Have you seen the buzz online about a $66,000 Sacagawea Dollar error coin? 
Many collectors and casual readers are asking:
Is it really gold?
What makes it worth so much?
And is the claim even real?
Let’s dive in and break down the facts so you don’t fall for myths. 
Is the Sacagawea Dollar Really Made of Gold?
Short answer: NO! 
Sacagawea Dollars (first released in 2000) are not made of gold.
Composition: Manganese brass over a pure copper core.
Appearance: Golden color, but NOT actual gold.
Fun Fact: This “golden look” is what confuses many people.
If you ever see someone call a regular Sacagawea Dollar a “gold coin,” that’s a red flag!
The $66,000 Question: Why So Valuable?
Here’s where things get interesting. The viral claim talks about a $66,000 Sacagawea Dollar, but it doesn’t say what the error is. And in coin collecting, the error type is EVERYTHING.
Some Sacagawea Dollar errors are indeed rare and can fetch tens of thousands. Here are the big ones:
The Famous Mule Error (2000-D Sacagawea / South Carolina Quarter)
- A Sacagawea obverse was mistakenly paired with a South Carolina Quarter reverse.
- Extremely rare and worth $100,000+ at auction.
- If a coin graded lower, $66,000 could be possible.
Major Striking or Planchet Errors
- Example: Wrong planchet (struck on a dime or quarter blank).
- Or a dramatic off-center strike.
- These can be worth thousands.
The “Wounded Eagle” (2000-P)
- Special die gouges appear on the eagle’s tail feathers.
- Valuable, but usually hundreds to a few thousand dollars. Not $66K.
Lesson: If someone claims their coin is worth $66,000 but can’t show you the error, be skeptical.
How to Spot a Valuable Sacagawea Dollar
Here’s your collector’s checklist :
Obverse (Front – Sacagawea & Child)
- Look at the date & mint mark (2000-P, 2000-D, etc.).
Reverse (Back – Eagle)
- Look for anomalies.
- If it’s NOT the eagle (e.g., a quarter reverse) →
Major find!
Edge
- Standard: Smooth/plain.
- If reeded → Possible minting mistake.
5 Steps to Authenticate a High-Value Coin
If you believe you’ve struck gold (figuratively 
):
- Identify the Specific Error – What exactly makes it different?
- Examine Closely – Compare to known authentic examples.
- Weigh It – Should be around 8.1g.
- Check for Alterations – No scratches or tampering.
- Send for Professional Grading – PCGS or NGC can confirm.
Never clean or polish your coin. That destroys value instantly.
Selling a Rare Sacagawea Dollar
If you do have a genuine error coin:
Auction Houses – Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, etc.
Specialized Dealers – Modern error coin experts.
These are the safest ways to get top dollar.
Think You Have One? Do This NOW!
If you believe your Sacagawea Dollar might be rare:
Take hi-res photos (front, back, edge).
Record a 360° video under good lighting.
Contact a professional grader or coin expert.
