Диаметр: 26.5, мм
Вес: 8.1, грамм
Толщина: 2, мм
Металл: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% ni
Качество: UNC

Монетный двор: Philadelphia
Тираж: 37,380,000

Дата добавления:2009-11-24 12:59:01

Sacagawea Dollars were launched by the United States Mint in the year 2000 as a new circulating "golden dollar" coin. Many aspects of the coin's design seem to have been chosen to specifically overcome the perceived short coming of the last small sized dollar coin featuring Susan B. Anthony. This previous series never circulated widely and became outright unpopular with many due to its similarities to the quarter.

The Sacagawea Dollar featured a golden color, which would clearly differentiate it from other coins. The unique color was accomplished by using an outer layer of manganese brass composed of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel boned to a core of pure copper. The new coins also featured a plain edge. These two aspects would help differentiate the coins from other denominations such as the quarter, a common complaint for the Susan B. Anthony Dollars.

The new "Golden Dollar" as it was called in various markeing campaigns was launched on January 27, 2000 admist a slew of publicity created by print ads, television commercials, and cross promotions with products such as Cheerio's cereal. The US Mint was quick to announce that the public was "embracing the new Golden Dollar coin," but this turned out to be premature.

Over 100 billion coins were produced in the inaugural year, followed by a diminished mintage of about 133 million the following year. By 2002, the Sacagawea Dollar stopped being produced for circulation and was only produced for direct sales to collectors and annual US Mint products. Despite early signs of promise, the coins never circulated widely, which many attributed to the continued presence of the paper dollar which people seemed to prefer.

The final year of the Sacagawea Dollar series with its original design was 2008. The following year, the series was replaced with the Native American Dollar series. This series featured the original obverse design paired with an annually rotating reverse design featuring contributions from Native Americans. The new design also featured edge lettering.