2000-P Sacagawea Golden Dollar Coin
Coin/Bullion (United States Currency) · United States Mint, Philadelphia branch (denoted by 'P' mint mark). The US Mint is the primary circulating coinage producer for the United States, established in 1792.
Pattern: Sacagawea Dollar Series; Obverse design by Glenna Goodacre, Reverse design by Thomas D. Rogers.
Type
Coin/Bullion (United States Currency)
Maker
United States Mint, Philadelphia branch (denoted by 'P' mint mark). The US Mint is the primary circulating coinage producer for the United States, established in 1792.
Material
Manganese-Brass clad Copper (88.5% Copper, 6.0% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2.0% Nickel). Note: despite the 'Golden' moniker, this coin contains no actual gold or silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm; Thickness: 2.0 mm; Weight: 8.1 grams.
Description
A first-year issue of the Sacagawea Dollar, widely known as the 'golden dollar.' It features a Shoshone woman with her infant son. While appearing to be precious metal, it was designed to be easily distinguishable from a quarter by its distinct golden color and smooth edge.
Key Features
The 'P' mint mark identifying Philadelphia origin; the 2000 inaugural year; the unique golden luster provided by the manganese-brass alloy.
Material & Composition
Manganese-Brass clad Copper (88.5% Copper, 6.0% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2.0% Nickel). Note: despite the 'Golden' moniker, this coin contains no actual gold or silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish for circulating strikes. Features the profile of Sacagawea and her son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau on the obverse. Reverse features a soaring bald eagle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'P' mint mark (Philadelphia); '2000' date stamp; 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' inscriptions; artist initials 'GG' on the shoulder.
Construction Details
Mass-produced die-struck coinage; three-layer clad construction with a pure copper core bonded between layers of manganese brass.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency valued at 1.00 USD; smooth edge (no reeding).
Handle & Grip Details
None; housed in a 2x2 cardboard and mylar protective coin flip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-speed industrial minting; excellent detail in the relief of the infant's head and the folds of Sacagawea's wrap.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, crisp striking of details; correct typography for US Mint standards; appropriate diameter and color for an manganese-brass strike.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era (introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Susan B. Anthony dollar).
Age Estimate
Dated 2000 (24 years old at time of analysis).
Cultural Significance
Represented a significant push toward dollar coins in US circulation and a cultural shift to honor Native American contributions to American history.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Uncirculated appearance. Shows minor surface spotting common with manganese brass, which oxidizes and darkens over time. Housed in protective flip to prevent further wear.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $3.00 (Standard circulating strikes in this condition carry little premium over face value unless a rare variety is identified).
Care & Maintenance
Never clean or polish coins as it destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free holders (mylar) to prevent 'green slime' or chemical corrosion. Handle by the edges only.
Similar Pieces
Susan B. Anthony Dollar (larger/silver-colored), Presidential Dollars (different obverse), Native American Dollars (post-2009 variations).
Interesting Facts
The model for the coin was Randy'L He-dow Teton. 2000-P dollars are also famous for the 'Cheerios' variety (rare reverse design found in cereal boxes) and the 'Wounded Eagle' die gouge variety.