The 2000 Sacagawea dollar $1 coin is the most sought-after collector’s coin available today. While most Sacagawea dollars are worth only their face value of $1, some 2000-dated coins, particularly those with unusual varieties or mint mistakes, are worth thousands-even as much as $10,000 or more. If you have a 2000 Sacagawea dollar sitting around in your house, it’s worth taking a closer look to determine if you might be the owner of a treasure.
Why the 2000 Sacagawea dollar is special
The Sacagawea dollar was initially issued in 2000 with Sacagawea and her infant son. This was a new series and new design, so first-year issues are usually valuable to collectors. More than 1.2 billion coins were produced in the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints, so coins are predominantly common and face value. Some limited issues and 2000 error coins, however, are quite valuable and very rare.
Key valuable types of the 2000 Sacagawea dollar
- 2000-P Cheerios Dollar: A proof dollar coin that was sent out in Cheerios breakfast cereal boxes from the Philadelphia Mint. It has additional relief on the eagle’s tail feathers at the back, making it distinctive from the normal coins. It’s a valuable type and can earn between $5,000 and more than $25,000 in mint condition.
- 2000-D Goodacre Presentation Coins: Approximately 5,000 of the satin finish coins were struck by the Denver Mint as presentation coins for coin designer Glenna Goodacre. They have a fine finish and details and can vary between $400 and $3,000 based on condition.
- 2000-D VIP Strikes: Exceedingly rare specimen strikes specifically prepared for special ceremonies. Less than a dozen have been graded, with some selling for $13,000 or more at auction.
Rare mint errors and their value
Error coins are one of the primary reasons some 2000 Sacagawea dollars cost so much money. Because the US Mint has high quality controls, error coins are rare and are considered special anomalies. Some of the notable errors include:
- Wounded eagle error: A die gouge to the breast of the eagle creates a “wounded” look. These range from $250 to $5,000 based on condition.
- Off-center strikes: Struck-off-center coins with design, at times dramatically so. One of these known 2000-P off-center error coins that graded MS66 sold for more than $3,000.
- Double dies and missing letters: Double design elements or leaving out text can make a big value contribution.
- Planchet mistakes: Coins minted with the wrong metal planchets, like a Sacagawea dollar minted on a Susan B. Anthony planchet, are rare and highly valuable.
Professional grading and certification by PCGS are needed to grade the coin and verify authenticity, having a substantial impact on market value.
Consideration of condition: Mint state versus circulated
The condition or grade of the coin is the largest value determinant. The majority of circulated 2000 Sacagawea dollars are worth only $1. However, coins in Mint State (MS) condition-MS65 and up, particularly-so can fetch much higher prices. For instance, a 2000-D Sacagawea dollar with a PCGS MS69 grade can be as much as $10,000.
What do you do if you have a 2000 Sacagawea dollar?
If you find that you have a 2000 Sacagawea dollar in your hands, take a good look:
- Search for rare details such as additional tail feathers on the eagle (Cheerios Dollar).
- Examine for mint error signs such as off-center strikes, doubled images, or omitted letters.
- Assess the coin’s condition-clean, shiny, and uncirculated coins are more valuable.
- Consider having your coin professionally graded by NGC or PCGS to ensure authenticity and condition.
While your coin might not be one of the restricted kinds, taking proper care of it will make it worth a greater amount of money as a collector’s piece representing the millennium year in the future.
The 2000 Sacagawea dollar is not just a $1 coin-a numismatic token of some specimens costing thousands of dollars. Low-mintage pieces such as the Cheerios Dollar, presentation coins, and particularly error coins can cost $10,000 or more in near mint. If you have one gathering dust in your home office desk drawer, it’s well worth a closer look-you could have a valuable and scarce coin in your hand.
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