In the world of coin collecting, every now and then a discovery shakes the market and captures global attention. One such extraordinary event occurred when a 2011 Sacagawea Dollar with a reverse rotation error surfaced and stunned collectors at auction.
This “ordinary” golden dollar ended up selling for a jaw-dropping $2.2 million, proving once again that even modern coins can become priceless treasures under the right conditions.
What Is the Sacagawea Dollar?
The Sacagawea Dollar, first released in the year 2000, was created to honor Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who famously guided Lewis and Clark on their expedition.
- Obverse (front): Features Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste.
- Reverse (back): Displays changing Native American themes each year to highlight cultural and historical contributions.
- Appearance: Golden color, made with a copper core and manganese brass cladding.
By 2011, the series had already gained attention for its beautiful artwork and historical symbolism, but no one expected a coin from that year to set a record-breaking price at auction.
Understanding the Reverse Rotation Error
A reverse rotation error happens when the back of the coin is misaligned in relation to the front.
- Normally, when you flip a U.S. coin vertically, both sides should line up perfectly.
- On this 2011 Sacagawea Dollar, the reverse was rotated by a full 180 degrees.
- This means the back was upside-down compared to the front—an error rarely seen in modern minting.
Why This Coin Sold for $2.2 Million
The auction of this 2011 Sacagawea Dollar sent shockwaves through the coin community. Here’s why it achieved such an astonishing price tag:
- Rarity of the Error – A dramatic 180° reverse rotation is almost unheard of in recent U.S. Mint history.
- Perfect Preservation – The coin was in near-flawless mint state, with sharp details and untouched luster.
- Collector Demand – With more collectors entering the market for modern errors, bidding wars escalated quickly.
- Historic Significance – The Sacagawea series itself carries cultural weight, and this unique coin amplified its importance.
The result? A sale price of $2.2 million, setting a record for a modern U.S. error coin.
Quick Facts- 2011 Sacagawea Reverse Rotation Dollar
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | 2011 |
| Coin Type | Sacagawea (Native American) Dollar |
| Error Type | Reverse Rotation – full 180° misalignment |
| Metal Composition | Copper core with manganese brass cladding |
| Condition | Superb Mint State (nearly flawless) |
| Auction Price | $2.2 million |
| Significance | Record-breaking sale for modern error coin |
Cultural & Historical Appeal
The Sacagawea Dollar series was designed not only as currency but also as a symbol of Native American contributions to U.S. history.
- The 2011 reverse design celebrated diplomacy and treaties with Native Nations, making it historically meaningful.
- The error coin added a twist of fate, turning this cultural tribute into a numismatic legend.
- Collectors valued it not just for its mistake, but also for its place in American storytelling through coins.
The record-breaking sale of the 2011 Sacagawea Dollar with reverse rotation error for $2.2 million proves that modern coinage is far from ordinary. What was once considered just another dollar coin is now celebrated as a numismatic legend.
This story reminds us that history, culture, and minting technology all converge in the world of coins. For collectors, it’s a wake-up call to never overlook modern coins—because the next multi-million-dollar treasure might be sitting in your change jar right now.
FAQs
They are extremely rare. Modern minting technology usually prevents such mistakes, which is why this 2011 error is so valuable.
While it’s possible, the chances are very slim. Most error coins are caught before release, but a few slip through.
Yes. The cultural and historical themes of the series increase its appeal, especially when paired with a rare error.