Several US gold dollar coins exist without a date prominently displayed on the obverse (front). This is because the US Mint changed the location of the date and mintmark to the coin’s edge starting in 2009 for the Native American dollar series. Therefore, a gold-colored Sacagawea or Native American dollar coin without a date on the obverse is likely a normal coin with the date and mintmark located on the edge.
- Sacagawea and Native American Dollars (gold-colored) : These dollars, introduced in 2000 (Sacagawea) and 2009 (Native American series), are gold-colored, but are not made of gold or other precious metals. They are composed of copper, manganese, brass, zinc, and nickel. From 2009 onwards, the date and mint mark are located on the edge of the coin rather than the face.
- Edge lettering: This refers to the date and mintmark being inscribed on the rim of the coin.
- Value: Generally, these coins are worth their face value ($1). However, some errors can increase their value, such as missing edge lettering.
- Genuine Errors: Some coins were mistakenly not put through the edge press, resulting in a genuine error that can be valuable.
- Altered Coins: Be aware that some coins may have been altered to remove the edge lettering and appear as errors. These are not genuine errors and are not valuable.
- Check the edge: Examine the rim of the coin to see if the date and mint mark are present.
- Seek professional evaluation: If you cannot find any edge lettering or are unsure whether your coin is a genuine error, it’s recommended to have it inspected by a knowledgeable coin dealer or grading agency.
Why does my gold dollar not have a date on it?
Great question! After 8 years of the Sacagawea Dollars, the United States Mint began to try new designs. Thus, came the Native American Dollar Coins. One thing that you can note about the new designs is that there is no longer a date or a mint mark visible on the dollar. Instead, the date and mint mark appear on the edge.
Are coins without a date worth anything?
I can help with that. However, most dateless Buffalo nickels are not considered rare or valuable, so collectors who are keeping their coin for personal use may consider using a chemical treatment to bring out its date.
Why do some dollar coins not have a date?
Great question! U.S. Coins without dates are normally coins that are worn, suffer as a result of Mint errors (e.g. U.S. Mint Dollar Error Blank Planchet – Type II No Date) or simply because someone decided to file the dates off.
What if my Sacagawea coin has no date?
After about 2008 for reasons best known to themselves the US mint removed the date from its usual place on the front of the coin. The mark showing which particular location it was minted was removed too – but you can still probably find both the date and mint mark if you look carefully at the edge of the coin.