The 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in typical proof condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens with “Deep Cameo” finishes. While these golden-colored coins look ancient and mysterious, most found in change are common, but the “S” mint mark signifies something special for collectors.
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $65.00 – $115.00 |
Understanding the 2007-S Sacagawea Proof Dollar
The 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar is a unique part of American numismatic history. Unlike the millions of dollars struck in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the “S” mint mark indicates that this coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were never intended to be spent at a grocery store or used in a vending machine. Instead, they were created specifically for collectors as part of annual Proof Sets. If you have found one in your pocket change, it was likely removed from a protective plastic lens by someone who didn’t realize its collector status.
To determine if the coin in your hand is truly a collector’s item or just a common strike, using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of research. These apps use image recognition to scan the details of the coin, confirming that the “S” mint mark is correctly identified. Because 2007 was a year where the Mint was transitioning its focus toward the Presidential Dollar series, the mintage numbers for the Sacagawea series remained relatively low, adding a layer of scarcity to the proof versions.
If your coin looks exceptionally shiny—almost like a mirror—it is likely a proof. CoinKnow users often report finding these in estate sales or mixed coin jars. While the 2007-S isn’t a “lottery ticket” coin that will buy you a new car, it is a vital piece for anyone trying to complete a full set of the “Golden Dollar” series. The visual appeal of the San Francisco strikes, with their frosted portraits and mirror-like backgrounds, makes them a favorite among hobbyists.
How Grading Affects the 2007-S Sacagawea Value
When we talk about the value of a 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar, we are really talking about its “grade.” Proof coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since these were handled with extreme care at the mint, most survivors are in the PR 68 to PR 69 range. A “perfect” PR 70 is the holy grail for this specific year. Even a tiny, microscopic scratch invisible to the naked eye can drop the price from $100 down to $10.
Because the San Francisco Mint used polished dies, these coins feature a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect. This means the central images of Sacagawea and the Eagle look white and frosted, while the background is a dark, reflective mirror. You can check the latest market data for Sacagawea dollars to see how the “S” mint mark compares to the “P” and “D” versions from the same era. Generally, the proof version carries a premium because it was never released into the wild.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| PR 67 DCAM | Noticeable hairline scratches | $6.00 |
| PR 68 DCAM | Very attractive, minor flaws | $10.00 |
| PR 69 DCAM | Nearly flawless to the eye | $20.00 |
| PR 70 DCAM | Perfect under 5x magnification | $110.00+ |
Key Features of the 2007 Sacagawea Design
The design of the 2007 Sacagawea Dollar is technically known as the “original” reverse. Starting in 2009, the U.S. Mint began changing the back of the coin every year to honor different Native American contributions. The 2007-S features the classic soaring bald eagle designed by Thomas D. Rogers. The obverse features the iconic portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.
Many people mistake these for “gold coins.” However, they do not contain a single milligram of real gold. They are actually composed of a pure copper core clad in manganese brass. This specific alloy gives the coin its golden luster when new, but it is also prone to unsightly spotting and “toning” if exposed to air or humidity. This makes finding a perfectly preserved 2007-S quite a challenge for modern collectors.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a 2007-P, 2007-D, or 2007-S, look closely at the area just below the date. You will see a small letter. The “S” is what we are looking for today. The 2007 Sacagawea dollar value is heavily dependent on this mint mark, as the “S” version was produced in much lower quantities (roughly 2.5 million) compared to the over 7 million struck at the other mints for circulation.
Why Mintage Numbers Matter for the 2007-S
In the world of coin collecting, rarity is usually the primary driver of price. In 2007, the United States Mint was heavily promoting the new Presidential Dollar series (beginning with George Washington). As a result, the Sacagawea Dollar took a back seat. While it wasn’t a “rare” coin in the sense of a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, the 2007-S mintage of 2,584,267 is relatively modest.
When you compare this to the early years of the series (2000-P had a mintage of over 700 million), you can see why collectors are interested in the 2007 dates. Most of the 2007-S dollars are still tucked away in original government-issued Proof Sets. When these sets are broken open, the individual coins are sold to people looking to fill holes in their albums.
Using CoinKnow, you can track how many of these coins are being sold on auction sites like eBay or specialized numismatic platforms. Currently, the market is stable, but high-grade PR 70 specimens have seen a slight uptick in demand as more collectors try to complete “Registry Sets,” which are competitions to see who can own the highest-graded collection of a particular series.
Common Errors Found on 2007 Dollars
While errors are more common on coins meant for circulation, they can occasionally occur on proof coins like the 2007-S. Collectors look for things like “Double Dies,” where the die struck the coin twice, leaving a ghost-like shadow on the letters or numbers. Although no major 2007-S doubled die is widely recognized as a “major” variety, minor doubling is always a possibility.
Another thing to look for is “Strike Through” errors. This happens when a piece of dust, grease, or a thread gets between the die and the coin blank. In the sterile environment of the San Francisco Mint, this is rare, which ironically makes such an error more valuable. If you find a 2007-S that looks like it has a missing letter or a strange indentation that doesn’t look like damage, you might have something worth more than the standard $5.
Before getting too excited, always ensure the “damage” wasn’t caused after the coin left the mint. A coin that has been stepped on or scratched in a parking lot is just a damaged coin, whereas a mint error is a mistake made during production. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the final authority on errors, but a quick scan with CoinKnow can help you decide if it’s worth the $30+ fee to send it in for authentication.
| Error Type | Probability in 2007-S | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Obverse | Very Low | $50 – $150 |
| Grease Strike Through | Low | $20 – $40 |
| Planchet Flaw | Moderate | $15 – $30 |
How to Store and Protect Your 2007-S Dollar
If you are lucky enough to own a 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar in high grade, you must protect it. The manganese brass surface is notoriously sensitive. Touching the coin with your bare hands can leave finger oils that, over time, will turn into permanent black spots. Professional collectors always handle these by the edges or wear lint-free cotton gloves.
The best way to store your coin is in a PVC-free plastic flip or a hard plastic capsule. Avoid storing coins in “yellow” envelopes or cheap cardboard folders that contain sulfur, as this will cause the coin to turn a dark, unattractive brown. A well-preserved 2007-S will maintain its brilliant golden shine for decades if kept in a cool, dry place.
If your coin is already part of a 2007 Silver Proof Set or a standard 2007 Proof Set, it is usually best to leave it in the original packaging. Once a coin is “broken out,” it is prone to environmental damage, and many collectors prefer the security of the original Mint-issued hard plastic lenses.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar made of real gold?
A: No. Despite its golden appearance, it is made of a copper core with a manganese brass outer layer. It contains 0% gold.
Q: Why did I find a 2007-S in my change if it’s a proof coin?
A: This usually happens when someone “breaks” a proof set to spend the money, or if a collection was stolen and the thief spent the coins without knowing their value. These are referred to as “impaired proofs.”
Q: What is the rarest Sacagawea Dollar?
A: Generally, the 2000-W 22k Gold Sacagawea (which flew on the Space Shuttle) is the rarest, but in terms of circulation issues, certain “Cheerio” dollars and “Mule” errors (with a State Quarter design on one side) are the most valuable.
Q: Should I get my 2007-S graded?
A: Only if you believe it is a perfect PR 70. Since grading costs $20-$40 per coin plus shipping, it does not make financial sense to grade a coin that is only worth $10. Use CoinKnow to compare your coin to high-res images of known grades before spending the money.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2007-S Sacagawea Dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (heads) side, just below the date “2007” on the right-hand side of the coin.