Almost every Sacagawea dollar is worth face value — except two famous varieties worth hundreds to six figures. The golden dollar (2000–present) was minted by the billions, so ordinary coins spend at $1. The money hides in the 2000-P “Cheerios” prototype-reverse variety, the 2000-P mule struck with a Washington quarter obverse, and the “Wounded Eagle” die variety. Learn to spot all three.
The Three Varieties That Matter
| Variety | How to Identify It | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-P “Cheerios” dollar | Sharp, detailed tail feathers on the eagle (prototype reverse); distributed in Cheerios boxes in early 2000 | Four to five figures in certified mint state |
| 2000-P Mule | Washington quarter obverse (heads side) paired with the Sacagawea eagle reverse | Six figures — one of the great modern rarities (fewer than two dozen known) |
| 2000-P “Wounded Eagle” | A raised die gouge spears the eagle’s breast | About $300–$600+ certified |
| Regular issues, all years | Soft tail-feather detail; standard production | Face value circulated; $2–$5 uncirculated |
The tail feathers are the 10-second check: on the rare Cheerios variety the eagle’s tail shows bold central feather lines; on regular production coins the tail is smooth and plain. Values above are typical 2026 levels for certified examples and vary with grade.
The Coin Itself
Glenna Goodacre’s portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste launched in 2000 on a manganese-brass “golden” planchet — the same alloy later used for the Presidential dollars. From 2009 the reverse changed yearly under the Native American $1 program, honoring contributions from the Haudenosaunee peace model to Native Americans in the space program. The Mint still strikes them for collectors even though they rarely circulate — the same collector-only pattern as its predecessor in our Eisenhower dollar value guide.
What About Susan B. Anthony Dollars?
The Sacagawea dollar replaced the Susan B. Anthony dollar (1979–1981, 1999), whose coins are also mostly face value apart from the 1979-P Wide Rim variety and proofs. Both series suffer the same fate: minted in huge numbers, hoarded in drawers, and spent at face by people who never check the varieties. The checking is the whole game — a roll of golden dollars from the bank costs $25 and every roll is a fresh lottery ticket on the Cheerios reverse.
Shop U.S. Silver Coins
- $1 Face Value 90% Silver 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
- $1 Face Value 90% Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars — XF/AU
FAQ
Is a 2000 Sacagawea dollar worth anything?
A regular one: about $1–$5. If the eagle’s tail feathers are sharply detailed (the Cheerios prototype reverse) or the eagle shows the Wounded Eagle gouge, it is worth hundreds to thousands — get it certified.
How can I tell a Cheerios dollar?
Flip it over. Bold, separated tail feathers with a strong center line equal the prototype reverse. A smooth, weakly detailed tail means regular production. Most Cheerios dollars are dated 2000-P.
Are Sacagawea dollars real gold?
No. The golden color comes from a manganese-brass alloy (copper, zinc, manganese, nickel) — there is no gold in the coin. Weight and size match the Presidential dollars: 8.1 grams, 26.5 mm.
Do Sacagawea dollars still get made?
Yes, struck each year for collector sets with a new Native American reverse theme annually since 2009, though they are not issued for general circulation.
Educational content only — not financial advice. Variety values require certification; ranges are approximate 2026 market levels.