2007-S Sacagawea Dollar Value: Are Your Golden Coins Rare?
The 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $1,200 in the highest certified grades. While these “golden dollars” look like treasure, most found in everyday collections are specially minted proof coins intended for collectors rather than general circulation.
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| PR65 Proof (Typical) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo (Choice) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $500.00 – $1,300.00 |
Identifying Your 2007-S Sacagawea Golden Dollar
If you have discovered a shiny, gold-colored coin in a family collection, you might be wondering if you’ve struck it rich. Using a free coin identifier app can help you confirm the date and mint mark immediately. The 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar is a unique piece because it was not produced for the pockets of everyday Americans.
By 2007, the United States Mint had stopped producing Sacagawea Dollars for general circulation because they weren’t circulating well. Instead, they produced them only for collectors. The “S” mint mark indicates that this specific coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. These are “Proof” coins, which means they were struck twice on specially polished blanks to create a mirror-like finish.
If you are unsure of what you have, the CoinKnow app is an excellent tool to help you identify the luster and strike quality. Most 2007-S dollars will have a “Deep Cameo” effect, where the portrait of Sacagawea looks frosty and white, while the background is as reflective as a dark mirror.
History and Mintage of the 2007 San Francisco Proof
The Sacagawea Dollar series began in 2000, replacing the Susan B. Anthony dollar. It features the Shoshone woman Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. The reverse side features a soaring bald eagle designed by Thomas D. Rogers. By the time 2007 rolled around, interest in the coin had shifted to the then-new Presidential Dollar series.
Consequently, the mintage for the 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar was relatively low compared to the early years of the series. The San Francisco Mint produced exactly 2,584,501 of these proof coins. While 2.5 million might sound like a lot, in the world of numismatics, this is a small number compared to the hundreds of millions minted in 2000.
Because these were sold in official United States Mint Proof Sets, they were never meant to be spent. If you find one that looks scratched or dull, it likely escaped from a broken set and was used as a regular dollar. Even in used condition, the 2007 Sacagawea dollar value remains higher than face value due to its restricted mintage and collector demand.
Grading and Quality: What Drives the Price?
When valuing your 2007-S dollar, the “Grade” is everything. For proof coins, professional graders like PCGS or NGC use a scale from 1 to 70. A grade of PR70 represents a statistically perfect coin under 5x magnification. The difference in price between a PR69 and a PR70 can be hundreds of dollars.
Most coins found in original government packaging will grade at PR68 or PR69. These are common and generally worth their “book value.” However, if your coin is flawless, it might be a candidate for high-end auctions. You can check the current market price trends for high-grade Sacagawea dollars to see how much collectors are currently paying for “top pop” examples.
| Numerical Grade | Description | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Choice Proof – Few marks | $5 – $7 |
| PR68 | Near Perfect – Very attractive | $12 – $18 |
| PR69 | Superb Proof – Nearly flawless | $20 – $35 |
| PR70 | Perfect Proof – No imperfections | $800 – $1,250 |
Common Errors and Variations to Look For
While the 2007-S is primarily known for its proof finish, error hunters are always on the lookout for anomalies. Because proof coins are inspected by the mint more closely than “business strike” coins, errors are much rarer. However, when they do appear, they can be worth a fortune.
Potential errors include “Double Dies,” where the letters or numbers appear doubled, or “Planchet Errors,” where the coin is struck on the wrong metal alloy. While no major widespread errors have been documented for the 2007-S specifically, individual “stray” errors are possible. Using the CoinKnow app to zoom in on the date and the eagle’s feathers can reveal hidden details that the naked eye might miss.
If you find a coin that lacks the “S” mint mark but is dated 2007, you likely have a Denver (D) or Philadelphia (P) mint version. These were also sold only in collector bags and rolls. Their values are similar to the proof coins in average condition, but the proofs (S) remain the most popular among casual collectors due to their shiny appearance.
How to Sell Your 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar
If you have determined that your coin is in a high grade or you simply want to cash in on your collection, you have a few options. For coins worth less than $20, selling on platforms like eBay is common. However, remember to factor in shipping and seller fees, which can eat into your profit.
For coins that you suspect are “Perfect 70” grades, you should consider getting them professionally certified before selling. A certified 2007-S PR70 Deep Cameo can bring in over $1,000 at a high-end auction house like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. If your coin is raw (un-slabbed), a local coin shop may offer you a wholesale price, which is usually 50-70% of the retail value.
Always keep your proof coins in their original capsules if possible. Handling a proof coin with your bare hands can leave permanent oily fingerprints that damage the delicate surface and significantly lower the Sacagawea dollar price.
| Sales Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | Largest audience | High fees (13%+) |
| Local Coin Shop | Immediate cash | Lower payout |
| Auction Houses | Best for high-value coins | Long waiting period |
Is the 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar a Good Investment?
Investing in modern proof coins is a bit different than investing in classic gold or silver coins. Since these coins were made specifically for collectors, most of them have been preserved well. This means there isn’t a “scarcity of quality” until you reach the absolute perfect grade of 70.
For a long-term investment, many collectors prefer to buy the 2007-S as part of a complete “Dansco Album” of Sacagawea dollars. As the series ages and newer generations of collectors enter the hobby, these mid-2000s dates often see a steady rise in value because they were not saved in the same massive quantities as the year 2000 coins.
The CoinKnow app can help you track the price history of your collection over time. By staying informed on auction results and market trends, you can decide whether to hold onto your 2007 golden dollar or sell it while the market for modern proofs is active.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 2007 dollar gold? Is it real gold?
A: No, the 2007 Sacagawea Dollar does not contain any real gold. It is made of a pure copper core with an outer layer of manganese brass (77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel). This specific blend gives it the distinctive golden color.
Q: Where is the “S” mint mark located on the coin?
A: For the 2007-S dollar, you can find the mint mark on the “obverse” (front) of the coin. It is located just below the date “2007,” to the right of Sacagawea’s neck.
Q: Can I find a 2007-S in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely. Since the “S” version is a proof coin sold only in sets, one would only end up in circulation if a collector accidentally spent it or if a set was stolen and broken open. If you find one in change, it will likely be “impaired” (scratched), which lowers its value to about $1.50 – $2.00.
Q: What is the most ever paid for a 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar?
A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo examples have sold at major auctions for prices exceeding $1,300. However, the average price for a high-quality certified specimen usually hovers between $500 and $800 depending on the current demand.