2018 Sacagawea Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

2018 Sacagawea Dollar

2018 Sacagawea Dollar value ranges from $1.00 face value to $3,475. That record was set by a Grade 68 example sold on eBay in March 2022. If you’re curious what yours might be worth, upload a photo of your coin below for a quick value range. Then scroll down to see what 2018 Sacagawea Dollars are actually selling for on eBay right now.

2018 Sacagawea Dollar Value Checker

Identify 2018 Sacagawea Dollar D, S and P Mint Mark Price

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Back Reverse

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2018 Sacagawea Dollar Value By Variety

The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar value chart illustrates how coin values vary across different mint marks (P, D, and S), edge lettering positions (A and B), and grading conditions ranging from circulated to proof specimens. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

TypeGood(G4-6)Fine(F12-15)AU(AU50-58)MS(MS60-70)PR(PR60-70)
2018 P Native American Position A Sacagawea Dollar Value$1$1$1$2 - $20
2018 P Native American Position B Sacagawea Dollar Value$1$1$1$1 - $23
2018 D Native American Position A Sacagawea Dollar Value$1$1$1$1 - $20
2018 D Native American Position B Sacagawea Dollar Value$1$1$1$1 - $18
2018 S Native American DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value$2 - $82
2018 P Native American Position A Sacagawea Dollar Value — eBay market data
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2018 P Native American Position B Sacagawea Dollar Value — eBay market data
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2018 D Native American Position A Sacagawea Dollar Value — eBay market data
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2018 D Native American Position B Sacagawea Dollar Value — eBay market data
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2018 S Native American DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value — eBay market data
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Also Read: Sacagawea Dollar Value (2000 to Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2018 Sacagawea Dollar Worth Money

Most Valuable 2018 Sacagawea Dollar Chart

2021 - Present

The market data reveals significant value variations among 2018 Sacagawea Dollars, with high-grade circulation strikes commanding premium prices.

The top position belongs to the 2018-P Position A graded MS-68, which reached a remarkable $3,475 at auction. This exceptional result reflects both the coin’s superior grade and the relative scarcity of Position A edge lettering variants in pristine condition — MS-68 (Mint State-68) meaning the coin is virtually flawless with only the most minor imperfections visible under magnification.

The 2018-D Position A in MS-67 achieved $1,415, demonstrating that Denver Mint specimens with Position A edge lettering also attract substantial collector interest when certified at high grades. It is worth noting that only 151 examples of the 2018-D have been certified at the MS-67 level, underlining just how scarce high-grade survivors truly are.

Proof specimens from the San Francisco Mint occupy multiple positions in the top ten. The Reverse Proof 50th Anniversary Set First Strike graded PR-70 reached $480, while standard First Strike and First Day of Issue examples in PR-70 both commanded $400.

Position A varieties consistently outperform their Position B counterparts across all mint marks. The edge lettering orientation significantly impacts collectibility and market value, with Position A coins being notably scarcer in high grades.

 

History of The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar

The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar represents a significant chapter in the Native American Dollar series, which was authorized by Public Law 110-82 — also known as the Native American $1 Coin Act of 2007 — to honor the contributions of Native American tribes and individuals to American history.

This particular issue was released on February 15, 2018, commemorating Jim Thorpe, one of the most celebrated Native American athletes in United States history. Born James Francis Thorpe to the Sac and Fox tribe, he carried the native name “Wa-Tho-Huk,” meaning “Bright Path.”

The coin’s theme celebrates Thorpe’s groundbreaking achievements as the first Native American to win Olympic gold for the United States in 1912, where he triumphed in both the pentathlon and decathlon events. His athletic versatility extended beyond the Olympics to include professional football, baseball, and basketball careers.

Thorpe’s football legacy is equally remarkable: he played for six teams in what later became the National Football League, and in 1922 he became the first president of the American Professional Football Association — the precursor to the modern NFL. In baseball, he played for the New York Giants, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Boston Braves, making him one of the most multi-talented athletes in American sports history.

U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso created the distinctive reverse design that captures Thorpe’s dual legacy in both Olympic competition and American football. This artistic choice reflects the program’s mission to showcase important Native American contributions to the nation’s development.

The 2018 issue continues the tradition established in 2009, when the Native American Dollar program began featuring annually rotating designs. Each year’s coin tells a unique story of Native American achievement, with Public Law 110-82 mandating one new design annually to ensure ongoing recognition of Indigenous contributions to American society.

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

 

Is Your 2018 Sacagawea Dollar Rare?

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2018-P Native American Position A Sacagawea Dollar

Common
Ranked 37 in Sacagawea Dollar
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2018-P Native American Position B Sacagawea Dollar

Common
Ranked 32 in Sacagawea Dollar
10

2018-D Native American Position A Sacagawea Dollar

Common
Ranked 97 in Sacagawea Dollar
10

2018-D Native American Position B Sacagawea Dollar

Common
Ranked 217 in Sacagawea Dollar
10

2018-S Native American DCAM Sacagawea Dollar

Common
Ranked 136 in Sacagawea Dollar

Wondering if your 2018 Sacagawea Dollar is a valuable Position A variant or a rare high-grade specimen? Our Coin Identifier and Value App instantly identifies key rarity factors including edge lettering positions, mint marks, and condition grades to reveal your coin’s true collector value.

 

Key Features of The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar

The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar showcases distinctive numismatic characteristics that make it easily identifiable among modern U.S. coinage. This golden dollar combines the series’ iconic obverse design with a commemorative reverse honoring Native American athletic achievement, while featuring unique edge lettering that creates collectible varieties.

The Obverse Of The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar

The Obverse Of The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar

The obverse retains sculptor Glenna Goodacre’s acclaimed design first introduced in 2000, depicting Sacagawea in three-quarter profile carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste on her back in traditional Hidatsa custom.

The portrait breaks from classical numismatic convention by having Sacagawea gaze directly at the viewer, with large expressive eyes reflecting Shoshone legends.

Inscriptions include “LIBERTY” positioned above the portrait and “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left, creating a balanced composition that emphasizes both the historical figure and foundational American values.

The Reverse Of The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar

The Reverse Of The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar

U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso created the 2018 reverse design depicting Jim Thorpe, the legendary Sac and Fox athlete who became the first Native American to win Olympic gold for the United States.

The dynamic composition features foreground elements highlighting Thorpe’s dual achievements in football and Olympic competition, capturing his athletic prowess and cultural significance.

The reverse inscriptions include “JIM THORPE,” his native name “WA-THO-HUK” (meaning “Bright Path”), “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and the denomination “$1.” This design represents the ninth year of the Native American Dollar Program’s annually rotating reverse themes.

Other Features Of The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar

The coin’s most distinctive characteristic is its incused edge lettering, which includes the year “2018,” mint mark (P, D, or S), and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” — a feature introduced in 2009 that differentiates Native American Dollars from earlier Sacagawea issues.

The coin’s composition consists of a pure copper core clad with manganese brass (88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel), measuring 26.5mm in diameter and weighing 8.1 grams. This alloy gives the coin its golden color, but collectors should be aware that the copper and zinc content makes these coins prone to developing dark carbon spots — sometimes called “flyspecks” — over time, which can significantly reduce a coin’s grade and value even on otherwise high-quality specimens.

This edge inscription process creates two collectible varieties: Position A (lettering reads upside-down when obverse faces up) and Position B (lettering reads correctly when obverse faces up). Both positions occur randomly as coins are fed through the Schuler edge-lettering machine, meaning neither is intentionally produced by the Mint.

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

 

2018 Sacagawea Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

2018 Sacagawea Dollar Mintage & Survival Chart

Mintage Comparison

Survival Distribution

TypeMintageSurvivalSurvival Rate
P1,400,000unknownunknown
D1,400,000unknownunknown
S DCAM799,413unknownunknown

The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar mintage data reveals a deliberately limited production strategy focused primarily on the collector market rather than general circulation. Both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints produced identical quantities of 1,400,000 pieces each, reflecting the Federal Reserve’s minimal demand for dollar coins during this period — a status officially described as NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation).

The San Francisco Mint struck 799,413 standard Deep Cameo proof specimens exclusively for collector sets. In addition, a separate Reverse Proof version was produced for the 2018 San Francisco Mint Silver Reverse Proof Set, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco Mint’s proof coin production since 1968, with that set limited to a maximum mintage of 200,000 units and the Reverse Proof dollar alone carrying a mintage of 199,116 pieces.

The NIFC status creates an important price floor for 2018 issues. Since collectors originally paid approximately $1.40–$1.60 per coin (accounting for shipping and packaging from the U.S. Mint), these coins rarely trade at true face value in the numismatic marketplace.

The “unknown” survival rate designation carries important implications for collectors. Unlike historical issues where circulation wear and melting reduced populations, most 2018 Sacagawea Dollars never entered active commerce and remain preserved in mint-sealed rolls, bags, or numismatic products — making their true survival rate essentially equivalent to their mintage.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2018 Sacagawea Dollar Value

Mastering your 2018 Sacagawea Dollar’s value requires evaluating multiple technical factors: mint mark location on the edge, Position A versus Position B edge lettering orientation, precise condition grading from MS-62 to MS-68+, and identifying potential proof strikes or minting errors.

Our Coin Identifier and Value App eliminates guesswork by instantly analyzing these critical authentication points through advanced image recognition technology.

Coin Value Checker APP Screenshot
Coin Value Checker APP Screenshot

 

2018 Sacagawea Dollar Value Guides

2018 Sacagawea Dollar Categories:

CoinVaueChecker App 10

  • 2018-P Native American Sacagawea Dollar: Philadelphia Mint business strikes sold through rolls and bags with standard circulation finish
  • 2018-D Native American Sacagawea Dollar: Denver Mint business strikes distributed exclusively via collector sets and direct mint purchases
  • 2018-S Native American DCAM Sacagawea Dollar: San Francisco proof-only specimens featuring mirror-like fields with Deep Cameo contrast

The 2018 Sacagawea Dollar value depends primarily on mint mark, strike type, condition grade, and edge lettering position, with three distinct production varieties released exclusively through U.S. Mint collector products rather than general circulation channels.

 

2018-P Native American Sacagawea Dollar Value

2018-P Native American Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2018-P Sacagawea Dollar stands as a collector-focused issue struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint. The coin’s reverse design celebrates Jim Thorpe (Wa-Tho-Huk, meaning “Bright Path”), the legendary Sac and Fox athlete who became the first Native American to win Olympic gold medals for the United States in 1912.

With its entire 1,400,000-piece mintage sold through U.S. Mint rolls, bags, and sets rather than entering general circulation, this NIFC issue ensures that most surviving specimens retain mint state grades. However, achieving the highest certification levels of MS-67 and above remains exceptionally challenging due to contact marks from handling and the manganese-brass alloy’s notorious tendency to develop dark carbon spots that can disqualify an otherwise high-grade coin.

The market demonstrates impressive potential at premium grade levels. Only two MS-68 examples have been certified, with one exceptional MS-68 Position A specimen reaching a remarkable $3,475 at auction in March 2022 on eBay — a price that illustrates how dramatically value accelerates at the very top of the grading scale.

The edge lettering orientation creates two distinct collectible varieties that significantly impact market value. Position A specimens display edge inscriptions reading upside-down when Sacagawea’s portrait faces up, while Position B coins show normally oriented edge lettering in the same viewing position.

2018-P Native American Position A Sacagawea Dollar Price/Grade Chart

Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)

Updated: 2026-06-07 06:55:32

2018-P Native American Position B Sacagawea Dollar Price/Grade Chart

Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)

Updated: 2026-06-07 06:55:32

Historical auction records establish the value range achieved by Philadelphia Mint specimens across various certification levels.

Date PlatformPrice Grade

Regarding market activity, the following data illustrates collector interest patterns for this business strike variety over recent months.

Market Activity: 2018-P Native American Sacagawea Dollar

 

2018-D Native American Sacagawea Dollar Value

2018-D Native American Sacagawea Dollar Value

The 2018-D Sacagawea Dollar represents Denver Mint’s contribution to the Jim Thorpe commemorative series, matching Philadelphia’s production with an identical 1,400,000-piece mintage distributed exclusively through U.S. Mint collector products.

Denver-struck specimens often exhibit slightly superior strike quality and luster characteristics compared to their Philadelphia counterparts, though achieving premium grades remains exceptionally challenging due to manufacturing and handling contact marks inherent to modern dollar coin production.

Common grade 2018-D Sacagawea Dollars in MS-63 to MS-65 conditions trade for minimal premiums of $2–$7 above face value, reflecting the coins’ widespread availability in mint-sealed rolls and collector sets.

MS-66 examples command around $9 depending on surface quality and strike characteristics, while MS-67 specimens fetch approximately $22 based on eye appeal and position variety. As of recent population reports, only 151 examples have been certified at the MS-67 level by PCGS and NGC combined — making these coins significantly scarcer than their low mint-state counterparts.

The market transforms dramatically at the MS-67+ grade threshold, where exceptional specimens with superior eye appeal and minimal surface imperfections command substantial premiums. A remarkable auction record of $1,415 was established on September 4, 2018, for an MS-67+ example sold through eBay, demonstrating the significant value appreciation possible for top-tier Denver Mint specimens.

2018-D Native American Position A Sacagawea Dollar Price/Grade Chart

Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)

Updated: 2026-06-07 06:55:32

2018-D Native American Position B Sacagawea Dollar Price/Grade Chart

Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)

Updated: 2026-06-07 06:55:32

Price performance data below tracks how Denver Mint examples have traded at different grade thresholds throughout the marketplace.

Date PlatformPrice Grade

The market chart reveals ongoing collector engagement concentration with this issue.

Market Activity: 2018-D Native American Sacagawea Dollar

 

2018-S Native American DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value

2018-S Native American DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Value

San Francisco produced multiple collectible versions in 2018. The standard Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof was released for regular proof sets with a mintage of 799,413, while a special Reverse Proof format was released in the 50th Anniversary Silver Reverse Proof Set — a 10-coin set issued by the U.S. Mint to celebrate five decades of San Francisco proof coinage production since 1968.

The Reverse Proof version inverts traditional proof characteristics by featuring frosted fields against mirror-finished design elements, creating a striking visual effect that immediately distinguishes these limited-edition specimens from conventional proof strikes. This was the first-ever Reverse Proof Native American Dollar, making it historically unique within the series.

The 50th Anniversary set was priced at $54.95, limited to a maximum mintage of 200,000 units, with orders capped at 10 sets per household during the first 24 hours of sales. The Reverse Proof Native American Dollar within that set carries a standalone mintage of 199,116 — significantly scarcer than the standard proof.

Standard 2018-S DCAM proofs grading PR-69 typically trade in the $8–$15 range depending on designation labels and market conditions, representing modest premiums above issue price for near-perfect specimens.

The transformative value appreciation occurs at the PR-70 DCAM grade threshold, where flawless proofs command significant premiums. Standard PR-70 DCAM examples achieve $90, while First Strike or First Day of Issue labels reach $90–$100. Active listings on PCGS show 2018-S PR-70 DCAM First Strike specimens currently bidding around $160–$162, indicating strong continued collector demand well into 2026.

The Reverse Proof 50th Anniversary Set First Strike specimens in PR-70 grade represent the pinnacle of 2018-S collectibility, with auction records demonstrating values of $400–$480 for these limited-edition pieces.

2018-S Native American DCAM Sacagawea Dollar Price/Grade Chart

Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)

Updated: 2026-06-07 06:55:32

The auction history presented below captures the premium values San Francisco proof specimens command relative to business strikes.

Date PlatformPrice Grade

Current market indicators reveal sustained collector recognition of this proof-only issue’s superior strike quality and mirror-finish surfaces.

Market Activity: 2018-S Native American DCAM Sacagawea Dollar

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

 

Rare 2018 Sacagawea Dollar Error List

While most 2018 Sacagawea Dollars remain common collector pieces worth modest premiums above face value, several documented minting errors can significantly increase their collectible appeal and market value. Error coins must always be authenticated by a reputable third-party grading service such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) before any transaction.

1. Weak Edge Lettering Errors

Weak edge lettering represents the most commonly encountered error type for 2018 Sacagawea Dollars, occurring when insufficient pressure during the secondary edge inscription process creates shallow, faint, or partially formed characters.

The U.S. Mint applies edge lettering containing “2018,” the mint mark (P or D), and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” through separate Schuler edge-lettering machinery after initial striking, and mechanical issues or worn dies can produce weakly impressed inscriptions. This error type was first widely documented in 2009 when edge lettering was introduced to the Native American Dollar series, and quality controls have improved over time — making confirmed 2018-dated examples increasingly scarce.

This error manifests as ghostlike lettering that appears barely visible under normal viewing angles but becomes more apparent under magnification and proper lighting. Some examples show weakness affecting only specific letters, while others display uniformly shallow inscription across the entire edge.

Authenticated 2018 weak edge lettering specimens in MS-65 to MS-67 grades typically sell for $50–$250 depending on the weakness severity and position variety. Denver Mint (2018-D) examples with Position A orientation showing dramatic weakness can reach $200–$300 in higher grades, while Philadelphia Mint (2018-P) specimens with moderate weakness generally trade in the $75–$175 range.

2. Missing Edge Lettering Errors

Missing edge lettering errors occur when 2018 Sacagawea Dollars completely bypass the edge inscription equipment, emerging with smooth, plain edges lacking any trace of the required date, mint mark, and motto inscriptions.

These dramatic errors result from coins being inadvertently routed around the secondary edge-lettering station during production or when feeding mechanisms malfunction, allowing blanks to escape the inscription process entirely. The U.S. Mint integrated the edge-lettering machinery directly into its production lines starting around 2008, which significantly reduced — but did not eliminate — the occurrence of this error.

The complete absence of edge lettering creates an immediate visual distinction from properly manufactured specimens, making these errors recognizable even without magnification. A 2010-dated Native American Dollar with missing edge lettering was authenticated and graded PCGS MS-67, demonstrating that such errors do surface within this series.

Documented 2018 missing edge lettering errors authenticated by PCGS or NGC command substantial premiums of $500–$1,500 depending on grade and mint mark. The scarcity of confirmed 2018-dated examples, combined with strong collector demand for dramatic edge inscription failures, supports premium valuations significantly exceeding weak edge lettering varieties.

3. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes occur when 2018 Sacagawea Dollar planchets shift position before the striking dies make contact, resulting in misaligned designs with characteristic blank crescent areas.

The collar die’s failure to properly center the blank before impact allows the planchet to move, creating displacement percentages ranging from minor 5% shifts to dramatic 50%+ misalignments that significantly affect the coin’s appearance.

Minor off-center strikes showing 5–10% displacement on 2018 specimens typically add $50–$125 to base values, while examples displaying 15–25% displacement with retained date visibility command $200–$500 depending on grade. Dramatic off-center strikes exceeding 30% displacement with full date retention can achieve $600–$1,200 for 2018-dated examples.

Collector tip: an off-center 2018 Sacagawea Dollar is only valuable if the date and mint mark are still visible on the edge, since unattributed examples cannot be definitively identified as the 2018 Jim Thorpe issue.

4. Wrong Planchet Errors

A wrong planchet error occurs when a 2018 Sacagawea Dollar design is accidentally struck on a blank intended for a different denomination. This type of error has been documented in the broader Sacagawea series, most famously in 2000 when Sacagawea designs were struck on leftover Susan B. Anthony planchets.

CoinVaueChecker App 10

For 2018-dated specimens, a wrong planchet strike would create a coin with incorrect size, weight, or metal composition that would immediately stand out to an attentive collector. Any such piece for the 2018 Jim Thorpe design would require immediate professional authentication, as the error value for authenticated wrong-planchet Sacagawea dollars ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the denomination involved.

 

Where To Sell Your 2018 Sacagawea Dollar?

For your 2018 Sacagawea Dollar Position A varieties and high-grade specimens, working with reputable numismatic auction houses often yields the best returns, while circulated examples may sell more efficiently through direct dealer purchases or online marketplaces.

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

 

FAQ About the 2018 Sacagawea Dollar Value

1. What makes a 2018 Sacagawea Dollar valuable?

The primary value factors include exceptional grade (MS-68 or higher for business strikes, PR-70 for proofs), Position A edge lettering orientation, and proof specimens with Deep Cameo contrast.

Professional certification by PCGS or NGC significantly enhances market value and buyer confidence. Minting errors such as weak or missing edge lettering, double strikes, or off-center impressions can dramatically increase value, though such errors are relatively uncommon in the 2018 issue.

2. Does the 2018 Sacagawea Dollar contain real gold?

No, despite its golden appearance, the 2018 Sacagawea Dollar contains no precious gold content. The coin is composed of a copper core clad with manganese brass (88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel), giving it the distinctive golden color.

The coin’s metal composition has an intrinsic melt value of only approximately $0.08–$0.09, making its numismatic value far more important than its metal content for collectors.

3. Where is the mint mark located on a 2018 Sacagawea Dollar?

Unlike earlier Sacagawea Dollars (2000–2008) where the mint mark appeared on the obverse face of the coin, the 2018 issue features edge lettering. The mint mark (P, D, or S) is incused on the coin’s edge along with the year “2018” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

This edge inscription format was introduced in 2009 as part of the Native American Dollar Program and continues to distinguish modern issues from earlier Sacagawea designs.

4. Is Position A worth more than Position B on a 2018 Sacagawea Dollar?

At common grade levels (MS-63 to MS-66), there is typically no significant price premium for Position A over Position B — both occur randomly during production and are equally common in lower grades.

However, at very high grades such as MS-67+ and MS-68, Position A examples have demonstrated notably higher auction prices, with the record-setting $3,475 MS-68 being a Position A coin. For top-tier registry set collectors, Position A commands a clear premium.

5. What is the 2018 Reverse Proof Sacagawea Dollar and why is it special?

The 2018 Reverse Proof Sacagawea Dollar was released exclusively in the 50th Anniversary San Francisco Mint Silver Reverse Proof Set, commemorating five decades of proof coin production at San Francisco since 1968.

Unlike a traditional proof (frosted devices on mirror fields), the Reverse Proof features frosted fields against mirror-finished design elements — a visually striking inversion. It was the first-ever Native American Dollar issued in Reverse Proof format, with a mintage of just 199,116 coins, making it significantly scarcer than the standard 2018-S proof.

6. How can I tell if my 2018 Sacagawea Dollar has carbon spots that hurt its value?

The manganese-brass alloy used in Sacagawea Dollars is highly prone to developing dark carbon spots — also called “flyspecks” — due to the reactive nature of copper, zinc, and manganese when exposed to air, humidity, or sulfur-containing materials.

Inspect your coin under bright light at multiple angles. Dark specks that appear on the fields or devices (raised design elements) are carbon spots and can reduce a coin’s grade from MS-67 to MS-64 or lower. Proper storage in airtight capsules away from moisture and temperature extremes is the best prevention.

7. Is it worth getting a 2018 Sacagawea Dollar professionally graded?

Professional grading (PCGS or NGC) is worth considering if you believe your coin is MS-67 or higher, since grading fees typically run $20–$40 per coin, and the value difference between MS-66 ($9) and MS-67 ($22) may not justify the cost.

However, if you have a potential MS-68 example, a Position A coin with exceptional surfaces, or a suspected error coin, professional certification is strongly recommended. High-grade certified examples command significantly greater premiums and buyer confidence than raw (ungraded) specimens.

8. Why do some 2018-S Sacagawea Dollars list at $160+ when the standard value is around $12–$90?

Current PCGS auction listings show 2018-S PR-70 DCAM First Strike specimens bidding in the $160–$162 range in early 2026, which is higher than typical retail guide prices. These particular pieces carry the “First Strike” designation (meaning they were submitted to PCGS within 30 days of the official release date) and are in perfect PR-70 condition.

The label designation adds collector premium beyond the base coin value. Standard PR-69 DCAM examples without special labels trade for $8–$15, while PR-70 DCAM pieces without First Strike or First Day of Issue labels are closer to $90.

9. What happened to the gold-plated 2018 Sacagawea Dollars sold in advertisements?

Private companies sometimes gold-plate standard Sacagawea Dollars and market them as “collectibles.” These altered coins have no numismatic value beyond face value ($1) because cleaning, plating, or any form of artificial alteration destroys a coin’s collector value.

Genuine 2018 Sacagawea Dollars have a matte, slightly grainy golden finish with visible cartwheel luster — not the mirror-bright jewelry-like appearance of plated coins. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny or has a different color than a standard example, it may have been altered.

10. How should I store my 2018 Sacagawea Dollar to preserve its value?

Store your 2018 Sacagawea Dollar in an airtight coin capsule or holder made of inert, acid-free materials. Because the manganese-brass alloy is highly reactive with atmospheric sulfur, oxygen, and humidity, even coins stored in original mint rolls can develop toning over time.

Keep coins in a dry, climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Avoid handling coins with bare hands — always hold by the edge — as skin oils can accelerate toning. A silica gel packet in your storage box can help control moisture levels and protect your coins for the long term.

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