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The 2019 S Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in Proof condition to over $1,200 in high-grade Enhanced Reverse Proof condition. If you have found one of these golden dollars in your spare change or a family collection, it is likely a special numismatic issue rather than a common circulating coin.
Introduction to the 2019 S Native American Dollar
If you just looked into your wallet and saw a golden coin featuring a woman with a baby on her back, you have found a Sacagawea Dollar, specifically part of the Native American $1 Coin Program. The 2019 edition is particularly special because it commemorates Mary Golda Ross, the first known Native American female engineer. While billion of quarters and pennies are minted every year, these dollars are produced in much smaller quantities. If you are unsure exactly what version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes instantly.
Most people recognize these as “golden” coins, but they are actually made of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core. The “S” mint mark on the rim of the 2019 coin signifies that it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the coins minted in Philadelphia or Denver, San Francisco coins are generally struck specifically for collectors. This means they were never intended to spend at the grocery store, which automatically makes them more interesting to hobbyists. To get a quick idea of what you have, the CoinKnow app can help you scan the coin to check for specific varieties that collectors crave.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The Value Scale for 2019 S Sacagawea Dollars
When determining the value of your 2019 S dollar, the “finish” of the coin is everything. In 2019, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of these coins. The first is the standard Proof coin, characterized by a mirror-like background and frosted details. These were sold in annual proof sets and are relatively common among collectors. The second, and much more valuable version, is the Enhanced Reverse Proof. This coin has a frosty background and polished, shiny details, giving it a striking, almost 3D appearance.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The condition of the coin, or its “grade,” determines whether it is a $10 item or a $1,000 treasure. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A 2019 S coin in Proof 69 condition is worth a modest amount, but a perfect Proof 70 can fetch a significant premium. You can check the latest market trends by looking at 2019 Native American dollar auction prices to see what buyers are currently paying for top-tier specimens. Most coins found in raw condition outside of a plastic holder will fall on the lower end of the valuation scale.
| Coin Type and Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| 2019-S Proof (PR67-68) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| 2019-S Proof (PR69 DCAM) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| 2019-S Proof (PR70 DCAM) | $45.00 – $70.00 |
| 2019-S Enhanced Reverse Proof (RP69) | $150.00 – $250.00 |
| 2019-S Enhanced Reverse Proof (RP70) | $800.00 – $1,250.00 |
Special 2019 Apollo 11 Discovery Sets
A major reason the 2019 S dollar gained so much attention was its inclusion in the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Coin and Currency Set. This set included a 2019 S Enhanced Reverse Proof dollar and a $2 bill. Because the U.S. Mint only produced 100,000 of these sets, they sold out rapidly. If you find a 2019 S dollar that looks different—specifically with a “matte” or textured finish on the fields rather than a mirror shine—you likely have the highly sought-after Enhanced Reverse Proof.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For the average person who finds one of these in a drawer, it is vital to keep the coin in its original packaging if possible. Touching the surface of these coins with your bare fingers can leave oils that permanently damage the finish, lowering the 2019 Sacagawea dollar retail value significantly. Collectors pay the most for “pristine” coins that look exactly as they did the day they left the San Francisco Mint. If you aren’t sure if your coin has the special reverse finish, the CoinKnow app can help guide you through the visual differences.
Where to Look for Potential Value
Usually, you won’t find 2019 S dollars in your pocket change because they were never released for general circulation. However, “broken” sets are common. This happens when someone inherits a collection, doesn’t know the value, and spends the coins at face value. If you are lucky enough to find one at a local bank or in a change jar, look closely at the rim of the coin. That is where you will find the “S” mint mark, along with the year and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Because these coins are relatively modern, the market is very sensitive to condition. A single tiny scratch invisible to the naked eye can be the difference between a $100 coin and a $1,300 coin. High-quality photos and digital verification tools like CoinKnow are excellent starting points before you decide to pay for a professional grading service. Always compare your coin to known examples to ensure you aren’t mistaking a regular “P” or “D” mint coin for the rarer San Francisco version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my 2019 S Dollar is a Proof or Enhanced Reverse Proof?
A: A standard Proof coin has shiny, mirror-like backgrounds and frosted figures. An Enhanced Reverse Proof is the opposite: it has frosted, matte-like backgrounds and shiny, polished figures. The Enhanced version was only available in the Apollo 11 anniversary sets and is much rarer.
Q: Is the 2019 S Sacagawea Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, these coins do not contain any real gold. They are composed of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. The golden color comes from the manganese-brass coating, which can unfortunately tarnish or turn dark brown over time if handled frequently.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2019 S Dollar?
A: Unlike older American coins where the mint mark is on the face, the 2019 S Sacagawea Dollar has its mint mark “S” located on the edge (rim) of the coin. You will need to turn the coin on its side to see the year, the mint mark, and the inscriptions.
Q: Can I spend a 2019 S Sacagawea Dollar at a store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender worth exactly one dollar. However, since the lowest-value 2019 S dollar is worth at least $5 to collectors, spending it for only $1 would be a mistake. Always check the value before using golden dollars at a store.