The perceived high value of some Sacagawea dollar coins, specifically those minted in 2000 at the Denver Mint (indicated by the “D” mint mark), often stems from factors beyond their face value. It is crucial to understand that not all of these coins are highly valuable. The phrase, “Sacagawea 2000 D coin,” acts as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of coin.
The initial interest in these coins arose from the expectation that they would circulate widely and replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar. This spurred initial collector demand. Furthermore, specific varieties of the 2000-D Sacagawea dollar coins, most notably the “Cheerios” variety (due to their inclusion in Cheerios cereal boxes as a promotional item), command a premium due to their rarity. These coins were the first to be minted using new dies and have a distinct tail feather detail, distinguishing them from the general mintage. The historical context surrounding the introduction of a new dollar coin also contributes to the allure for numismatists.
