In the numismatic field, it’s not always the age of a coin that surprises people, but it’s the error that was overlooked. It happened to a 2011 Sacagawea Dollar, which had a rare reverse rotation error, and caught the attention of the numismatic world, and the bidding started.
It eventually made news for its staggering $2.2 million sale. This new coin, a tribute to Native American guide Sacagawea, has a distinctive error that made it one of the most coveted numismatic treasures.
Rare 2011 Sacagawea Dollar
To commemorate the Shoshone lady who notably assisted Lewis and Clark on their western expedition, the Sacagawea Dollar was introduced in 2000. The Philadelphia Mint coined millions of them in 2011. A striking error, however, was present in a small quantity: the reverse eagle design was 180 degrees out of alignment with Sacagawea’s picture.
This type of misalignment, known as a reverse rotation fault, is extremely uncommon. These 2011 specimens are among the rarest current U.S. coins, with fewer than a dozen confirmed to exist. In August 2025, one mint state specimen with the grade MS-68 sold for an incredible $2.2 million at a Heritage Auctions sale.
Sacagawea Dollar Coins Overview
| Coin Name | Sacagawea Dollar |
| Observe Designer Name | Glenna Goodacre |
| Reverse Designer Name | Thomas D. Rogers |
| Value | $1 |
| Mass | 8.100 g |
| Diameter | 26.49 mm (1.043 in) |
| Edge | Plain (2000-2008) and Lettered (2009-Present) |
| Composition | 88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, and 2% Nickel |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and W (West Point, special striking only) |
| Design Date | 2000 |
| Rare 2011 Sacagawea Dollar Error | The eagle on the reverse is upside-down |
| Design at Reverse | Soaring Eagle |
History of the Sacagawea Dollar Coin
In 2000, the Sacagawea Dollar was produced for honoring Sacagawea. She played a key role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and was a young Lemhi Shoshone woman. She was shown with Jean Baptiste, her baby boy, on her back. The coin commemorates American history and exploration. This dollar replaced the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and was first minted in a gold color, but it was not made of gold. The coin did not see much circulation in spite of its beauty and significance, but found favor among collectors.
Why This Sacagawea Dollar is So Unique
In a normal situation, when you turn a Sacagawea coin upside down, the reverse side will be facing upright. That didn’t occur with the 2011 Sacagawea Dollar, however, and collectors were stunned. With its dramatic upside-down error, it is a focal point for collectors of unusual minting errors. It occurs during the minting process if the reverse die is not correctly aligned with the obverse (front) die.
The outcome is a misaligned image on the obverse side of the coin. Such mistakes are not only scarce but also extremely hard to replicate, hence much sought after by collectors. The reverse rotation mistake in this specific 2011 coin was so distinct that it caught the attention of professional graders and collectors straight away.
Why This Rare 2011 Sacagawea Coin Drew National Attention
Though reverse rotation errors have appeared in previous U.S. coins, this coin was unique in several aspects. First, it was discovered on a new commemorative coin that already held cultural and historical significance. Second, the error was enormous since it was a complete 180-degree rotation, which does not occur very often.
Finally, the coin was in good health, it was never touched since minting, and was authenticated by large grading institutions. While news of the was disseminated about the coin’s uniqueness began to be disseminated, individuals began to take an interest. It began with curiosity, but eventually turned out to be a large bidding war. The winning bid price at the auction confirmed the rarity of the coin, and it secured its position as a modern wonder in American numismatic history.
2011 Sacagawea Dollar with Rotation Error Value & Price Chart
| Year & Type | Error Type | Condition | Estimated Value Range | Notable Auction Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Sacagawea Dollar | Normal (No Error) | Circulated | $1 – $3 | None |
| 2011 Sacagawea Dollar | Normal (No Error) | Uncirculated (MS65-MS67) | $10 – $25 | None |
| 2011 Sacagawea Dollar | Rotation Error (Minor, 15°-30°) | Uncirculated | $500 – $2,500 | Private Sales |
| 2011 Sacagawea Dollar | Rotation Error (Moderate, 45°-90°) | Uncirculated | $10,000 – $50,000 | Reported Small Auction |
| 2011 Sacagawea Dollar | Rotation Error (Major, 180° “Upside Down”) | Choice MS | $100,000 – $750,000 | Private Collectors |
| 2011 Sacagawea Dollar | Extreme Rotation Error (Unique, Rare Strike) | Mint State (Gem) | $2,200,000 (Top Grade) | Headline Sale – $2.2 Million |
How to Spot the Error in a Sacagawea Coin
There is a straightforward process for finding an error in a Sacagawea coin. You only need to do is-
- Take a 2011 Sacagawea Dollar (no mint mark, Philadelphia Mint).
- Turn it from top to bottom, vertically.
- You can have the uncommon mistake if the eagle on the back is inverted in relation to Sacagawea’s image.
Because cleaning can reduce the coin’s value, collectors advise against doing so. Rather, have it validated by expert grading services such as NGC or PCGS.
What to Do If You Find the Rare 2011 Sacagawea Coin
If you think you may have discovered a Sacagawea dollar with a rotation mistake, then-
- Handle it with caution, ideally while wearing gloves.
- Keep it in a coin holder for protection.
- Have professionals verify it.
- Auction your rare coin to an auction house like Stack’s Bowers to get the highest amount.
FAQs
What is the misprint on the 2011 P Sacagawea dollar?
The 2011 P Sacagawea dollar contains a rotation flow error. The rising eagle on the back is reversed.
How much is the rare 2011 P Sacagawea worth?
The rare 2011 Sacagawea is valued at approximately $2.2 million.
How rare coins like the 2011 Sacagawea dollar hold educational value?
Such coins fascinate collectors and help students learn about minting errors and quality checks.
