2004 Sacagawea Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

The 2004 Sacagawea Dollar sits in a fascinating sweet spot for collectors. With only 2.66 million pieces struck at each of the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, it ranks among the third-lowest production years in the entire Sacagawea circulation strike series.

Typical circulated examples are worth just face value, and average uncirculated coins trade around $1.50–$5. But coins in MS68 (Mint State 68, meaning nearly perfect and graded on a 1–70 scale by professional services like PCGS or NGC) can be worth $42 or more — and the handful of MS69 examples that exist have sold for over $4,400.

Understanding exactly what your coin is worth means looking at three things: which mint made it, what condition it’s in, and whether it has any documented errors or special characteristics. This guide covers everything you need.

 

2004 Sacagawea Dollar Value By Variety

The 2004 Sacagawea Dollar was produced at Philadelphia and Denver mints for collector sales, with a special proof version struck in San Francisco, and values vary based on mint mark and condition.

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 2004 Sacagawea Dollar Worth Money

The auction data reveals a striking pattern: value is driven almost entirely by condition, not mintage. The MS69 specimens from Philadelphia and Denver command $4,465 and $1,898 because the combined population of coins at that grade level totals only around 25 pieces across both mints — a remarkably small number.

That scarcity is a direct result of how these coins were stored. For two decades, most 2004 Sacagawea dollars sat in original U.S. Mint rolls where coins continually rubbed against each other, leaving microscopic surface abrasions that prevent the highest gem grades. MS68+ represents the practical ceiling for most survivors.

The unusual $4,440 result for a 2004-P ANACS MS64 specimen at Heritage Auctions in August 2024 illustrates how dramatically eye appeal can override a coin’s technical grade. Typical MS64 examples trade for just $10–$50, making this result nearly 100 times the norm. The coin almost certainly possessed exceptional qualities: pristine golden surfaces, well-placed contact marks, and no carbon spots — a combination far rarer than the grade number alone suggests.

The proof specimens follow a more predictable pricing curve. PR70 DCAM (Deep Cameo — meaning frosted design elements against mirror-like fields) examples fetch $805, while PR68 DCAM specimens trade around $480, reflecting the controlled production environment of the San Francisco Mint.

History of the 2004 Sacagawea Dollar

The story of the 2004 Sacagawea Dollar actually begins in 1997. The United States $1 Coin Act of 1997 authorized a new dollar coin to replace the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar, and Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin appointed the Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee to oversee a public design competition.

The committee’s decision to feature Sacagawea wasn’t without controversy. A General Accounting Office poll commissioned by Representative Michael Castle (R-DE) found that 65% of respondents preferred the Statue of Liberty as the design. The Treasury dismissed these findings and proceeded with the Sacagawea motif — a choice that would shape every issue including the 2004 dollar you may be holding today.

The 2000 launch came with a $40 million marketing budget and a high-profile partnership with Walmart, which distributed 100 million coins. Despite the fanfare, the Sacagawea dollar never caught on in everyday commerce. By 2002, the series had already produced over 1.3 billion coins at a cost exceeding $160 million to taxpayers, and the Federal Reserve had stopped ordering them entirely.

By 2004 — the coin’s third consecutive year as a “Not Intended For Circulation” (NIFC) issue — the Mint produced coins exclusively for collectors, selling rolls of 25 for $35.50 (about $1.42 per coin) or bags of 2,000 for approximately $2,490. During a 2002 Senate hearing, North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan famously lamented that he had never received a golden dollar in change anywhere in the United States. Federal Reserve spokesman Doug Tillet confirmed the coins “tend not to circulate” and instead “wind up in people’s drawers, jars, and pockets.”

One fascinating footnote to the broader Sacagawea series: twelve pattern coins were struck in 22-karat gold and flew aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-93 in July 1999. In 2025, Stack’s Bowers sold seven of those space-flown coins at auction for a combined $3.28 million — a reminder of just how far the Sacagawea series can go in collector value when rarity and history combine.

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

Is Your 2004 Sacagawea Dollar Rare?

Track the rarity rankings of your 2004 Sacagawea Dollars and discover where they stand among the entire series with Coin Value Checker App comprehensive database and real-time ranking system.

Key Features of the 2004 Sacagawea Dollar

The 2004 Sacagawea Dollar sits in the middle of the original eagle-reverse design era (2000–2008). The design remained unchanged throughout this period before the Native American $1 Coin Act of 2007 mandated rotating reverse designs honoring Native American contributions, beginning with the 2009 issue.

Business strikes from 2004 carry the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint mark on the obverse below the date. Proof versions carry the “S” (San Francisco) mint mark. All 2004 business strikes were sold directly to collectors and were never released through banks or the Federal Reserve.

The Obverse of the 2004 Sacagawea Dollar

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau on her back, designed by sculptor Glenna Goodacre. Goodacre received a $5,000 commission for her design — but she requested payment in Sacagawea dollars, which were specially struck on burnished planchets with highly polished dies, giving them a proof-like appearance.

Goodacre chose Randy’L He-dow Teton, a Shoshone college student, to model for Sacagawea, as no known contemporary portraits of the historical figure exist. The infant Jean Baptiste was partially modeled after one-year-old Adam Scholz. The word “LIBERTY” arcs across the top, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left of the portrait.

The year “2004” appears below the portrait on the right side, with the mint mark (P or D) below the date. Designer Goodacre’s stylized initials “GG” appear on the lower-left portion of the coin, on the cloth holding Jean Baptiste.

The Reverse of the 2004 Sacagawea Dollar

The reverse features a soaring bald eagle designed by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Thomas D. Rogers, encircled by seventeen stars representing the states in the Union at the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of Many, One) appears above the eagle, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the outer rim and “ONE DOLLAR” at the bottom. Designer Thomas D. Rogers’ initials “TDR” appear on the eagle’s tail feathers.

Other Features of the 2004 Sacagawea Dollar

The 2004 Sacagawea Dollar has a composition of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel, with a total weight of 8.1 grams. The coin has a diameter of 26.5 millimeters, a thickness of 2 millimeters, and a plain (smooth) edge similar to a nickel’s edge.

One important detail for collectors: the manganese-brass alloy is chemically reactive with sulfur and moisture in the environment. Even coins stored in original Mint packaging can develop dark carbon spots called “flyspecks” over time — and even a single visible spot will prevent a coin from grading MS67 or above. This means condition inspection under magnification is essential before submitting a coin for professional grading.

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

2004 Sacagawea Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

Both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints struck exactly 2,660,000 pieces each in 2004, tying them for the third-lowest mintage in the entire Sacagawea circulation strike series. The San Francisco Mint produced 2,965,422 proof specimens.

These figures tell only part of the story. Physical survival rates are extremely high — around 99.6% — because coins were sold directly to collectors in sealed rolls and bags rather than entering general commerce. By comparison, coins from the series’ first two years (2000–2001) were widely circulated and handled, making even lower grades scarce in top condition.

However, physical survival does not equal grade rarity. The critical issue is that virtually all 2004 business strikes spent two decades sitting in original Mint rolls where coins constantly contacted each other, producing the microscopic bag marks that cap most examples at MS67 or MS68. PCGS and NGC census data confirm that MS68 examples are genuinely scarce, MS68+ is rare, and the combined MS69 population across both the Philadelphia and Denver mintages totals only approximately 25 coins. That is genuine condition rarity — even if the majority of the original 5.32 million business-strike coins physically still exist.

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

The Easy Way to Know Your 2004 Sacagawea Dollar Value

Determining your 2004 Sacagawea Dollar’s value requires assessing mint mark (P, D, or S), condition grade, and surface preservation quality — particularly checking for carbon spots under magnification.

The Coin Value Checker App streamlines this process by instantly identifying your coin’s specifications and providing current market values based on certified population data and recent auction results, eliminating the need for manual price guide research.

2004 Sacagawea Dollar Value Guides

• 2004-P Sacagawea Dollar
• 2004-D Sacagawea Dollar
• 2004-S Proof DCAM Sacagawea Dollar

The 2004 Sacagawea Dollar value structure divides into three primary collecting categories based on production facility and strike type.

Business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver were sold exclusively to collectors through mint sets and direct purchases. The San Francisco facility produced only proof specimens — coins struck with specially prepared, highly polished dies that create mirror-like fields with frosted design elements, a finish designated “DCAM” (Deep Cameo) at its finest.

Each category demonstrates unique value characteristics shaped by mintage figures, preservation quality, collector demand, and the crucial impact of carbon spotting on the manganese-brass surface.

2004-P Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2004-P Sacagawea Dollar is a compelling case study in condition rarity. With a mintage of 2.66 million pieces from Philadelphia, it ranks as the third-lowest in the Sacagawea circulation strike series — yet its value depends far more on preservation than on mintage figures alone.

Circulated examples are worth face value. Average uncirculated specimens sell for around $1.50, while mint state examples in MS63–MS65 range from roughly $3–$10. At higher grades, MS68 examples fetch approximately $42, and MS68+ examples command significantly more due to their rarity. Only around 25 MS69 specimens exist across both the Philadelphia and Denver 2004 issues combined, according to combined PCGS and NGC census data.

The most dramatic price in 2004-P history was an ANACS MS64 specimen that sold for $4,440 at Heritage Auctions in August 2024 — roughly 100 times the typical MS64 value. This result signals that the coin possessed exceptional eye appeal: no carbon spots, minimal contact marks, and outstanding golden surfaces. A separate MS69 example brought $1,380, confirming market hunger for top-tier survivors.

One grading pitfall specific to this series: even one small carbon spot — caused by the manganese-brass alloy reacting with sulfur in the environment — will prevent a coin from reaching MS67. Always examine your 2004-P under magnification before submitting it to PCGS or NGC for professional grading (which costs roughly $20–$40 per coin depending on service tier).

To better understand this coin’s performance across different quality levels, you can review the Auction Record Chart below for historical pricing data.

The Market Activity section also provides current information on collector interest and trading patterns.

2004-D Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2004-D Sacagawea Dollar shares both the production story and the condition-rarity challenge of its Philadelphia counterpart. Denver struck exactly 2,660,000 pieces — tying the 2004-P for the third-lowest production in the series.

Circulated examples trade at face value, and average uncirculated pieces sell between $3 and $5. MS67 specimens are valued at approximately $21, while the jump to MS68 and above represents a dramatic increase tied to genuine population scarcity. Nearly all 2004-D dollars spent two decades in original Mint rolls, resulting in the contact marks that prevent gem grades — only a handful of MS69 coins exist across both 2004 mints combined.

The top auction result for the 2004-D stands at $4,465 for an MS69 specimen, establishing it as the higher-record holder compared to the Philadelphia issue’s $1,380 MS69 result. This price differential between the two mint marks at the same grade is not unusual — small differences in population counts at the extreme top of the grading spectrum can swing values significantly.

A key buying tip: only purchase MS68 and above in certified slabs from PCGS or NGC. Raw coins marketed as “MS68” by dealers or online sellers are frequently overgraded MS66 or MS67 examples that do not meet the true standard for that grade.

For those interested in tracking how this coin has performed over time, the auction record chart below provides helpful data on its price history across different grade levels.

Meanwhile, current market activity indicators show ongoing collector interest and recent transaction patterns for this modern dollar.

2004-S Proof DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2004-S Proof DCAM Sacagawea Dollar represents one of the most accessible ways to own a certified, high-quality piece from the series. Struck at the San Francisco Mint with a production of 2,965,422 pieces, this proof was intended exclusively for collectors.

Standard examples are valued at approximately $7, making them affordable for beginners. PR69 DCAM specimens typically trade in the $15–$20 range, and PR70 DCAM (perfect proof) examples are achievable at reasonable prices. PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 2004-S is “well struck and can be obtained for a very minimal price” — it is among the more common proof issues in the entire Sacagawea series.

The DCAM designation stands for “Deep Cameo,” describing the sharp contrast between the frosted raised design elements (Sacagawea’s portrait, the eagle) and the deeply mirrored fields. This is the most desirable finish for proof coins. Most 2004-S proofs grade between PR68 DCAM and PR69 DCAM.

One important note for proof collectors: although the 2004-S proof is common, the series’ rarest proof year is the 2008-S, which had the lowest proof mintage (2,169,561 pieces) and is considered by some numismatic researchers to be the key date of the proof Sacagawea series.

The historical auction chart below provides perspective on how this proof issue has performed across various grade levels over time.

Current market activity data offers insight into recent transaction patterns and ongoing collector engagement with this affordable proof coin.

2004-S Proof DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value（Philip N. Diehl Signature）

The 2004-S Philip N. Diehl Signature Proof DCAM Sacagawea Dollar occupies a specialized corner of the proof market. Philip N. Diehl served as the 35th Director of the U.S. Mint from June 1994 to March 2000, overseeing the launch of the Sacagawea dollar program and the coin’s historic $40 million promotional campaign.

These signature varieties are standard 2004-S proof dollars housed in special holders featuring Diehl’s hand-signed autograph on the insert label, created through collaborations between former Mint directors and professional grading services. The underlying coin shares the same 2,965,422 mintage as the regular 2004-S proof, with identical striking quality and DCAM characteristics.

The added value comes entirely from the authenticated signature. PR70 DCAM signature varieties typically realize between $55 and $75, representing a modest premium over standard proof examples. These pieces appeal primarily to collectors building complete sets of Mint Director-signed coins or those who focus on autographed numismatic items. Most specimens fall in the PR68–PR69 DCAM range, mirroring the regular proof population.

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

Rare 2004 Sacagawea Dollar Error List

The 2004 Sacagawea Dollar was the third consecutive NIFC (Not Intended For Circulation) year, with controlled production at lower volumes than the massive 2000–2001 era. This smaller, more carefully monitored production means documented 2004 errors are less common than those from earlier high-production years. However, the types of mint errors that can occur in any year are still possible — and when found on a low-mintage issue like the 2004-P or 2004-D, they carry even greater collector interest.

One important fact to know: the manganese-brass alloy used for these coins is prone to a specific type of surface discoloration called an improperly annealed (heat-treated) planchet error. Researcher Ken Potter documented these on early Sacagawea dollars, where overheating the planchets during production causes the surface color to shift from golden to deep brown or even black. NGC calls these “Improperly Annealed Planchets,” PCGS calls them “Sintered Planchets,” and ANACS refers to them as “Improperly Mixed Alloy” coins. If you find a 2004 Sacagawea with unusual dark or streaky coloring, it may be this type of documented error rather than just toning.

1. 2004 Die Crack Errors

Die crack errors form when the steel die develops a fracture during use, and metal flows into that crack during striking, leaving a raised line on the coin’s surface. These lines typically run from the rim toward the center or across design elements like letters and the eagle’s wings.

Larger, more dramatic cracks crossing prominent design elements are worth the most. Minor die cracks on 2004 Sacagawea dollars typically add $10–$50 to the value, while major cracks affecting prominent design areas can reach several hundred dollars, especially in MS65 or higher condition.

2. 2004 Struck Through Errors

Struck-through errors happen when a foreign object — grease, debris, cloth fiber, or metal filing — gets between the die and the blank planchet during striking, preventing that area of the design from fully forming. The result is a depressed, indistinct area where the design should be sharp.

Grease-filled die errors are fairly common and add little value unless the missing design area is large and dramatic. More significant struck-through errors showing clearly missing design elements on the Sacagawea portrait or eagle can be worth $100–$500 or more, depending on severity and the coin’s grade.

3. 2004 Die Chip Errors

Die chip errors occur when a small fragment breaks away from the die surface, leaving a tiny hole that fills with metal during striking and creates a small raised bump on the coin. These are usually found affecting letters, numerals, or the fine details of design elements.

Larger, more visible die chips — especially those affecting prominent letters in “LIBERTY” or “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” — are more valuable than tiny chips in obscure areas. Values for 2004 Sacagawea dollars with die chips range from $50 for minor examples to $300 or more for prominent chips on major design elements in high grades.

4. 2004 Lamination Errors

Lamination errors happen when impurities — trapped gas, grease, or dirt — become embedded in the planchet metal during the rolling process, creating internal weak spots. After striking, these weak spots can cause the metal to crack, chip, peel, or separate entirely. The manganese-brass composition of the Sacagawea dollar is particularly susceptible to this type of error.

The value depends entirely on how dramatic the separation or peeling is. Minor lamination cracking adds $25–$100, while dramatic peeling or splitting affecting large portions of the coin’s surface can command $200–$1,000 or more.

5. 2004 Rotated Die Errors

Rotated die errors occur when the obverse and reverse dies are not properly aligned — instead of the standard coin-flip orientation, the reverse design appears rotated by some degree when the coin is flipped. The larger the rotation, the more valuable the error.

Minor rotations under 15 degrees add $50–$150 to a coin’s value. Significant rotations of 90 degrees or more (sometimes called “medallic orientation” or “180° flip”) can command $300–$800, depending on the grade and how visually striking the misalignment appears.

6. 2004 Improperly Annealed Planchet Errors

This error type is specific to the Sacagawea series and results from overheating (over-annealing) the planchets during production. The excessive heat oxidizes the manganese in the alloy, turning the coin’s surface from its normal golden color to deep brown, chocolate, copper-red, or near-black.

Researcher Ken Potter and Coin World’s Paul Gilkes (citing metallurgist Chris Pilliod of Carpenter Technology) documented these errors in the early Sacagawea series. When authenticated by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS with an official error designation on the label, these coins command premiums of $100–$500+ depending on severity and grade. Do not confuse this error with normal environmental toning, which is far less dramatic in color shift.

Where to Sell Your 2004 Sacagawea Dollar?

When selling your 2004 Sacagawea Dollar, consider obtaining professional grading from PCGS or NGC for any coin you believe is MS68 or higher — the grading fee of $20–$40 is easily recovered if the coin grades at that level. Compare offers from multiple dealers or auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers before committing to a sale, as prices can vary significantly.

Certified coins in MS68 or higher grades, proof specimens in PR70 DCAM condition, or documented error varieties with official labels will command the strongest premiums. Raw (ungraded) coins at common grades typically sell for only slightly above face value.

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

FAQ About the 2004 Sacagawea Dollar Value

1. Were 2004 Sacagawea dollars ever released into general circulation?

No. The 2004 Sacagawea Dollar was the third consecutive NIFC (“Not Intended For Circulation”) year. These coins were sold directly to collectors in rolls of 25 for $35.50 and bags of 2,000 for approximately $2,490 — they were never distributed through banks or the Federal Reserve. If you ever find one in pocket change, it was almost certainly a collector coin that was eventually spent.

2. What makes the 2004 Sacagawea dollar’s MS69 grade so rare?

The combined PCGS and NGC population of MS69-graded examples across both the 2004-P and 2004-D issues totals only approximately 25 coins. Most 2004 dollars spent two decades in original Mint rolls where coins continuously contacted each other, leaving microscopic abrasions. MS68+ is the practical ceiling for most survivors, and MS69 requires a near-total absence of any contact marks, carbon spots, or toning — a combination that almost never survived roll storage intact.

3. How can I tell if my 2004 Sacagawea dollar is worth having graded?

Check for mint errors first (die cracks, laminations, off-center strikes). Then examine the surfaces under strong light and 10x magnification for carbon spots, known as “flyspecks.” If the coin appears spot-free with minimal contact marks and strong luster, it may merit submission for grading by PCGS or NGC at roughly $20–$40 per coin. Only MS67 and above typically returns enough to justify the grading fee on a 2004 date.

4. What is the composition of the 2004 Sacagawea dollar?

The coin has a three-layer clad construction: a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of manganese brass. The overall composition is 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel, giving the coin its distinctive golden color. The coin weighs 8.1 grams, measures 26.5mm in diameter, and has a plain (smooth) edge.

5. Why did an ordinary MS64 example sell for $4,440 at Heritage Auctions in 2024?

MS64 (Select Uncirculated) examples of the 2004-P Sacagawea typically sell for only $10–$50. That August 2024 Heritage auction result was nearly 100 times the norm, suggesting the specific ANACS-graded coin possessed extraordinary eye appeal: no carbon spots, exceptional golden luster, minimal contact marks, and possibly documented provenance or strategic mark placement. It illustrates that qualitative factors can override numerical grades in determining real-world market value.

6. What is the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation on the 2004-S proof?

DCAM stands for “Deep Cameo” and describes the highest-quality finish achievable on a proof coin. It means the raised design elements (Sacagawea’s portrait, the eagle, the lettering) have a deep, frosty white appearance, while the fields (the flat background areas) have an intensely mirror-like, reflective surface. This frosted-versus-mirror contrast makes DCAM coins the most visually striking proofs and commands a premium over standard proof grades. Most 2004-S proofs grade PR68 DCAM or PR69 DCAM.

7. Are carbon spots on a 2004 Sacagawea dollar permanent?

Yes. Carbon spots — dark flyspecks caused by the manganese-brass alloy reacting with atmospheric sulfur and moisture — cannot be removed without damaging the coin’s surface. Even attempting to clean them will result in PCGS or NGC returning the coin in a “Details” holder labeled “Cleaned,” which dramatically reduces collector value. Never attempt to clean a coin; even a single visible carbon spot simply means that particular coin cannot achieve MS67 or above.

8. Does the 2004 Sacagawea dollar contain any silver or gold?

No. Despite its golden color, the 2004 Sacagawea dollar contains no precious metals whatsoever. Its golden hue comes from the manganese-brass outer cladding over a copper core. The melt value is less than $0.08. For context, the rare space-flown gold Sacagawea pattern coins from 1999 were struck in 22-karat gold, but those are entirely separate from any coin a collector would encounter in regular commerce or collector sets.

9. What is the Philip N. Diehl Signature variety, and is it worth collecting?

Philip N. Diehl was the 35th Director of the U.S. Mint from June 1994 to March 2000, overseeing the Sacagawea dollar’s launch. Signature varieties are standard 2004-S proof coins housed in special holders with Diehl’s authenticated hand-signed autograph on the insert label. The underlying coin is identical to a regular 2004-S proof. PR70 DCAM signature examples typically sell for $55–$75 — a modest premium over standard proofs. They appeal most to autograph collectors or those building complete sets of Mint Director-signed coins.

10. How does the 2004 Sacagawea dollar compare to other NIFC years for value?

Within the 2002–2008 NIFC era, the 2004-P and 2004-D tie for the third-lowest mintage at 2.66 million each. The lowest mintage in the entire series belongs to the 2008-P and 2008-D at approximately 1.82 million each, making those the most condition-scarce and generally most valuable NIFC business strikes. The 2004 issues occupy solid mid-tier value territory — above the more plentiful 2002–2003 coins but below the ultra-low-mintage 2005–2008 dates. For proofs, the rarest year is the 2008-S with 2,169,561 pieces, considered the key date of the proof Sacagawea series.