The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar has captivated collectors for years, particularly because of an extraordinary error that turned a seemingly ordinary coin into one of the most valuable in modern American numismatic history.
While most Sacagawea dollars from the year 2000 are relatively common, a rare mistake in minting has made a small number of these coins worth up to $400,000.
In this article, we will dive deep into the story of the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar, the error that sparked a frenzy in the collector community, and why this coin is so highly sought after.
The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar: A Brief Overview
The Sacagawea Dollar was first released by the United States Mint in 2000 as part of an effort to replace the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, which had failed to gain widespread public use.
The coin features a design by Glenna Goodacre, who depicted Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark during their expedition across the United States.
The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and was issued as part of the regular coinage with a pictorial image of Sacagawea holding her infant son, Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau, on the obverse.
The reverse of the coin features an eagle in flight, designed by Thomas D. Rogers, which represents the nation’s spirit of exploration and strength.
Despite the coin’s relatively simple design, it became famous because of a significant error that occurred during the minting process.
The $400,000 Error: What Happened?
The error in question occurred when the U.S. Mint struck a limited number of 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars with a misplaced mintmark.
The mintmark “P” (which indicates that the coin was minted in Philadelphia) was supposed to be located just below the date. However, a small batch of these coins was struck without the mintmark, which is a critical detail for collectors.
Why Is the Error So Valuable?
This mintmark error immediately caught the attention of collectors because it was an unintentional anomaly. Normally, the mintmark is a clear indicator of a coin’s origin, and its omission is highly unusual.
The error made the coin incredibly rare, as only a limited number were produced without the “P” mintmark.
As the coin began circulating, collectors quickly recognized the value of these error pieces, and the hunt was on to find one.
The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar without the mintmark became a highly coveted collector’s item, and coins in pristine condition began fetching prices of up to $400,000 at auctions.
This prompted a frenzy in the numismatic world, as collectors scrambled to find an example of this highly valuable coin.
Key Features of the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Error
To properly assess the value of the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar, it’s important to know what sets it apart from the regular version. Here are the key features of the error coin:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mintmark | Missing “P” mintmark (Philadelphia Mint) |
| Year of Issue | 2000 |
| Design | Sacagawea with her infant son, and an eagle in flight on reverse |
| Material | Copper, manganese, and zinc alloy (76% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese) |
| Rarity | Extremely rare due to the mintmark error |
| Estimated Value | Up to $400,000 for well-preserved examples |
| Condition | Coins in MS67 or better are highly prized by collectors |
The Hunt for the Error Coin
Many collectors who were aware of the minting mistake went to great lengths to acquire one of the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars without the mintmark.
Since the number of these error coins is extremely limited, they are hard to find, especially in good condition.
Coins that have been well-preserved, graded MS67 or higher, are considered top-tier and can fetch the highest prices at auction.
The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar with the missing mintmark remains one of the most valuable coins in modern U.S. numismatics, with examples selling for up to $400,000.
The rarity of the coin, coupled with its historical significance and design, makes it a highly sought-after item among collectors.
Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or a beginner, keeping an eye out for this unique coin could lead to a valuable addition to your collection.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, you may be holding a rare treasure that is worth a fortune!
How many 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars with the error were made?
The exact number of 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars without the mintmark is not known, but estimates suggest only a small batch of these coins were affected. Due to the rarity of this coin, only a handful are available in the market.
What is the value of a regular 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar?
A regular 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar is worth its face value of $1, unless it is in uncirculated condition or has been graded. A well-preserved coin could fetch a few dollars, but without the mintmark error, it doesn’t hold the same significant value as the error piece.
How do I authenticate a 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar with the mintmark error?
To authenticate the error, collectors rely on professional grading services such as PCGS or NGC. These organizations verify the authenticity of the mintmark error and assign a grade to the coin, which directly impacts its value.
