The Sacagawea dollar, first released in 2000, was intended as a modern replacement for the Susan B. Anthony dollar—honoring the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark. While most circulated examples remain worth face value ($1), a tiny number of extreme rarities have shattered records, with one 2000-P Cheerios coin selling for $2.1 million in recent auctions. As we move into 2026, collector interest in Sacagawea dollars remains strong, driven by error varieties, low-mintage proofs, and experimental strikes. This value guide explains why certain Sacagawea dollars command six- and seven-figure prices, the key rarities to watch in 2026, current market trends, and how everyday coins stack up.
Brief History of the Sacagawea Dollar
The U.S. Mint launched the Sacagawea dollar in 2000 with a golden-colored manganese-brass composition and a reverse design featuring Sacagawea and her infant son. Production ran from 2000–2008 (standard circulation), 2009–present (Native American $1 series with changing reverses), and in special proofs and experimental strikes. Most coins were struck in huge quantities (hundreds of millions annually), keeping common examples at face value. The coins that reach extraordinary prices are extreme errors, experimental pieces, or promotional issues with documented low survival rates.
Factors Driving Sacagawea Dollar Values in 2026
Condition (graded by PCGS or NGC) is critical—MS-68 and higher examples of rare varieties command premiums. Rarity stems from low survival, unique errors, or limited distribution. Market demand in 2026 remains robust, fueled by online auctions, registry sets, and growing interest in modern U.S. errors.
- Population rarity: Coins with fewer than 100 known examples in high grade skyrocket.
- Error types: Doubled dies, off-metal strikes, and transitional errors dominate high-value sales.
- Provenance: Coins from famous promotions (Cheerios, Goodacre) carry extra appeal.
Top Sacagawea Dollar Rarities & 2026 Values
The $2.1 million record belongs to the 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea dollar—a promotional coin with enhanced tail feathers detail, only 5,500 released, and fewer than 100 known today in top grades.
Current high-end values (PCGS/NGC graded, early 2026 auction trends):
| Variety / Issue | Rarity Level | Typical Value Range (2026) | Record High Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Cheerios Enhanced Feather | Extreme (fewer than 100 known) | $50,000 – $2,100,000+ | $2,100,000 (2021) |
| 2000-P Wounded Eagle (DDR) | Very rare | $5,000 – $100,000 | $192,000 |
| 2000-P Goodacre Presentation | Rare (5,000 made) | $2,000 – $20,000 | $29,900 |
| 2000-D Mule (Washington obverse) | Ultra-rare (fewer than 20 known) | $100,000 – $500,000+ | $192,000 |
| 2007-D Missing Edge Lettering | Scarce | $100 – $1,500 | $2,300 |
| Proof Sacagawea-Native $1 (high grade) | Common in proof | $10 – $500 | $1,000+ (special) |
How Rare Coins Reach $2.1 Million
The Cheerios Sacagawea reached $2.1 million because:
- Only 5,500 were distributed in Cheerios cereal boxes in 2000.
- Enhanced reverse detail (sharper tail feathers) distinguishes it from regular 2000-P coins.
- Survival rate is tiny—most were spent or lost.
- High-grade (MS-68+) examples are almost nonexistent.
- Strong provenance and auction competition drive prices.
Similar dynamics apply to other rarities: low original mintage + extreme rarity + collector demand = six- and seven-figure values.
Current Market Trends in 2026
Modern U.S. dollar errors remain hot. Registry set competition pushes high-grade prices higher. Online auctions (Heritage, GreatCollections) regularly feature six-figure Sacagawea sales. The 2000-P Cheerios and Wounded Eagle varieties continue to set records, while more common errors (missing edge lettering, minor doubled dies) trade in the hundreds to low thousands.
How to Identify and Value Your Sacagawea Dollars
- Check the date and mint mark (P or D under Sacagawea’s chin).
- Look for enhanced tail feathers (Cheerios variety).
- Examine the eagle for doubling or missing edge lettering.
- Submit high-potential coins to PCGS or NGC for grading.
- Use auction archives (Heritage, GreatCollections) for recent comps.
FAQs – Sacagawea Dollar 2026 Value Guide
- What Sacagawea dollar sold for $2.1 million? The 2000-P Cheerios enhanced feather coin, sold in 2021.
- Are any Sacagawea dollars worth $2,000+ in 2026? Yes—major errors (Cheerios, Wounded Eagle, Mule) regularly reach thousands to millions.
- How can I tell if my Sacagawea dollar is rare? Look for enhanced tail feathers, doubled eagle, missing edge lettering, or special markings; get it graded.
- What’s the most common Sacagawea dollar value? Circulated coins are worth $1 (face value); uncirculated common dates are $2–$10.
- Where should I sell a valuable Sacagawea dollar? Major auction houses (Heritage, GreatCollections) or reputable dealers; never sell raw without grading for high-value coins.
Conclusion
In 2026, the Sacagawea dollar remains a fascinating series where pocket change can become life-changing money. While most coins stay at face value, extreme rarities like the Cheerios variety have proven that tiny mintage differences and survival rates can push prices to $2.1 million and beyond. Check your collection carefully, submit promising pieces for grading, and follow major auctions for current trends. The thrill of modern U.S. coin collecting lies in exactly these unexpected gems—happy hunting!