2000-P Sacagawea Dollar (Golden Dollar)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch)
Pattern: Sacagawea Dollar Series, 2000-present
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch)
Material
Manganese-Brass Clad; Copper core with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This item contains 0% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm; Thickness: 2 mm; Weight: 8.1 grams.
Description
A high-volume circulation-strike dollar coin featuring the Shoshone guide Sacagawea. Despite its lustrous golden appearance, it is composed of base metals meant to mimic the color of gold without the cost of precious metal. This specific example is housed in a standard 2x2 cardboard coin flip labeled '2000-P'.
Key Features
Golden color, Sacagawea obverse, 'P' mint mark, smooth edge, manganese-brass composition.
Material & Composition
Manganese-Brass Clad; Copper core with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This item contains 0% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Uncirculated finish with a distinctive golden color due to the manganese-brass alloy. Features Glenna Goodacre's portrait of Sacagawea and child on the obverse and Thomas D. Rogers' soaring eagle on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark 'P' (Philadelphia) located below the date '2000'. Inscriptions: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-speed coin presses from clad strip planchets; three-layer composite construction with a pure copper core.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the United States ($1.00); smooth edge (unlike the reeded edges of quarters/dimes).
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (numismatic object).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mint-quality mass production; features a plain edge and machine-engraved dies for high-relief clarity.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth, authentic mint mark style, standard 2x2 numismatic packaging, and expected base-metal toning patterns.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Current United States Coinage); introduced to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar.
Age Estimate
Dated 2000; minted during the first year of the series issuance.
Cultural Significance
Represents the first US circulating coin to depict a Native American woman; designed to honor her contribution to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) or high-grade About Uncirculated condition; some light surface spotting/toning consistent with manganese oxidation is visible. Grade estimate: MS-63 to MS-65.
Value Estimate
Face value ($1.00) to approximately $2.00-$3.00 for a common uncirculated specimen. Rare 'Cheerios' or 'Wounded Eagle' varieties can command significantly more, but this appears to be a standard strike.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish as this destroys numismatic value. Keep in the airtight or PVC-free holder to prevent further oxidation/toning of the manganese layer.
Similar Pieces
Susan B. Anthony Dollar (silver-colored), Presidential Dollar series (same composition), Native American Dollar series (post-2009).
Interesting Facts
The model for Sacagawea was Randy'L He-dow Teton, a Shoshone-Bannock. In 2000, the mint ran a massive marketing campaign including Cheerios box giveaways to encourage public use, though it ultimately failed to replace the dollar bill.