Sacagawea Dollar – Did you know one of the rarest U.S. coins in modern history could be hiding in your pocket or coin jar? A unique Sacagawea Dollar coin with a Presidential edge lettering error has created a massive buzz in the numismatic world. This particular error coin has been valued at over $1.2 million, making it one of the most valuable modern coins ever discovered. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this Sacagawea Dollar so rare, how the Presidential edge lettering got involved, how to identify this rare coin, and what you should do if you think you have one.
What Is the Sacagawea Dollar Coin?
The Sacagawea Dollar was first minted in 2000 by the U.S. Mint. It features Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark during their expedition. Unlike earlier dollar coins, it has a distinctive golden color but is made from a manganese-brass alloy, not actual gold.
Key Features of the Sacagawea Dollar:
- Obverse: Portrait of Sacagawea with her baby, Jean Baptiste
- Reverse: Varies depending on the year (eagle design in 2000)
- Minted: 2000 to present (with changes over time)
- Edge: Typically smooth with no lettering
What Is the Presidential Dollar Edge Lettering?
The Presidential Dollar series began in 2007, showcasing U.S. presidents in the order of their service. These coins featured edge lettering which included:
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- The year of minting
- Mint mark (e.g., D or P)
- “In God We Trust”
- “E Pluribus Unum”
This unique feature was never meant to be part of the Sacagawea Dollar series.
The Error That Created a $1.2 Million Coin
In an extraordinary minting mistake, a few Sacagawea Dollar coins were accidentally paired with the edge lettering from the Presidential series. This happened during a transition period at the Mint when both coins were being produced.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- It’s an unprecedented hybrid coin.
- Fewer than 10 verified pieces are believed to exist.
- The combination of two different coin series makes it extremely collectible.
- Valued by top collectors for its minting error and historical significance.
How to Identify the Error Sacagawea Dollar
To check if you might have this rare million-dollar coin, look for the following signs:
Obvious Clues:
- Obverse: Sacagawea holding her child
- Reverse: Eagle design (typical of 2000 coin)
- Edge: Lettering present (which should NOT be there on a regular Sacagawea coin)
Edge Lettering to Look For:
- “In God We Trust”
- “E Pluribus Unum”
- Year (likely 2007)
- Mint Mark (P or D)
If your Sacagawea Dollar has any kind of engraved edge lettering, you might be holding a jackpot!
Real Examples and Auction Prices
This error coin has been sold and authenticated by top grading agencies like PCGS and NGC. One such coin fetched $1.2 million at auction, making headlines in the coin-collecting world.
| Year | Coin Description | Grading | Sold Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Sacagawea Dollar with Presidential Edge Lettering | NGC MS67 | $1,200,000 |
| 2000 | Sacagawea-Presidential Mule Error | PCGS MS66 | $900,000 |
| 2000 | Edge-Lettered Sacagawea Experimental Strike | NGC MS68 | $1,050,000 |
What to Do If You Think You Have One
Finding a rare coin can be life-changing. Here’s how to proceed if you think your Sacagawea Dollar is valuable:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Don’t clean the coin! Cleaning can reduce its value.
- Examine the edge closely for any lettering.
- Take clear photos of all sides.
- Send it to a reputable coin grading service like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
- Consider contacting a coin auction house for valuation.
Tips to Check Your Coin Jar and Wallet
You’d be surprised how many rare coins are hiding in plain sight. Make it a habit to look for unusual features:
- Check edge lettering on all your golden $1 coins
- Watch for double strikes, off-center prints, and mismatched designs
- Look at coins from 2000–2007, the highest overlap period for this error
Coin Collectors React to the Discovery
The numismatic community considers this hybrid coin to be one of the greatest modern errors in U.S. minting history. Coin collectors are scrambling to check their inventory, and online marketplaces are filled with hopeful listings of Sacagawea coins.
“It’s like winning the lottery — except you find your ticket in a sock drawer,” said one lucky collector.
The Sacagawea Dollar with Presidential Edge Lettering Error is a once-in-a-generation discovery. With only a handful known to exist and valuations crossing $1.2 million, it has instantly become a legend among coin enthusiasts.
If you have golden dollar coins from the early 2000s, check your change today — you might be sitting on a small fortune without knowing it!
FAQs
Q1. What year is the rare Sacagawea Dollar error coin from?
A1. The error coin is from 2000 but mistakenly has edge lettering introduced in 2007.
Q2. What is edge lettering?
A2. Edge lettering is text engraved on the side of a coin, which is not typical for Sacagawea Dollars.
Q3. How much is the Sacagawea edge error coin worth?
A3. It has been sold at auction for as much as $1.2 million.
Q4. How can I confirm if I have this rare coin?
A4. Check the coin’s edge for Presidential-style lettering and consult a certified grading service.
Q5. Is it safe to clean the coin before selling it?
A5. No, cleaning a coin can reduce its value significantly. Always keep it in original condition.
