2001 Sacagawea Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar — the “golden dollar” featuring Shoshone guide Sacagawea and her infant son Jean Baptiste — holds a unique place in American coinage history. It was the last year these coins were struck for general circulation before production shifted entirely to collector-only issues in 2002.

Most circulated 2001 Sacagawea Dollars from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) are worth face value to about $1.50. Uncirculated mint state examples can bring $4 to $8, and the San Francisco proof (2001-S) typically sells for around $12. But rare errors and top-grade specimens are a very different story — and knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

 

2001 Sacagawea Dollar Value By Variety

The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar was produced in three distinct varieties — Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco proof (S) — each with different mintages and collector values. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Sacagawea Dollar Value (2000 to Present)

Top 10 Most Valuable 2001 Sacagawea Dollar Worth Money

Circulated and lower mint state examples trade at or near face value. The market shows tight price compression between MS-65 and MS-67 grades, where premiums remain modest. The real value acceleration begins at MS-68 and climbs steeply through MS-69.

Although over 133 million 2001 Sacagawea Dollars were produced, pristine MS-69 and MS-70 survivors are exceptionally scarce. Manufacturing defects, bulk bag handling, and storage damage all take a toll. The proof versions follow a similar pattern, though the 2001-S DCAM PR-70 story is one of the most dramatic price collapses in modern numismatics — a lesson every collector should understand.

The market clearly rewards perfection, with gem-quality examples representing the true rarities of an otherwise common issue.

2001 Sacagawea Dollar History and Background

The story of the 2001 Sacagawea Dollar begins with a legislative mandate. The United States $1 Coin Act of 1997 — signed into law after the Susan B. Anthony dollar ran low on supply — required a new golden-colored dollar coin with a distinctive edge to set it apart from the quarter.

Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin appointed a nine-member Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee, chaired by U.S. Mint Director Philip N. Diehl. The committee met in Philadelphia in June 1998, reviewed dozens of public submissions, and on June 9, 1998, officially recommended Sacagawea — the Lemhi Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark Expedition — as the coin’s subject.

Sculptor Glenna Goodacre won the design competition for the obverse. As payment for her $5,000 commission, she requested to receive it in Sacagawea dollars — specifically in 5,000 specially burnished coins delivered by Mint officials on April 5, 2000. These “Goodacre Presentation” pieces carry their own collector premium today.

The coin launched on January 27, 2000, with enormous fanfare and promotional partnerships with General Mills and Walmart. Over 1.2 billion coins were struck in that first year across the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. But Americans simply did not adopt them in daily commerce. Banks accumulated vast stockpiles, vending machine integration was incomplete, and the public rejected them much as they had rejected the Anthony dollar two decades earlier.

By 2001, production fell to just 133 million coins — a 90% plunge. April 2001 brought another twist: the Mint began testing an experimental anti-tarnishing rinse on 2001-P planchets to combat the widespread spotting problems that had plagued early releases. That experiment created one of the most interesting collector varieties in the entire series. The rinse was used only that year and then abandoned.

After 2001, the program transitioned entirely to “Not Intended For Circulation” (NIFC) collector-only status beginning in 2002. The 2001 issue therefore marks the definitive end of the Sacagawea Dollar as a genuine circulating coin.

In 2009, Congress passed the Native American $1 Coin Act of 2007, and the reverse design began rotating annually to honor Native American heritage. The Sacagawea obverse remains unchanged to this day.

Also Read: Top 80+ Most Valuable Sacagawea Dollar Worth Money (2000-P to Present)

Is Your 2001 Sacagawea Dollar Rare?

Use the Coin Value Checker App to instantly check your coin’s rarity and current market value based on its specific variety, grade, and any potential errors.

Key Features of the 2001 Sacagawea Dollar

The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar maintained the identical design established in its debut year, featuring Glenna Goodacre’s portrait of the Shoshone guide and Thomas D. Rogers’ soaring eagle reverse — a combination that would remain unchanged through 2008.

The Obverse Of The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar

Glenna Goodacre’s obverse portrays Sacagawea, a member of the Lemhi Shoshone tribe who guided the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805–6. Her design deliberately avoided the “classical European face in Native American dress” aesthetic that design guidelines specifically prohibited.

The composition shows a striking three-quarter profile with Sacagawea’s torso angled rightward while her gaze meets the viewer directly. Her infant son Jean Baptiste rides in a papoose on her back.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in the left field, “LIBERTY” arcs across the top rim, and the date “2001” along with the mint mark (P, D, or S) occupy the lower right. Goodacre’s initials “G.G.” are subtly placed on Sacagawea’s right shoulder.

The Reverse Of The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar

Thomas D. Rogers Sr. designed the reverse, depicting a soaring eagle with outstretched wings flying leftward. This was Rogers’ final major coin design before he retired from the Philadelphia Mint in 2001.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears above the eagle’s head, while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” ring the periphery. The eagle’s right wing tip deliberately overlaps the word “OF” at the top.

Seventeen five-pointed stars form a circle within the border, representing the number of states in the Union during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Rogers’ initials “T.D.R.” appear below the eagle’s tail feathers.

Other Features Of The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar

The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar maintains standardized specifications across all mint facilities: 26.5mm diameter, 8.1 grams weight, plain (smooth) edge, and a distinctive manganese brass composition of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel over a pure copper core.

This three-layer construction gives the coin its golden color but also makes it prone to spotting and toning — a critical factor when evaluating high-grade examples.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollar Coins Worth Money List

2001 Sacagawea Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 2001 mintage data tells a striking story of institutional momentum colliding with market reality. The Philadelphia Mint produced 62,468,000 coins while Denver struck 70,939,500 — a combined business strike total of over 133 million, down from more than 1.2 billion in 2000.

Survival rates exceeding 98% for both P and D mint marks confirm what circulation data already showed: these coins never genuinely circulated. Most sat in Federal Reserve vaults, were hoarded by collectors expecting future scarcity, or were returned to the Mint. The coins that did reach commerce were often rejected outright by merchants and consumers.

The 2001-D’s production of nearly 71 million pieces made it the higher-mintage business strike of the year — about 53% of total circulation output. Yet by PCGS census data, even the Denver issue has no confirmed examples above MS-68, with roughly 200 or fewer certified at that top grade.

The comparatively lower 68.45% survival rate for proof specimens reflects normal attrition — coins broken from sets for grading submission, lost through estate dispersals, or casually spent by heirs unaware of their value.

This data crystallizes the fundamental paradox of the 2001 issue: enormous production with near-zero circulation, creating a coin common in lower grades but genuinely scarce in pristine condition.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Silver Dollar Coins Worth Money (Most Expensive)

The Easy Way to Know Your 2001 Sacagawea Dollar Value

Accurately assessing a 2001 Sacagawea Dollar requires careful evaluation of grade, mint mark, surface quality, and any manufacturing anomalies that might raise collector interest.

The fastest starting point is the Coin Value Checker App, which delivers real-time market valuations by analyzing your coin’s specific attributes against current auction data and dealer transactions.

2001 Sacagawea Dollar Value Guides

2001 Sacagawea Dollar Categories:

• 2001-P Sacagawea Dollar – Philadelphia Mint business strike
• 2001-D Sacagawea Dollar – Denver Mint business strike
• 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar Proof – San Francisco Mint collector proof

The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar was produced in three distinct categories across U.S. Mint facilities. Philadelphia and Denver struck business-grade coins intended for circulation, while San Francisco produced specially crafted proofs exclusively for collectors.

Each variety offers different availability and collectible appeal in today’s numismatic market.

2001-P Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2001-P Sacagawea Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint had a mintage of 62,468,000 — a massive reduction from the 767 million struck at Philadelphia in 2000. Despite that drop, it is still one of the more common issues in the entire Sacagawea series.

In April 2001, the Philadelphia Mint began testing an experimental anti-tarnishing rinse on a subset of planchets. According to Wikipedia’s documentation of Mint records, the rinse was used only in 2001 and then abandoned. This experiment produced two distinct collector varieties: the “Experimental Rinse” coins with altered surface chemistry, and the “Improperly Annealed” (also called “Sintered Planchet”) coins where copper atoms migrated to the surface during furnace processing.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 2001-P is only somewhat scarce at MS-68, with thousands of examples certified. At MS-69, however, fewer than 100 specimens have been certified, and none have been graded higher — making MS-69 the absolute population ceiling for this issue.

This chart displays the performing 2001 Sacagawea Dollar sales at major numismatic auctions.

This chart tracks the interest trend for 2001 Sacagawea Dollars throughout the year.

2001-D Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2001-D Sacagawea Dollar from the Denver Mint is the higher-mintage of the two business strikes, with 70,939,500 pieces produced — about 53% of that year’s total circulation output. It is very common in circulated grades and easy to find through MS-64.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 2001-D requires some searching in MS-64 to MS-66 from mint sets and rolls. At MS-67, several thousand examples are known. At MS-68, the population drops sharply to possibly no more than 200 certified examples across both PCGS and NGC combined, with none graded finer.

The auction record for a 2001-D Sacagawea Dollar stands at $546, achieved by a PCGS MS-68 specimen at Heritage Auctions on July 7, 2011. That figure illustrates the steep premiums that emerge at the very top of the population census despite the coin’s high original mintage.

Some 2001-D specimens also exhibit informal prooflike (PL) characteristics — reflective mirror-like fields with frosted design elements — though these were not officially designated by the Mint.

This chart displays the highest auction prices achieved for 2001-D Sacagawea Dollars across different grades and varieties.

This chart tracks the activity frequency for 2001-D Sacagawea Dollars over the past year.

2001-S DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2001-S proof was struck at the San Francisco Mint exclusively for collectors and included in the annual proof set. DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — a designation given by PCGS (NGC uses the term “Ultra Cameo” or UCAM) to proof coins with deeply frosted design elements contrasting against mirror-polished fields. By 2001, Mint production quality was so high that nearly all proofs qualified for this designation automatically.

The 2001-S earned lasting infamy as the poster child for modern conditional rarity collapse. The first certified DCAM PR-70 specimen sold via Teletrade on October 18, 2004 for $3,300. Less than a month later, an identical coin realized only $1,870 — a 43% plunge in under 30 days.

By November 2009, with just 277 coins certified PR-70, prices had already fallen below $200. According to a 2012 study by numismatic researchers Hubert Walker and a collaborator published through PCGS CoinFacts, the population at that point was still manageable — but the trend was unmistakably downward.

As of the most recent census data compiled by CoinWeek, PCGS and NGC have jointly certified approximately 4,364 examples at the PR-70 DCAM level — an 891% increase over the 440 certified in 2012. Today, PR-70 DCAM specimens sell for just $20 to $30, with some examples changing hands online for as little as $18.

A special subset of 2001-S proofs carries PCGS’s Philip N. Diehl Signature designation, named for the Mint Director who oversaw the Sacagawea dollar’s creation. The coins themselves are identical to standard 2001-S proofs; the premium is entirely based on the autographed label and documented provenance.

This chart captures the peak realizations achieved by 2001-S DCAM Sacagawea Dollars in numismatic auctions.

This chart reflects trend patterns for 2001-S DCAM specimens over the past year.

Also Read: 17 Rare Dollar Coin Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

Rare 2001 Sacagawea Dollar Error List

While 2001 Sacagawea Dollars lack the legendary mule errors of the debut year, several confirmed manufacturing anomalies create valuable collector opportunities. Here is what to look for.

1. 2001-P Improperly Annealed (Sintered Planchet) Error

This is the signature error of the 2001-P issue. During the annealing process — which softens planchets before striking — some blanks were left in the furnace too long or in an improper atmosphere. Copper atoms from the core migrated to the manganese brass surface, transforming the normal golden color into a deep copper-brown or “burnt chocolate” tone.

PCGS and NGC certify these under the label “Improperly Annealed Planchet” or “Sintered Planchet.” According to Littleton Coin Company, which has marketed certified sets of these errors, the coins are dramatic and immediately recognizable — and passed through the Mint’s quality control undetected. Graded examples in MS-65 to MS-67 typically sell for $200 to $600, with exceptional specimens exceeding $1,000 based on depth of coloration and eye appeal. A PCGS MS-68 example was offered through GreatCollections, demonstrating that top-pop sintered planchet specimens exist and command serious premiums.

The related “Experimental Rinse” variety — where approximately 2,500 coins were treated with an anti-tarnishing chemical rinse — produces a subtly different appearance and is also collector-sought. Both types are unique to the 2001-P and are not known on the 2001-D.

2. 2001-P Struck on a State Quarter Planchet (Wrong Planchet Error)

This is the most valuable standard error known for the 2001 Sacagawea Dollar series. A small number of coins were accidentally fed into the dollar press on copper-nickel clad quarter planchets weighing 5.67 grams (compared to the normal 8.1 grams for a dollar coin) and measuring just 24.3mm in diameter.

The undersized planchet causes the dollar design to compress, with portions extending beyond the planchet’s edge. The coin is immediately identifiable by its wrong color (silver-toned, not golden), reduced weight, and smaller diameter.

One NGC MS-64 example realized $5,750 at Heritage Auctions on January 10, 2009 — nearly 6,000 times face value. The Heritage lot description noted the coin weighed 5.4 grams, slightly under the standard quarter weight. Only a small number of 2001-P wrong-planchet specimens are confirmed across all grades.

3. 2001-D Planchet Split After Strike

This rare planchet error occurs when impurities or trapped gases inside the manganese brass planchet create a weak point. After the coin is fully struck, the outer layer separates from the coin, leaving a perfectly detailed face on one side and a rough, design-free surface on the other.

An example of the 2001-D split planchet error sold for over $850 in 2012. Genuine splits can be verified by reduced weight (since part of the coin’s material has separated) and by the absence of design on the affected side.

4. Off-Center Strikes

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is not fed fully between the dies, producing misaligned designs. The Sacagawea dollar series is notably scarce for major off-center errors compared to smaller denominations like cents and dimes.

A PCGS MS-66 example of a 2001-P Sacagawea Dollar struck 25% off-center has been offered through Sullivan Numismatics, described as having “lustrous surfaces” and “golden/blue toning.” Minor 5–10% off-center strikes add $50–$150 in value. Dramatic examples struck 30–45% off-center while retaining a clear date and design can command $1,000–$2,000 depending on grade and eye appeal.

5. Missing Clad Layer Errors

Missing clad layer errors occur when the manganese brass outer layer fails to bond to the copper core before striking, leaving a copper-colored surface on the affected side. The coin’s weight drops from the normal 8.1 grams to approximately 5.9 grams — a reliable way to identify the error without professional equipment.

These errors are generally scarce on Sacagawea dollars and most commonly affect the reverse face. MS-63 to MS-64 examples typically sell for $300 to $800, and pristine examples can exceed $1,500.

Where To Sell Your 2001 Sacagawea Dollar?

Now that you know the value of 2001 Sacagawea Dollar coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

FAQ About 2001 Sacagawea Dollar Value

1. Why did 2001 Sacagawea Dollar production drop so drastically from 2000?

Production plummeted by approximately 90% because Americans rejected the coin for everyday use. Despite massive national promotion — including partnerships with Walmart and General Mills — the golden dollar failed to circulate. Most coins accumulated in Federal Reserve vaults. By 2001, Philadelphia’s mintage had fallen from 767 million to just 62.5 million, with Denver dropping from 519 million to about 71 million.

2. What is a 2001-S DCAM and why did its value collapse from $3,300 to under $30?

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo, a PCGS designation for proof coins with sharply frosted design elements against mirrored fields. The 2001-S PR-70 DCAM was briefly rare in the early 2000s, but continuous grading submissions expanded the certified population from 440 coins in 2012 to over 4,364 today — an increase of 891%. That flood of supply destroyed the scarcity premium, and today these coins sell for $20–$30.

3. Are 2001 Sacagawea Dollar errors worth submitting for grading?

Major errors are absolutely worth professional certification. Wrong-planchet strikes have sold for $5,750 at Heritage Auctions. Sintered planchet errors in MS-65 to MS-67 bring $200–$600. Off-center strikes at 30%+ can fetch $1,000–$2,000. Regular circulated examples and minor imperfections, however, do not justify grading costs unless the coin grades MS-68 or higher.

4. Who designed the 2001 Sacagawea Dollar and what happened to the designers?

Glenna Goodacre designed the obverse. She was already well known for creating the Vietnam Women’s Memorial on the National Mall. Goodacre passed away at age 80 in 2020. Thomas D. Rogers Sr. designed the soaring eagle reverse; the 2001 issue was his final major coin design before he retired from the Philadelphia Mint that same year.

5. What is the United States $1 Coin Act of 1997 and how did it create the Sacagawea Dollar?

The United States $1 Coin Act of 1997 mandated a new golden-colored dollar coin with a distinctive smooth edge to differentiate it from the quarter. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin’s nine-member advisory committee, chaired by Mint Director Philip N. Diehl, selected Sacagawea as the design subject in June 1998. The legislation required the new coin to depict one or more women and prohibited living persons from being depicted.

6. What are the “Experimental Rinse” and “Improperly Annealed” 2001-P Sacagawea Dollars?

Both describe 2001-P coins with copper-brown coloration instead of the normal golden tone, but they have different causes. Experimental Rinse coins (approximately 2,500 estimated) were treated with an anti-tarnishing chemical in April 2001 and have a specific altered surface. Improperly Annealed (Sintered Planchet) coins resulted from furnace processing failures that caused copper to migrate to the surface. Both types are unique to 2001-P, are certified by PCGS and NGC, and sell for $200–$1,000+ depending on grade.

7. What is the most valuable 2001 Sacagawea Dollar error ever sold?

Among confirmed 2001-dated errors, the 2001-P struck on a State Quarter planchet holds the top auction record at $5,750 (NGC MS-64, Heritage Auctions, January 10, 2009). The related Sacagawea / Quarter Mule errors from 2000 are a separate family of errors that have sold for over $194,000, though those are technically undated (no year appears on the mule) and bear a “P” mint mark.

8. How do I tell if my 2001 Sacagawea Dollar is MS-68 quality worth grading?

Under good lighting, look for a coin that appears virtually flawless — no visible bag marks, no carbon spots (dark flyspecks), no scratches, and full blazing luster. MS-68 means near-perfect with only the most minor imperfections visible under magnification. For 2001 issues, confirmed MS-68 examples are worth $30–$550 depending on mint mark, making the $20–$40 grading fee worthwhile. MS-69 or higher — fewer than 100 certified — commands dramatically more.

9. Did 2001 Sacagawea Dollars ever circulate outside the United States?

Yes. Despite failing in American commerce, 2001 Sacagawea Dollars found practical use in El Salvador and Ecuador, where they proved more durable than paper currency in tropical climates. The manganese brass composition — though prone to tarnishing — resisted wear better than paper bills in high-humidity environments.

10. Is the 2001 Sacagawea Dollar made of gold or silver?

No. The 2001 Sacagawea Dollar contains no gold or silver. Its golden color comes from a manganese brass outer layer composed of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel, over a pure copper core. The coin’s melt value is only a fraction of a cent above face value. All collector premiums are based entirely on condition, variety, and rarity — not precious metal content.