The US Dollar Coin Act of 1997 authorized the striking of a new dollar coin featuring Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who assisted the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Here is more information about the coin:
- Obverse (front): Sacagawea is depicted in a three-quarter profile carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste.
- Reverse (back): Initially, the reverse featured a soaring eagle encircled by 17 stars representing the states of the Union during the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804.
- Native American $1 Coin Program: Since 2009, the Sacagawea dollar transitioned into this program. The Sacagawea obverse was retained. However, a new reverse design was featured each year to honor contributions of Indian tribes or individuals. These designs vary, from a Native American woman planting crops to honoring Code Talkers from World Wars I and II.
- Metal Composition: The coin is not made of gold, despite its golden color. It is composed of a three-layer clad construction with a pure copper core between outer layers of manganese brass, [according to the U.S. Mint] . This manganese brass darkens over time, giving the coins an antique finish.
- Minting Locations: Sacagawea coins were minted at Philadelphia (“P”), Denver (“D”) and San Francisco (“S”). Proof coins were primarily struck at the San Francisco Mint.
- Notable Varieties and Errors:
– “Cheerios” Dollars: Early strikes of the Sacagawea dollar included in Cheerios cereal boxes as part of a 2000 promotion have subtle differences in the tail feather detailing on the eagle reverse. This makes them rare and sought-after by collectors. These can be worth thousands of dollars.
– Mule Errors: Some coins were struck with the obverse design of a US state quarter and the reverse of a Sacagawea dollar. These “mule” coins are extremely valuable and can fetch substantial prices at auction, with one selling for over $2 million.
Most Sacagawea dollars are worth their face value of $1. However, certain errors, varieties, and good condition can make some coins more valuable to collectors.
