2002 Sacagawea Dollar Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

The 2002 Sacagawea Dollar value depends heavily on condition, mint mark, and whether your coin has an error. Most circulated examples trade at face value — just $1.00 — because these coins were never released into general commerce.

But the picture changes dramatically at higher grades. A 2002-P in MS69 (Mint State 69 — meaning nearly perfect, uncirculated condition) sold for $3,738 at Heritage Auctions. A 2002-D wrong-planchet error in MS66 realized $8,050 at the same auction house.

Understanding what separates a $1 coin from an $8,000 coin starts with three things: the mint mark, the grade, and whether any errors are present.

 

2002 Sacagawea Dollar Value By Variety

Each mint facility produced its own version of the 2002 Sacagawea Dollar, creating distinct varieties that collectors track separately. The chart below breaks down values across different mint marks and conditions.

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)

 

2002 Sacagawea Dollar Value — Top 10 Most Valuable Examples Worth Money

The exceptional values among 2002 Sacagawea Dollars reveal how condition rarity drives today’s market. The 2002-D MS66 leads at $8,050, but this record-setting price has specific context — this specimen was struck on a quarter planchet rather than the standard dollar blank, creating a dramatic wrong-planchet error.

The 2002-P MS69 commands $3,738, reflecting genuine scarcity at this grade level. With a mintage under four million coins sold exclusively to collectors, pristine examples remain elusive.

The 2002-S PR70 Deep Cameo proof at $1,150 represents flawless striking quality from San Francisco. Deep Cameo (DCAM) means the coin has frosted, white design elements that contrast sharply against mirror-like background fields — the most desirable finish for proof coins.

Grade differences create significant price gaps. The 2002-D MS67 sells at just $33 — examples two grades lower bring substantially less. For proof coins, the 2002-S PR69 trades around $115, since most examples land between PR68 and PR69.

These prices reinforce a core principle: preservation quality matters more than mintage numbers for modern coins. Collectors pay premiums for specimens that survived without the contact marks typical of mass production and bag storage.

 

2002 Sacagawea Dollar History — The Year Circulation Hopes Died

The Sacagawea Dollar series launched in January 2000 with extraordinary expectations. The government spent over $60 million on awareness campaigns — including a partnership with Walmart that shipped $100 million worth of coins directly to stores — and struck over 1.5 billion coins in the first two years, hoping the golden-colored dollar would replace paper bills.

The optimism collapsed quickly. Americans simply refused to use the coins in transactions. They set them aside, creating a glut that filled Federal Reserve vaults with hundreds of millions of unwanted pieces.

On March 31, 2002, the U.S. Mint suspended circulation production entirely. Weeks later, the Mint announced that 2002 P and D issues would be sold directly to collectors only. This “Not Intended For Circulation” (NIFC) status — meaning the coins were never released through banks or normal commerce — defines the 2002 issue and every Sacagawea Dollar struck from 2002 through 2008.

During a May 2002 Senate hearing, Senator Byron Dorgan declared the Golden Dollar “has been a failure,” crystallizing the program’s disappointing trajectory. From a collector’s standpoint, however, the 2002 transition is significant — it marks the permanent shift from a mass-circulation coin to a collector-focused product with comparatively tiny mintages.

The mintage collapse is dramatic when you look at the numbers. Philadelphia struck over 767 million coins in 2000 alone. By 2002, the Philadelphia output had fallen to just 3,865,610 pieces — a 99.5% reduction. Denver dropped from 518.9 million in 2000 to just 3,732,000 in 2002, a 99.3% decline. Over the entire program, more than 1.3 billion coins had cost taxpayers more than $160 million, yet government vaults overflowed with unwanted pieces.

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

 

Is Your 2002 Sacagawea Dollar Rare?

To determine if your 2002 Sacagawea Dollar is rare, use the CoinValueChecker App to instantly check its grade, identify potential errors, and assess its market value based on current auction data.

 

2002 Sacagawea Dollar Key Features

The 2002 Sacagawea Dollar was the first full year these coins were sold exclusively to collectors rather than released into circulation. That single distinction makes them fundamentally different from every Sacagawea Dollar struck in 2000 and 2001.

When collectors bought them directly from the Mint, they received them in rolls or bags — and stored them carefully. That careful storage is one reason so many 2002 examples still exist in pristine, uncirculated condition today.

The Obverse Of The 2002 Sacagawea Dollar

The obverse was sculpted by artist Glenna Goodacre. It depicts Sacagawea — the Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark Expedition — carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste on her back in traditional Hidatsa custom.

Goodacre used Randy’L He-dow Teton, a Shoshone college student, as her model to ensure cultural authenticity. The design shows Sacagawea in three-quarter profile, looking directly at the viewer — an unconventional choice that broke from traditional numismatic portraiture.

Goodacre received a $5,000 commission for her obverse design — paid, at her request, in 5,000 specially burnished Sacagawea dollars. Philip Diehl, the 35th Director of the U.S. Mint, personally delivered the coins to her on April 5, 2000.

The word “LIBERTY” appears above Sacagawea’s head, “2002” is positioned below, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” sits to the left.

The Reverse Of The 2002 Sacagawea Dollar

The reverse was designed by United States Mint sculptor-engraver Thomas D. Rogers and features:

• Soaring Eagle — Depicted in flight with outstretched wings, flying to the left, symbolizing peace and freedom
• 17 Stars — A ring of five-pointed stars encircling the eagle, representing each of the 17 states in the Union at the time of the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” — Located above the eagle’s head
• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” — Inscribed on the upper periphery
• “ONE DOLLAR” — The denomination on the lower periphery
• Designer’s Initials (T.D.R.) — Located below the eagle’s tail feathers

Note: Beginning in 2009, the reverse design changed annually under the Native American $1 Coin Act of 2007. The 2002 eagle reverse belongs to the original Sacagawea design era (2000–2008).

Other Features Of The 2002 Sacagawea Dollar

The coin uses a three-layer clad composition: a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of manganese brass. The full composition is 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. This alloy was specifically chosen to give the coin its distinctive golden color while matching the electromagnetic signature of the Susan B. Anthony dollar — making it compatible with existing coin-operated machines.

The coin measures 26.5mm in diameter, weighs 8.1 grams, and has a plain smooth edge without reeding. The manganese brass composition is prone to spotting and toning, which is why truly spot-free high-grade examples are genuinely scarce and command strong premiums from grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).

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

 

2002 Sacagawea Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 2002 Sacagawea Dollar was struck at three facilities with notably lower mintages than any previous year in the series. Philadelphia led with 3,865,610 coins, followed by Denver at 3,732,000 pieces. San Francisco struck 3,211,995 proof coins in Deep Cameo finish for inclusion in that year’s proof sets.

To put those numbers in perspective: Philadelphia had produced over 767 million Sacagawea Dollars in 2000. The 2002 figure represents a 99.5% collapse in production. PCGS CoinFacts notes this directly — comparing the 2002-P mintage to the previous year when the Philadelphia Mint struck over 60 million coins alone.

The Denver issue achieved the highest survival rate at 99.68%, with approximately 3,720,000 coins remaining today. Philadelphia’s survival rate reached 98.30%, representing around 3,800,000 extant pieces. Both business strikes maintained exceptional preservation above 98% — a direct result of collector storage rather than circulation wear.

The San Francisco proof stands apart with just 67.37% survival. Only about 2,163,834 coins remain from the original mintage. The lower figure likely stems from handling of proof sets and the delicate nature of mirror-finished surfaces, which show contact damage far more readily than business strikes.

PCGS notes that the 2002-S proof is “fairly common” within the series, pointing out that other Sacagawea proof years have mintages closer to 1 million and are significantly scarcer. This context matters for collectors trying to assess relative value.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2002 Sacagawea Dollar Value

Start by locating the mint mark below the date on the obverse side — P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, or S for San Francisco proof. Next, assess the coin’s condition, since grade significantly impacts value.

Circulated examples are worth face value at $1. Uncirculated coins grading MS65 (Mint State 65 — a solidly uncirculated coin with minor contact marks) typically sell for around $7. Proof versions in PR70 (a perfect, flawless proof) condition reach approximately $30.

For quick and accurate assessments, CoinValueChecker App simplifies this process by scanning your coin and providing instant value estimates based on current market data and grading standards.

 

2002 Sacagawea Dollar Value Guides

Understanding the value distinctions between mint facilities helps collectors target the right specimens. Each production location delivered coins with unique characteristics and different market positioning.

Philadelphia and Denver struck business strikes — standard uncirculated coins — sold exclusively to collectors in bags, rolls, and annual Mint Sets. The 2002 Mint Set went on sale June 12, 2002, priced at $14.95 each. Collector bags containing 2,000 coins sold for $2,190, while rolls of 25 sold for $35.50 — meaning original buyers paid approximately $1.10 per coin above face value.

San Francisco focused solely on proof production, featuring mirror-like surfaces and frosted design elements. The 2002-S was included in that year’s proof set alongside other denominations.

Grade determines value far more than mint mark for 2002 issues. Circulated examples trade at face value regardless of origin. Proof versions with Deep Cameo designation consistently outperform standard business strikes, with PR69 and PR70 grades achieving the strongest market prices.

• 2002-P Sacagawea Dollar Value — Philadelphia NIFC strikes sold exclusively to collectors in bags, rolls, and Mint Sets.
• 2002-D Sacagawea Dollar Value — Denver production with similarly preserved uncirculated specimens; market has stabilized after early price declines.
• 2002-S DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value — San Francisco proof featuring Deep Cameo contrast (frosted devices on mirror fields) and Philip N. Diehl Signature variant.

 

2002-P Sacagawea Dollar Value

When the U.S. Mint first offered these coins on April 29, 2002, buyers could purchase bags of 2,000 for $2,190 or rolls of 25 for $35.50. Most buyers stored them carefully, expecting they’d become collectibles. That storage habit has shaped today’s market in unexpected ways.

The manganese brass composition shows every contact mark and handling trace. Getting a truly pristine coin means finding one that avoided even the slightest bump during production, packaging, or bag storage. Fewer than 1,000 examples have been certified at the MS68 level by either PCGS or NGC, making this grade genuinely challenging to locate.

Basic uncirculated examples typically trade between $1.25 and $6. The grade jump matters financially — MS67 pieces sell around $10, MS68 specimens reach approximately $35, and at MS69 (where only about 20 coins have been certified across both major services), values climb significantly higher.

An MS69 example reached $3,738 at Heritage Auctions in July 2011 — demonstrating the premium that top-grade collectors pay when population numbers remain minimal. The grading services’ population reports (called “pop reports”) show how few coins have achieved each grade level, and those numbers directly influence market prices.

For those tracking price trends, a comprehensive look at historical auction results can provide additional context for this transitional year.

Recent market patterns reveal how collector demand shifts across different quality tiers throughout the year.

 

2002-D Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2002-D Sacagawea Dollar has experienced notable price adjustments over the past fifteen years. MS68 examples currently trade around $225–250, down substantially from the $750 range seen around 2010. This decline reflects market recalibration as more coins entered the grading pipeline and initial enthusiasm cooled.

MS67 pieces have held relatively steady, moving from roughly $30 in 2010 to the $24–42 range today, while MS65 examples dropped from about $12.50 to around $7.

PCGS CoinFacts records the auction high for this issue at $8,050 — an MS66 specimen sold at Heritage Auctions on January 1, 2009. Importantly, that particular coin was a wrong-planchet error struck on a State Quarter blank, not a standard business strike. For a normal MS66 2002-D, values are far more modest.

The survival estimate puts approximately 150,000 coins in grades MS65 or better, earning this issue an R-1.9 rarity rating on the Sheldon Rarity Scale (R-1 = most common; R-8 = unique). That’s a substantial population for a collector-only coin. For those building a date set, MS67 represents the practical sweet spot — offering solid eye appeal without the sharp premium jump to MS68.

A full record of realized prices offers useful perspective on this Denver issue’s market behavior.

Observing current market trends helps gauge collector attention and liquidity for the 2002-D Sacagawea Dollar.

 

2002-S DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2002-S Sacagawea Dollar was produced exclusively as a proof issue at the San Francisco Mint. Most examples grade between PR68 and PR69 Deep Cameo (DCAM), with frosted design elements contrasting sharply against mirror-like fields.

PCGS describes this issue as “fairly common” within the series, noting that other Sacagawea proof years have mintages closer to 1 million, making them significantly scarcer. With 3.2 million struck, the 2002-S has enough supply to keep prices affordable. PR70 Deep Cameo specimens are noted to be “a little harder to find but enough examples are out there to keep prices very affordable.”

Standard proof examples carry modest premiums around $7 or more. Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens command higher prices — an example reached $1,150 at Heritage Auctions in November 2003, demonstrating early collector enthusiasm for flawless grades when the series was still relatively new. Today, PR70 DCAM examples can often be acquired for $20–35, reflecting how population growth over two decades has normalized availability.

Within this issue exists the Philip N. Diehl Signature variant. These coins are identical to standard 2002-S proofs but housed in special PCGS holders featuring Diehl’s authenticated signature. Philip N. Diehl served as the 35th U.S. Mint Director who oversaw the Sacagawea dollar’s design and launch. The added value stems purely from signature provenance — in PR70 grade, signature pieces typically sell for around $42–55, appealing primarily to collectors focused on director-signed items.

The coin’s historical auction results illustrate its performance and value trends in the collector market.

The next chart shows its market performance and activity over the past twelve months.

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

 

2002 Sacagawea Dollar Rare Error List

While most 2002 Sacagawea Dollars were carefully produced for collectors, a small number escaped quality control with fascinating minting flaws. These errors have become prized finds, combining low-mintage year scarcity with the appeal of documented manufacturing mistakes.

1. Wrong Planchet Error — The Most Valuable 2002 Error

This error occurred when dollar dies compressed their design onto an incorrect blank intended for State Quarters. The planchet weighed only 5.67 grams instead of the standard 8.10 grams, measuring 24.3mm rather than 26.5mm in diameter. The smaller copper-nickel clad composition created distinctive visual characteristics that immediately distinguish it from a normal strike.

Why did this happen? During 2002, both quarter and dollar production shared facilities at the Denver Mint, even though dollar output had plummeted to just 3.7 million pieces. The dramatically reduced workflow and shared production space increased the chance of planchet mix-ups.

An MS66 specimen sold for $8,050 at Heritage Auctions on January 1, 2009 — the current auction record for any 2002-D Sacagawea Dollar. Wrong-planchet errors are visually obvious once you know what to look for: the coin will appear notably smaller than a standard dollar, and its copper-nickel composition gives it a silvery appearance rather than the characteristic golden color. Weigh it if you can — 5.67 grams versus 8.10 grams is a definitive test.

2. Doubled Die Error (DDO/DDR)

Doubled die errors occur when the die itself was created with a doubling of design elements — meaning the coin shows visible extra thickness or doubling in the lettering, date, or design details. This is different from post-mint damage; a true doubled die shows the same doubling on every coin struck from that die.

On 2002 Sacagawea Dollars, look for doubling in the word “LIBERTY,” the date “2002,” or the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse. On the reverse, check the eagle’s feathers and the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

The 2002-P has been identified by some sources as particularly worth examining for doubled die characteristics. Use a 5x–10x loupe (magnifying glass) under direct, raking light to spot genuine hub doubling versus mechanical doubling (which has no collector premium).

3. Die Crack Errors

Die cracks on 2002 Sacagawea Dollars manifest as raised lines across the coin’s surface, typically appearing on Sacagawea’s face or the eagle’s body on the reverse. These imperfections developed as dies aged through repeated striking.

The mechanism involves metal fatigue. As dies strike thousands of coins, stress fractures form in the hardened steel surface. These fractures fill with metal during subsequent strikes, creating raised lines on the finished coin.

Some 2002-D specimens from mint sets exhibit pronounced cracks running across Sacagawea’s cheek and jaw. To distinguish genuine die cracks, examine the consistency of the raised line — true cracks show uniform height and follow the die damage pattern rather than appearing as random scratches from handling.

Minor die cracks add little value ($10–25), but prominent cracks running through the main design elements can bring $50–150 depending on visual impact.

4. Strike-Through Errors

Strike-through errors occur when foreign material positions itself between the die and planchet during striking. For 2002 Sacagawea Dollars, this commonly involved lint, grease, or metal debris accumulating on die surfaces.

When the press operates, this material transfers its impression to the coin, creating areas of missing or weakened detail. Some 2002 specimens show “filled die” characteristics where design elements like “IN GOD WE TRUST” or “LIBERTY” appear partially or completely absent.

Values depend on dramatic presentation: minor strike-throughs affecting peripheral lettering bring $10–30, while major examples obscuring Sacagawea’s portrait or significant design areas reach $100–300.

5. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes result from planchet misalignment in the striking chamber. Rather than centering perfectly between dies, the blank shifts, causing only partial design impression with a characteristic blank crescent remaining on one side.

Examine both obverse and reverse to confirm authenticity — both sides should show identical off-center orientation, with the blank area on the same relative position on each face.

Off-center values vary dramatically by severity: 5–15% off-center pieces trade for $20–50; 20–40% examples reach $75–200; and dramatic 50%+ strikes command $300–800, especially if the date and mint mark are still clearly visible on the struck portion.

 

Where To Sell Your 2002 Sacagawea Dollar?

Now that you understand your coin’s potential value, the next step is selecting the right marketplace to maximize your return and connect with serious buyers.

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

 

FAQ About 2002 Sacagawea Dollar Value

1. How can I tell if my 2002 Sacagawea Dollar is valuable?

First, check for errors — wrong planchets (weigh the coin; a State Quarter planchet weighs 5.67g versus the normal 8.10g), off-center strikes, die cracks, or strike-throughs all increase value significantly.

Next, assess condition. Uncirculated coins with full original luster and no contact marks command premiums. Sharp design details on Sacagawea’s hair and the eagle’s feathers indicate a well-preserved specimen. Proof versions from San Francisco feature mirror-like surfaces and are more valuable than business strikes. Professional grading from PCGS or NGC is recommended for any coin you believe grades MS68 or higher.

2. What does NIFC mean for 2002 Sacagawea Dollars?

NIFC stands for “Not Intended For Circulation.” Beginning in 2002, all Sacagawea Dollars were sold exclusively to collectors through the U.S. Mint — never released into banks or commerce. This designation creates an important price floor: since collectors originally paid approximately $1.10–1.60 per coin (including packaging and shipping), these coins rarely trade below $1.50–$2.50 even in average condition. If you find a 2002 Sacagawea Dollar in change, it was likely spent by a collector or an heir who didn’t know what they had.

3. How much is a 2002 Sacagawea Dollar worth?

Circulated examples typically trade at face value of $1.00. Uncirculated examples in MS65 condition from Philadelphia or Denver command around $5–7 each. The 2002-S proof in PR65 condition sells for approximately $7–8. Error coins like wrong-planchet strikes can reach $8,000+ while dramatic off-center pieces typically bring $75–800 depending on severity and condition.

4. What is the difference between MS and PR grades on a 2002 Sacagawea Dollar?

MS (Mint State) grades apply to business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver — standard uncirculated coins. PR (Proof) grades apply to the San Francisco issues, which were struck using polished dies and specially prepared planchets to produce mirror-like surfaces. The DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation — the most desirable for proof coins — means the frosted design elements contrast sharply against mirror-bright fields. A PR70 DCAM is a perfect proof coin with no flaws visible under 5x magnification.

5. Why did the 2002-D MS66 sell for $8,050 if it’s only a $7 coin?

That $8,050 sale at Heritage Auctions was for a wrong-planchet error — a 2002-D Sacagawea Dollar struck on a State Quarter blank rather than the proper dollar planchet. It is not a standard coin. A normal 2002-D in MS66 condition is worth far less. Always check auction descriptions carefully — error coins and standard strikes are listed separately by the major grading services.

6. Is the 2002 Sacagawea Dollar made of silver or gold?

No — despite its golden color, the 2002 Sacagawea Dollar contains no silver or gold. It is made of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. The golden color comes from the manganese brass outer layer. Its value is determined entirely by collector demand and condition rarity, not metal content.

7. What is the Philip N. Diehl Signature variant of the 2002-S proof?

The Philip N. Diehl Signature variant is a 2002-S proof coin housed in a special PCGS holder bearing the authenticated signature of Philip N. Diehl, who served as the 35th Director of the U.S. Mint and oversaw the Sacagawea Dollar’s creation and launch. The coin itself is identical to a standard 2002-S proof — the premium comes from the signed holder’s provenance appeal. In PR70 grade, these typically sell for $42–55, compared to $20–35 for unsigned PR70 examples.

8. How many 2002 Sacagawea Dollars were made compared to other years?

The 2002 mintages were dramatically lower than earlier years. Philadelphia struck 3,865,610 and Denver struck 3,732,000 — compared to 767+ million from Philadelphia alone in 2000. San Francisco struck 3,211,995 proofs. The 99%+ mintage collapse from 2000 to 2002 is one of the sharpest in modern U.S. coinage history, driven entirely by the coin’s failure to gain acceptance in everyday commerce.

9. Should I get my 2002 Sacagawea Dollar professionally graded?

It depends on condition. Grading fees from PCGS or NGC typically run $20–40 per coin at standard service levels. Grading only makes financial sense if your coin is likely MS67 or higher for business strikes, or PR69–PR70 for proofs. For typical uncirculated examples that would grade MS63–MS66, the grading fee exceeds the premium you’d gain. If you suspect an error or your coin looks exceptionally well-preserved with blazing original luster and no contact marks, professional grading is worthwhile.

10. Can I still find 2002 Sacagawea Dollars in circulation today?

Occasionally, yes — but it’s uncommon. Because 2002 Sacagawea Dollars were NIFC coins sold directly to collectors, they should not have entered general commerce. When they do show up in circulation, it usually means a collector or their heirs spent them without realizing their potential numismatic value. Circulated examples found this way are worth face value of $1.00, since condition is the key driver of value for this issue.