Some Sacagawea dollar coins may appear to be missing a date on the obverse (front) of the coin . However, this isn’t necessarily an error, especially for those minted after 2008.
- Edge Lettering: For Sacagawea and Native American dollar coins minted from 2009 onwards, the date and mint mark are inscribed on the edge of the coin, rather than on the obverse or reverse faces. This is referred to as edge lettering.
- Inspecting the Edge: If you have a Sacagawea coin that seems to have no date, carefully examine the edge of the coin (the rim) for inscribed lettering. You might need a magnifying glass to clearly see it.
- Coins with edge lettering: Most Sacagawea dollars with edge lettering are worth face value ($1). However, some might fetch a small premium, especially if in excellent condition, [according to Sell Rare Coins].
- Error coins (missing edge lettering): If a Sacagawea coin is genuinely missing its edge lettering due to a minting error, it could be considerably more valuable than a standard Sacagawea dollar. These errors are rare and sought after by collectors.
- Mule coins (Sacagawea obverse/Quarter reverse): A very small number of Sacagawea dollars were mistakenly struck with the reverse of a Washington quarter, creating a “mule coin”. These are extremely rare and can be worth a significant amount to collectors. Some have sold for over $100,000.
- Other error coins: Other minting errors, such as doubled dies or off-center strikes, can also increase the value of a Sacagawea dollar, according to Blanchard and Company.
Important Note: If you suspect you have a valuable error coin, it’s best to consult with a reputable coin dealer or numismatic expert for a professional evaluation. They can help determine the coin’s authenticity and potential value. Be aware that some individuals may attempt to create fake error coins by altering the edges.
What if my Sacagawea coin has no date?
Sacagawea dollar: 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. This is called edge lettering. A lot of people think that this is a mistake.
Are coins without dates worth anything?
A coin collector must know the date to determine the rarity and value of the nickel. For example, undated buffalo nickels are worth about $0.06 each, but only because people use them for jewelry, shirt buttons, and other uses. All other types of nickels without dates are pretty much only worth face value.