Sacagawea Dollar / Native American Dollar

2000-Present • United States • $1

About This Coin

The Sacagawea Dollar features the Shoshone guide who assisted Lewis and Clark, carrying her infant son. Starting in 2009, the reverse was redesigned annually to honor Native American contributions. The coin has a distinctive golden color.

Specifications

Composition

Copper core with Manganese-Brass cladding

Weight

8.1 grams

Diameter

26.5 mm

Edge

Plain with edge lettering (date, mint mark, "E PLURIBUS UNUM")

Designer

Glenna Goodacre (obverse), Thomas D. Rogers Sr. (original reverse)

Mintage

Varies by year (primarily for collectors after 2011)

Estimated Values by Condition

Condition	Estimated Value
Poor (P)	$1-2
Good (G)	$1-2
Fine (F)	$1-2
Very Fine (VF)	$1-2
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)	$2-3
Uncirculated (MS)	$3-15

* Values are estimates based on market data and may vary significantly based on specific condition, mint mark, and market demand.

Identification Tips

The golden color is immediately distinctive. Look for Sacagawea carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste on the obverse. The original reverse (2000-2008) shows an eagle in flight. Starting 2009, annual reverse designs honor Native American contributions. Check the edge for the date, mint mark, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM". The 2000-P "Cheerios" dollar (with detailed tail feathers) is very valuable.

Historical Context

Introduced in 2000 to replace the failed Susan B. Anthony Dollar, the Sacagawea Dollar featured a distinctive golden color (though not gold) and smooth edge to differentiate it from the quarter. Despite improvements, it still struggled with public acceptance. In 2009, the Native American $1 Coin Act required annual reverse design changes honoring Native American contributions. The coin is now primarily minted for collectors rather than circulation.

Notable Varieties

2000-P Cheerios Dollar
2000-P Wounded Eagle
Annual Native American reverse designs (2009-present)
Edge lettering varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Cheerios Dollar"?

In 2000, 5,500 special Sacagawea Dollars with enhanced tail feather details were inserted into Cheerios cereal boxes as a promotion. These "Cheerios Dollars" are worth $5,000-25,000+ due to their rarity and distinctive reverse details.

Is the Sacagawea Dollar made of gold?

No, it's not gold. It has a copper core with manganese-brass cladding, giving it a golden color. This was intentional to make it easily distinguishable from the quarter. The metal content is worth far less than the $1 face value.