Blast off with Sacagawea gold dollars! Some flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia, making them super rare and valuable. Plus, a 24-karat anniversary coin!
Alright, listen up, coin collectors and space enthusiasts! We're talking about Sacagawea gold dollars, but not just any Sacagaweas. These babies are special – some have been to SPACE! And that, my friends, makes them seriously valuable.
Space-Flown Sacagaweas: A Numismatic Odyssey
Back in July 1999, twelve 22-karat gold Sacagawea dollars were chosen to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, commanded by Col. Eileen Collins (the first female shuttle commander, no less!). Talk about a VIP ride! These coins orbited Earth 80 times, traveling 1.8 million miles to promote the Sacagawea dollar. Only seven of those coins were auctioned off to the public, the rest were destroyed!
Stack’s Bowers Galleries auctioned off these seven space-flown Sacagawea proofs, all certified by PCGS as Proof-69 Deep Cameo. The hammer prices ranged from a staggering $360,001 to $550,001. Seriously, who knew pocket change could be so lucrative?
The First 2025-W Sacagawea: Golden Anniversary
But wait, there's more! The auction also included the first-struck 2025-W Sacagawea dollar in 24-karat gold. This coin was issued for the series’ 25th anniversary and was part of a limited release that sold out quickly. Certified as Proof-70 Deep Cameo, this golden beauty fetched $120,001. Not bad for a coin!
Why Are These Coins So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high value of these Sacagawea dollars:
- Rarity: Only a limited number of 22-karat gold Sacagaweas were ever struck, and only 12 went to space.
- Space History: Being flown on the Space Shuttle Columbia gives these coins a unique provenance and appeal to both coin collectors and space enthusiasts.
- High Grades: The coins were graded by PCGS as Proof-69 or Proof-70 Deep Cameo, indicating their exceptional quality and condition.
A Personal Take: Worth the Hype?
Are these space-flown Sacagaweas worth the hefty price tag? Well, that depends. For serious collectors with deep pockets and a passion for both numismatics and space exploration, these coins are undoubtedly a prized possession. The fact that the Mint secured these coins at Fort Knox before auctioning them is a testament to their rarity.
The 2025-W Sacagawea is valuable too, since it's a first strike, and part of a small mintage that sold out almost instantly. In addition, Stack's Bowers Galleries waived the Buyer's Premium for all eight Sacagawea dollars, which means the hammer price is the total due from the winning bidder, aside from shipping. That's an awesome deal.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Eyes Peeled!
While you might not find a space-flown Sacagawea in your spare change, it's always worth checking your coins for errors or rare varieties. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a hidden treasure! And hey, even if you don't, you can always dream of owning a coin that's been to outer space. How cool is that?
