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The 2022 S Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in uncirculated condition to over $65 in high-grade proof state. If you have found one of these shiny gold-colored coins in your change or a family collection, you are likely holding a piece of modern American history that celebrates the spirit of public service.
Understanding the 2022 S Native American Dollar Minted in San Francisco
Finding a 2022 dollar coin with an “S” mint mark is an exciting discovery because these coins were not released into general circulation. While the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced millions of coins for everyday commerce, the San Francisco Mint focused on creating high-quality proof coins specifically for collectors. If you are unsure exactly what version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and the mirror-like finish of a San Francisco proof.
The 2022 release is part of the Native American $1 Coin Program, which features a new reverse design every year. The 2022 design honors Ely S. Parker, a Tonawanda Seneca who served as military secretary to Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. Because these were sold directly to collectors in sets or rolls, finding one in your pocket change is rare, but it does happen. When you find a treasure like this, you can use the CoinKnow app to quickly get a sense of its rarity and market demand among enthusiasts.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Evaluating the Physical Condition and Proof Quality
The value of a 2022 S Sacagawea Dollar depends almost entirely on its grade. Since these coins were struck using polished dies and specially treated blanks, they should ideally look “perfect” to the naked eye. In the world of numismatics, these are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin graded PR69 (Proof 69) is very common and might only sell for a few extra dollars, but a PR70—representing a flawless coin—commands a significant premium among serious collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If your coin has scratches or fingerprints, its value will drop closer to its face value of one dollar, though most collectors will still pay a small premium for the “S” mint mark. To ensure you are getting an accurate estimate, professionals often look at the current market value for 2022 Sacagawea coins to see what similar specimens have fetched at recent auctions. Keeping your coin in a protective flip or capsule is essential to maintaining its “Deep Cameo” finish, which features a frosted image against a mirror-like background.
Current Market Value and Pricing Guide
While the face value is just one dollar, the numismatic market places a higher price tag on these San Francisco strikes. The prices fluctuate based on the “spot” price of the coin’s historical significance and the current population of high-grade examples tracked by services like PCGS or NGC. By using CoinKnow, you can stay updated on these price shifts in real-time.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Below is a breakdown of the estimated values you can expect for a 2022 S Sacagawea Dollar in various conditions:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Impaired Proof | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Proof-65 (Choice) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Proof-69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Proof-70 (Flawless) | $45.00 – $75.00 |
For those looking for more detailed breakdowns, you can find a comprehensive guide to 2022 dollar values which includes data for Philadelphia and Denver mintages as well.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Special Features of the 2022 Ely S. Parker Design
The 2022 design is particularly special because it depicts Ely S. Parker in his military uniform, holding a quill pen. This symbolizes his role in drafting the surrender documents at Appomattox Court House, ending the Civil War. The obverse (front) of the coin continues to feature the classic portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, designed by Glenna Goodacre.
It is important to remember that these coins are not made of gold. They are composed of a copper core with a manganese-brass cladding, which gives them that distinct golden hue. Over time, these coins can develop a dark patina or “toning” if exposed to air. While some collectors love colorful toning, most buyers of modern proof coins prefer the brilliant, original luster. If yours still looks like it just came out of a mint set, you are in a good position to sell it for a profit.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How to Sell or Store Your 2022 S Dollar
If you decide that you want to sell your 2022 S Sacagawea Dollar, your best bet is usually an online marketplace or a local coin shop. However, because the value is relatively low compared to 19th-century coins, shipping costs can eat into your profit. Selling it as part of a larger collection or set is often the most efficient way to get a fair price.
Before selling, many hobbyists use the CoinKnow app to build a digital inventory of their finds. This helps you track the total value of your collection over time. For storage, avoid PVC plastic sleeves, which can damage the coin’s surface over several years. Instead, use “non-PVC” flips or hard plastic holders. This ensures that the beautiful tribute to Native American history remains in pristine condition for the next generation of collectors to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2022 S Sacagawea Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is made of a mixture of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. The “golden” color comes from the manganese-brass coating used on all Native American and Presidential dollar coins.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 2022 dollar?
A: On the 2022 Sacagawea (Native American) Dollar, the mint mark, year, and “E Pluribus Unum” are located on the edge of the coin. You will need to look at the rim to find the “S” for San Francisco.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Can I spend my 2022 S Sacagawea Dollar at a store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth one dollar. However, because it is a collector’s item and worth significantly more than its face value to a numismatist, it is generally recommended that you keep it or sell it to a collector instead.
Q: How many 2022 S Proof Dollars were minted?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced roughly 500,000 to 600,000 proof sets containing these dollars, making them much scarcer than the millions struck in Philly or Denver for circulation.