The 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in lightly circulated condition to over $50 or more for top-grade proof specimens. If you found one of these golden dollars tucked away in a collection or inherited coin set, you may be sitting on something more valuable than face value — and this guide will walk you through exactly what to look for.

What Is the 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar?

The 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is why it carries the “S” mintmark. Unlike the Philadelphia or Denver versions made for circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced this coin exclusively as a proof — meaning it was specially made for collectors, not for spending.

Proof coins are struck using polished dies and carefully prepared planchets, giving them sharp details and a mirror-like background. These coins were typically sold directly to collectors through the U.S. Mint as part of annual proof sets.

If you have one of these, chances are it came in a plastic case inside a blue box — that’s the standard packaging for the annual proof set. Even outside the original packaging, the coin still holds collector value, especially in near-perfect condition.

To quickly identify yours, you can use a free coin identifier app that lets you scan the coin with your phone and get instant details about its mint mark, type, and estimated value.

2001-S Sacagawea Dollar Value by Grade

Coin value depends heavily on grade — the condition of the coin based on its surface quality, luster, and strike. For proof coins, grading uses a slightly different scale than regular business-strike coins.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what the 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar is typically worth:

The “DCAM” designation stands for Deep Cameo, which describes the frosted, raised design against a deeply mirrored background. These are the most desirable and valuable versions of the coin. For the most up-to-date 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar price data across all grades, it’s worth checking a reputable coin pricing resource before buying or selling.

How Many 2001-S Sacagawea Dollars Were Minted?

The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 3,183,740 proof Sacagawea Dollars in 2001. While that may sound like a lot, most of these were sold to collectors and are still tucked away in original proof sets — not actively traded on the open market.

That relatively modest mintage, combined with the coin’s proof status, gives it more staying power than a typical circulation coin. It’s not a rare coin by strict numismatic standards, but a well-preserved PR-70 DCAM example can still fetch surprising prices at auction.

Coins that have been graded and certified by PCGS or NGC tend to sell for more than raw (ungraded) examples. If you think yours might be a near-perfect specimen, it could be worth the certification fee to find out.

What Makes Some 2001-S Sacagawea Dollars Worth More?

Beyond grade, a few other factors can push the value of a 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar higher than average.

First, the Deep Cameo contrast matters a lot. When the frosted portrait of Sacagawea pops sharply against a mirror-like field, collectors will pay a significant premium. Not every proof coin achieves this level of contrast, even within the same batch.

Second, original packaging adds value for some buyers. A coin still sealed in its original U.S. Mint proof set, with no scratches on the case, is more appealing to certain collectors who care about provenance.

Third, errors or varieties can dramatically increase value — though the 2001-S proof issue doesn’t have widely documented major errors like some of its circulated cousins. Always examine both sides under good lighting for anything unusual. CoinKnow is a great tool for this — it helps you scan and identify potential varieties or errors you might otherwise miss.

For a full breakdown of what the 2001 Sacagawea Dollar is worth in different conditions and mintmarks, comparing all three mint sources (P, D, and S) can give you useful context on where your coin fits in the bigger picture.

Should You Clean or Sell Your 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar?

Never clean your coin — this is one of the most important rules in coin collecting. Cleaning removes the original surface and kills collector value, even if the coin looks shinier afterward. A cleaned proof coin will be identified immediately by dealers or grading services and will sell for far less than an untouched example.

If you’re thinking of selling, start by checking recent sold listings on eBay or visiting a local coin dealer. For a quick estimate on the go, CoinKnow can give you a solid ballpark based on current market data — helpful before you walk into a coin shop.

If your coin is still in the original proof set packaging, consider selling it that way. Collectors often prefer complete, intact sets over individual coins.

FAQ About the 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar

Q: Is the 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in the traditional sense — over 3 million were produced. However, high-grade examples graded PR-70 DCAM are harder to find and can be worth $50 to $100 or more.

Q: How do I know if my coin is a Deep Cameo proof?
A: Look at the coin under good light at an angle. If the design (Sacagawea’s portrait, the eagle) appears frosted white while the flat background looks like a mirror, it likely qualifies as a cameo or deep cameo. You can also use CoinKnow to scan and analyze the coin’s surface characteristics.

Q: Where is the S mintmark on the 2001-S Sacagawea Dollar?
A: The “S” mintmark is located on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just below the date “2001” on the left side of the coin.