It’s important to clarify that no official U.S. dollar coins were minted in the year 1621, as the United States wasn’t founded until 1776, and the U.S. Mint began production in 1792. The first silver dollar, the Flowing Hair dollar, was issued in 1794.
However, some modern Native American $1 coins , like the 2011 edition, commemorate historical events that took place in 1621, such as the Wampanoag Treaty. These coins are often referred to as “1621 Wampanoag Treaty One Dollar Coins” or “Sacagawea 1621 Wampanoag Treaty USA Dollar Coin”.
Here’s a breakdown of their potential value
- Face Value: Most of these coins are worth their face value of $1, especially if they’ve been in circulation.
- Collector Value: While generally not considered highly rare, certain factors can increase their value for collectors:
– Uncirculated condition: Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition, sometimes still in their original mint packaging, may command a higher price.
– “Mule” errors: Some rare error coins with a mismatched obverse and reverse design, known as “mule coins,” have sold for significant amounts at auction.
– Special issues: Coins with unique minting mistakes or special characteristics, while rare, can fetch thousands of dollars.
- Price Ranges: Depending on the condition and any unique features, you might find these coins listed at prices ranging from face value to hundreds or even thousands of dollars on sites like eBay. For example, a 1621 Wampanoag Treaty One Dollar Coin is listed for around $600-$800 on eBay.
In conclusion, while there isn’t a U.S. dollar coin physically minted in 1621, modern coins referencing that year can have a value beyond face value, particularly for collectors interested in uncirculated examples, error coins, or special issues commemorating the Wampanoag Treaty.
How do I tell if my Sacagawea coin is valuable?
As with any collectible item, the better the condition, the higher its value. A Sacagawea coin in pristine condition with no damage and minimal wear will fetch a higher price than one that shows signs of heavy circulation or has scratches or dents.
Which $1 coin is rare?
Among them, the 1884 and 1885 Trade Dollar coins are exceptionally rare, with only ten and five known to exist, respectively. In fact, in 2006, one 1884 Trade Dollar was auctioned for a staggering $3.3 million! But even more common dates of these dollar coins can be worth a lot of money, especially in higher grades.