Gold Sacagawea Dollar Coin SECRETS Most People Don’t Know!

Gold-Colored Sacagawea Dollars

Most Sacagawea coins in circulation have a copper core covered in manganese brass. This mix is about 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. As a result, the coin looks golden but contains no actual gold. In everyday use, it is worth just one dollar, although uncirculated coins may be worth slightly more to collectors.

Real Gold Sacagawea Dollars — Rare and Special

While most are not gold, a few special editions are made of real gold:

1. 2000-W 22-Karat Gold Sacagawea Dollar — The U.S. Mint made only 39 of these coins in 1999 (dated 2000). They sent 12 into space on the Space Shuttle Columbia and destroyed the rest.

2. 2025 24-Karat Gold Proof Coin — Made for the 25th anniversary of the Sacagawea dollar, this coin is 99.99% pure gold. The U.S. Mint sells it only to collectors.

The Bottom Line

If you have a Sacagawea dollar from regular circulation, it’s probably gold-colored, not real gold. However, if you own one of the rare gold editions, you have something truly valuable.

💡 Tip: Always check the date and mint mark before assuming your coin contains gold.

👉 Ready to explore coin collecting? Visit the U.S. Mint website for authentic releases, and follow trusted numismatic channels for expert advice.

Watch on YouTube