Thomas D. Rogers. The reverse has experienced significant changes yearly, with each design depicting a different aspect of Native American culture.

Production And Release

Sacagawea Philadelphia mintages are scarce but not rare enough to be considered an ultra key date. The keys to the series are known as 1802-dated dollars. It is one of those great' cross over' series where the coin collectors and silver dollar collectors each covet specific issues for their own reasons. After going through several modifications, the production of coins finally began.

On November 18, 1999, the first official striking of the Sacagawea dollar took place during a ceremony wherein many guests and dignitaries gave individual examples of the coin.

The initial advertising campaign for the coin consisted of 1600 television, radio, and print advertisements along with the partnership with Walmart and General Mills.

From January 2000, the mint started sending dollar coins to Wal-mart and Sam's Club stores to promote and circulate the coins among the people of the United States.

In 2002, The American Numismatic Association published a study that suggested that as much as one billion dollars worth of U.S. Sacagawea dollars were exported overseas or hoarded by American citizens.

According to a 2010 census, more than 80 % of the dollars struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1999 was Sacagawea dollar coins.

Other Miscellaneous Facts

U.S. Mint Assistant Engraver John Mercanti designed the obverse of the Sacagawea golden dollar coin. His soaring eagle design is modeled after the Great Seal of the United States.

Despite the unpopularity of the coin in the United States, the coin proved to be a valuable source of commerce in El Salvador and Ecuador.

The Native American $1 Act was signed by President George W. Bush, which specified that the images on the coins would celebrate the contributions made by Indian tribes and Native Americans in the development of the United States.

The coin has P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and W (West Point) as mint marks.

In her book 'Sacagawea: A Guide for all Travelers,' Della Hanson describes the Sacagawea dollar as a coin that is easy to identify—it is golden in color and has the picture of an American Indian woman on one side and a soaring eagle on the other.

The flying eagle design on the new Sacagawea dollar coin may soon get its wings clipped.

Fort Knox uses the building to store much of its $200 billion in gold bars, silver dollars, and other precious metals.

Circulation coins are what is currently being used in transactions throughout the United States. Circulation coins are not considered valuable currency by coin collectors due to their general lack of collectibility and numbers.

Senators Mike DeWine of Ohio and Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, Republican, and Democrat, respectively, appreciated the design and the uniqueness of the golden color.

The crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia for STS-93 carried twelve gold Sacagawea dollars into space as a part of their mission.

FAQs

Why was the Sacagawea coin made?

The Sacagawea coin was made to replace Susan B. Anthony dollar.

What makes a Sacagawea dollar rare?

The sharp and crisp details in the eagle's tail and feathers make it a rare variety.

What is the rarest Sacagawea coin?

The Cheerios dollar is the rarest Sacagawea coin.

Are Sacagawea dollars still made?

No, the production of Sacagawea dollars was dropped from 2012 onwards because of its low popularity.

How many Sacagawea coins are there?

There are about 18 Sacagawea coins.

When were Sacagawea coins made?

The United States launched Sacagawea coins in the year 2000.

How much is a 2001 P Sacagawea dollar worth?

The average value of the 2001 P Sacagawea dollar is $1.50.

What is the rarest Sacagawea coin?

The Cheerios dollar is the rarest Sacagawea coin.