The 2017 S Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in packaged uncirculated condition to over $1,200 for high-grade specimens. Finding one of these golden dollars in your change is an exciting moment, as they were not intended for general circulation and carry a beautiful tribute to Native American history.
The History and Design of the 2017 Native American Dollar
The 2017 Sacagawea Dollar belongs to the Native American $1 Coin Program, which began in 2009 to honor the contributions of Native American tribes to the United States. While the obverse (front) always features the iconic image of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, the reverse (back) changes every year.
The 2017 reverse design commemorates Sequoyah, the creator of the Cherokee syllabary. If you have found one and want to confirm its identity, using the best coin identifier app can help you see high-resolution images of what the Sequoyah design should look like.
Unlike the common quarters or dimes you use at the grocery store, these coins were struck in limited quantities. Most 2017-S dollars were produced specifically for collectors in “Enhanced Uncirculated” finishes, meaning they were never meant to buy a soda or pay for parking. If you have a shiny gold coin with an “S” mint mark, you are holding a piece of numismatic history. For collectors wanting to track their finds, the CoinHix app is a great way to log your collection.
Understanding the S Mint Mark and Production Types
The “S” mint mark on your 2017 Sacagawea dollar indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. In 2017, the San Francisco Mint produced a special version for the 225th Anniversary Enhanced Uncirculated Coin Set. This makes the 2017-S unique compared to the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions usually found in circulation.
Enhanced Uncirculated coins have a distinct look. Some parts of the design are frosted, while others are polished, creating a multi-dimensional appearance. Because these were sold as part of a set, they are generally found in very good condition.
If you are curious about how these compare to standard business strikes, you can check the 2017 Native American dollar price guide to see how much more the “S” mint mark can be worth compared to the Philadelphia versions. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC can significantly increase the resale value of these coins.
Current Market Value and Pricing Guide
When determining the value of your 2017-S Sacagawea dollar, condition is the most critical factor. Since these coins were sold in protective packaging, many have survived in “Mint State” (MS) or “Specimen” (SP) condition. Scratches, fingerprints, or signs of wear will decrease the value toward the lower end of the spectrum.
While a raw, ungraded coin might sell for a few dollars on auction sites, a coin that has been professionally graded SP70 (the highest possible grade) can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction. The demand for perfect modern coins is high among registry set collectors who want the absolute best examples of each year.
To help you understand the potential payout, refer to the 2017 Sacagawea dollar value chart which details the prices based on various grades. You can also use CoinHix to check live auction results and see what similar coins are selling for in real-time.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Raw (Uncirculated in Packaging) | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| SP67 (Professional Grade) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| SP68 (Professional Grade) | $35.00 – $55.00 |
| SP69 (Professional Grade) | $75.00 – $150.00 |
| SP70 (Perfect Condition) | $500.00 – $1,250.00+ |
Key Features and Potential Errors to Look For
While most 2017-S dollars are uniform, collectors are always on the hunt for mint errors. An error occurs when something goes wrong during the striking process at the Mint. Common errors to look for on late-date Sacagawea dollars include clipped planchets (where a piece of the coin is missing) or “mule” errors (where the wrong front and back designs are paired together).
On the 2017 version, pay close attention to the lettering on the edge of the coin. The date, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are incused on the edge. If the edge lettering is missing or doubled, you might have found a very valuable rarity.
The CoinHix app allows you to zoom in on your coin photos to look for these tiny details that the naked eye might miss. Even a small imperfection can make a coin “unique” in the eyes of a specialist. If the coin looks exceptionally shiny or has a different texture than a normal dollar, it is worth having a professional take a second look.
Q: Is the 2017 Sacagawea dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is not made of gold. It consists of a copper core with an outer layer of manganese brass, which gives it that distinctive golden color.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on the 2017 dollar?
A: Unlike older American coins, the mint mark for the 2017 Sacagawea dollar is located on the edge of the coin, along with the year and the motto.
Q: Can I spend a 2017-S dollar at a store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth $1. However, because its collector value is almost certainly higher than $1, it is better to keep it or sell it to a coin dealer.