The 2013-D Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade mint state. Most examples found in pocket change today are worth face value, but specific high-grade specimens or error coins can fetch a premium among dedicated collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Average Condition | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS63-MS65) | $3.00 – $8.00 |
| High Grade (MS67+) | $35.00 – $125.00+ |
Understanding the History of the 2013-D Native American Dollar
If you have just discovered a golden-colored coin in your drawer, you are likely looking at the 2013 Native American Dollar, often still referred to as the Sacagawea Dollar. While the original design launched in 2000 featured the Shoshone guide on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, the 2013 edition is part of the “Native American $1 Coin” series. This series keeps Sacagawea on the front but changes the reverse design annually to celebrate different contributions of Native American tribes.
Determining the exact worth of your find can be tricky without the right tools. Many casual hunters use a top coin identifier app to quickly recognize the specific reverse design and mint mark. The 2013 reverse commemorates the Delaware Treaty of 1778, featuring a turkey, a howling wolf, and a turtle representing the clans of the Delaware Tribe.
The “D” mint mark on your coin indicates it was produced at the Denver Mint. In 2013, these coins were not released into general circulation for daily commerce. Instead, they were sold by the U.S. Mint in bags and rolls specifically for collectors. This means that if you find one in your change, someone likely broke open a collector set to spend it, or it was part of a limited distribution. Using CoinKnow can help you distinguish these collector-only strikes from earlier versions.
2013-D Sacagawea Dollar Value and Grading
When evaluating the 2013-D Sacagawea Dollar value, condition is the most significant factor. Because these coins were not intended for “pocket change” use, many have survived in relatively good condition. However, “good” isn’t enough to make a coin valuable in the eyes of a professional grader. Most collectors are looking for “Mint State” (MS) coins that show no signs of wear from handling.
An average 2013-D coin that looks shiny but has small scratches from being in a bag is usually worth its $1 face value. To see a significant jump in price, the coin needs to be in MS65 or higher. You can check the current 2013 Sacagawea Dollar price trends to see how much the value fluctuates based on these subtle grading differences.
The highest prices are reserved for coins graded MS67 or MS68 by services like PCGS or NGC. At this level, the “golden” luster must be full and vibrant, with almost no visible imperfections even under magnification. If you think your coin looks perfect, it might be worth the cost of professional grading.
| Grade | Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| MS60 (Typical Uncirculated) | $1.50 |
| MS63 (Select Uncirculated) | $3.00 |
| MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $12.00 |
| MS67 (Superb Gem) | $45.00 |
Identifying Key Features and the “D” Mint Mark
To identify your coin correctly, you need to look at the edge. Since 2009, the Native American Dollars have used “edge-incused” lettering. This is where you will find the year (2013), the mint mark (D), and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” This design choice freed up space on the faces of the coin for more detailed artwork.
If you are unsure where to look, CoinKnow provides high-resolution guides to help you locate the mint mark on the rim. The “D” signifies Denver, while a “P” would signify Philadelphia. While the mintages for both are similar, sometimes one mint produces a higher quality strike than the other in a given year, leading to slight price disparities.
Interestingly, many people think these coins are made of solid gold because of their color. In reality, they are composed of a pure copper core with an outer layer of manganese brass. This alloy creates the signature “golden” shine when new, but it also causes the coins to tarnish or turn a chocolatey brown quickly when handled. This is why original, bright 2013-D dollars are more sought after.
Special Varieties and Rare Errors to Look For
While there are no major “famous” errors for the 2013-D Sacagawea Dollar like there are for the 2000-P “Cheerios” dollar, error hunters still keep a close eye on this year. The most common errors found on modern dollars include clipped planchets, where a piece of the coin is missing, or “off-center” strikes where the design is pushed to one side.
Another area to investigate is the edge lettering. Occasionally, a coin might bypass the edge-lettering machine, resulting in a “smooth edge” error. These are highly collectible and can be worth hundreds of dollars. You should also look for “doubled edge lettering,” which occurs when the coin goes through the machine twice.
For those looking for data on the rarest versions of these modern coins, looking at the 2013-D Native American Dollar auction records can provide a realistic idea of what “Position A” or “Position B” edge lettering might be worth in top tiers. Understanding these nuances is what separates a casual hobbyist from a successful collector.
| Error Type | Estimated Rarity | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Edge Lettering | Rare | $100 – $300 |
| Clipped Planchet | Uncommon | $25 – $75 |
| Weak Strike | Common | Face Value |
How to Sell or Collect Your 2013-D Dollar
If you believe you have a high-value 2013-D Sacagawea Dollar, the first step is to protect it. Do not clean the coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that ruin its numismatic value. Place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder to keep it safe from skin oils and humidity.
To get the best price, consider having the coin authenticated if it appears perfect. For coins worth less than $20, it is usually better to keep them in your personal collection or sell them on platforms like eBay where casual collectors shop. Using CoinKnow‘s community features can also help you find a buyer or a reputable local dealer who specializes in modern U.S. dollars.
Remember that because these coins were minted in the millions (specifically, about 1.8 million for the Denver mint that year), they are not “rare” in the traditional sense. Their value comes from their condition and their place within a complete set of Native American Dollars. If you enjoy history, keeping a 2013-D dollar as a piece of American heritage is often more rewarding than the few dollars you might get from selling it.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-D Sacagawea Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, it does not contain any gold. It is made of a copper core plated with manganese brass, which gives it a golden appearance. Over time, this metal will oxidize and look brown or dark.
Q: How many 2013-D Native American Dollars were minted?
A: The Denver Mint (D) produced approximately 1,820,000 of these coins. This is a relatively low mintage compared to early 2000s dollars, but still high enough that they are not considered rare.
Q: Can I spend a 2013-D dollar at the store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth exactly $1.00 at any business. However, since these were mostly sold in collector rolls, you might want to check its condition before spending it, as it could be worth more to a collector.
Q: Where is the date located on the 2013 Sacagawea Dollar?
A: The date is not on the front or back of the coin. It is “incused” or engraved into the edge (the rim) along with the mint mark and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”