How to Invest in Sacagawea Gold Coins

Investing in gold has long been a popular strategy for diversifying portfolios and preserving wealth. Among the many gold investment options available, Sacagawea gold coins stand out for their unique historical significance and collectible value. Named after the iconic Shoshone guide who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition, these coins combine artistry, cultural heritage, and financial potential.

This guide will cover everything you need to know, from the history and design of the coins to evaluating their value and navigating the market. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the tools and insights to confidently add these stunning pieces to your investment portfolio.

What Are Sacagawea Gold Coins?

The first Sacagawea coins were launched in the early 2000s and were in circulation until 2008. They were used as normal $1 coins.

Sacagawea dollar coins are composed of copper (88.5%), zinc (6%), manganese (3.5%), and nickel (4%). Over time, its copper components become darker, giving it a unique antique finish. 

Each coin is 8.1 grams in weight, 2 mm thick and 26.5 mm in diameter. You can find these coins on sites like Amazon, making them more affordable and common than the commemorative gold and silver Sacagawea coins mentioned below. 

The Scottsdale Mint created 20th anniversary Sacagawea gold coins to commemorate the original $1 coin. Each gold coin is composed of 99.9% gold and has traces of other metal like copper to keep its shape.

Besides being available as a gold coin, it’s also available as a 1 oz silver gold coin. While gold is becoming more popular, silver coins can also be a good investment since silver can hedge against inflation and can be used in multiple industries.

While this coin isn’t as famous as the American Gold Eagle coin, it could be a solid pick if you want to diversify your portfolio with gold. 

Brief History of Sacagawea Gold Coins

Sacagawea was a Native American guide who helped explorers Lewis and Clark find the Pacific Northwest. She helped Lewis and Clark live off the land and acted as a translator when they dealt with other native American tribes.

Sacagawea is depicted with her son Jean Pierre on the front of each coin. On the back, these coins can have $1 or $50 signs to commemorate the original copper and brass coins. 

This coin is also special since it honors the contributions that women and Native Americans have made to the U.S. There was a similar Susan B. Anthony Dollar coin that ran from 1979 through 1981, but it wasn't as popular as the Sacagawea coins.

How to Buy Gold Coins

Sacagawea coins are available on Amazon and the U.S. mint website as well as other marketplaces like eBay. If you are looking to buy coins that actually have gold in them, you can sign up for a precious metals exchange.

Step 1: Open an Online Account

It’s never been as easy to invest in multiple asset classes, thanks to the internet. With these partners, you can open an account in just 20 minutes. These companies also offer special deals to entice new investors.

If you only want to get a few Sacagawea coins, you can pick some up on Amazon. If you want to get real gold coins, you may want to sign up for a good gold exchange. These platforms let you buy gold online and have it shipped to you.

Currently, American Hartford Gold is giving all new investors free shipping when they buy gold and silver. This perk is especially important since it includes transit insurance, which protects your precious metals when they’re being sent to your address.

Step 2: Choose the Gold Coins You Want to Buy

You can choose to buy gold or silver Sacagawea coins, which have 1 oz of gold and silver, respectively.

Regardless of the type of gold coin that you purchase, check the weight and composition. For example, Krugerrands have a 92%/8% composition of 22-karat gold to copper.

Step 3: Make Your Purchase

Regardless of the partner, you must call during their regular business hours to purchase, trade or sell gold coins. Each trade desk needs to confirm the order, spot price and your physical address.

These extra steps might seem like an inconvenience, but they’re necessary to confirm each detail of your order. More factors come into play when buying physical gold, like shipping costs and transit insurance compared to buying stocks online.

How to Buy Gold Coins With an IRA

You can use a self-directed IRA to invest in gold and other precious metals on a tax-deferred or tax-free (Roth) basis. By law, you must work with a custodian like the partners mentioned above to store and secure your precious metals in a physical location.

How to Trade or Sell Your Gold Coins

The right partner can help you trade or sell your gold coins easily and with minimal fees. Call the trading desk to connect with a professional broker. Sacagawea coins will likely be harder to sell than real gold coins, however, as they aren’t worth enough to offset shipping in many cases.

This route is much easier than finding a third party like a jeweler or cash-for-gold store. Third parties can have high commissions, which can reduce your profits.

Don’t forget to take your required minimum distributions (RMDs) if you invest with a self-directed IRA. RMDs require you to withdraw a certain percentage of your balance once you turn 72. You can also use this calculator to determine the specific amount.

Just be sure to confirm those numbers with a financial advisor, since any missteps can lead to steep tax penalties.

Current Gold Coin Prices

As of January 2025, the gold market remains active, with prices fluctuating based on various economic factors. The current spot price of gold is approximately $2,706 per ounce.

Gold coins are typically sold at a premium over the spot price, reflecting factors such as rarity, demand, and condition. Here are some popular gold coins and their current approximate prices:

• American Gold Eagle: A 1 oz American Gold Eagle coin is currently priced around $2,828.77.
• South African Gold Krugerrand: A 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand coin is available for approximately $2,815.33.
• Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: A 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin is priced around $2,788.46.
• Austrian Gold Philharmonic: A 1 oz Austrian Gold Philharmonic coin is available for approximately $2,815.33.
• American Gold Buffalo: A 1 oz American Gold Buffalo coin is currently priced around $2,828.77. Please note that these prices are subject to change due to market volatility. For the most current pricing, it’s advisable to consult reputable dealers or financial news sources.

Frequently Asked Questions