Rare 2014 Sacagawea Dollar : Most people think of the Sacagawea dollar as just another golden-colored coin with little more than face value. But in the world of numismatics, even common coins can become extraordinary under the right circumstances. One such case is the rare 2014 Sacagawea dollar featuring a dramatic error known as the “Speared Eagle” reverse, which sold for a stunning $12,300 at auction.
So what exactly is this coin, and why did it command such a high price? Here’s the fascinating story behind the error, what makes it so valuable, and how to tell if you might have one hiding in your collection.
What Is the 2014 Sacagawea Dollar?
The Sacagawea dollar, first issued in 2000, honors the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark through the American frontier. The coin features her portrait on the obverse (front) and rotating reverse designs highlighting Native American contributions to U.S. history.
In 2014, the reverse design featured a Native American man planting corn, beans, and squash—known as the “Three Sisters” method of sustainable agriculture. The reverse also includes a soaring eagle in the upper left-hand portion of the coin.
But in a few rare instances, that eagle ended up looking… unusual.
What Is the “Speared Eagle” Error?
The “Speared Eagle” nickname refers to a striking die gouge—an unintentional raised line that cuts through the body of the eagle on the reverse of the 2014 coin. It looks exactly like a spear piercing the bird from chest to wing, making it instantly recognizable and dramatically different from standard coins.
This type of mint error isn’t caused by damage after the coin is released—it’s the result of a defect in the die used during minting. These gouges or cracks in the die leave raised marks on the coin’s surface, and in this case, the placement and shape made it especially eye-catching.
Why It’s Worth Over $12,000
Several key factors made this particular 2014 Sacagawea dollar sell for $12,300 at auction:
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Rarity: Only a few examples of the “Speared Eagle” error are known to exist. As of now, it’s considered one of the rarest modern coin errors on a dollar coin.
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Dramatic Visual Appeal: The die gouge is not subtle. The spear-like line that cuts through the eagle is bold, clean, and unmistakable. This kind of striking visual error increases collector demand.
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Excellent Condition: The coin that sold was in Mint State (MS) condition, likely graded MS-66 or higher by a professional service like PCGS or NGC, which dramatically boosts value.
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Authenticity and Certification: The coin was authenticated and graded by a top-tier coin grading company, reassuring buyers of its legitimacy.
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Collector Demand: Modern error coins, especially those from popular series like the Sacagawea dollars, have a strong collector base. Unique varieties can ignite bidding wars.
How to Check If You Have One
If you have any 2014 Native American $1 coins, it’s time to take a close look. Here’s how:
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Examine the Eagle: Look at the upper left side of the reverse, where the eagle is flying. If there’s a clear, raised line or gouge cutting through its chest or wing, you might have a speared eagle.
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Use a Magnifier or Loupe: These lines may not be visible to the naked eye, especially on circulated coins. A 10x magnifier is ideal.
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Check for Sharp Detail: The error line should look like part of the design—not a scratch or post-mint damage.
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Look at the Edge Lettering: While not related to the error, confirming that the coin is indeed from 2014 and has proper U.S. Mint edge inscriptions helps verify authenticity.
What To Do If You Find One
If you believe you’ve found a 2014 Sacagawea dollar with the “Speared Eagle” reverse:
- Do not clean or alter the coin—cleaning can ruin its value.
- Take high-quality photos of both sides, especially the reverse.
- Contact a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for evaluation.
- Reach out to a reputable coin dealer or auction house that specializes in rare U.S. coin errors.
Final Thoughts
Modern coins are often overlooked by collectors chasing vintage silver and gold pieces. But the 2014 Sacagawea dollar with the “Speared Eagle” error proves that even a contemporary $1 coin can be worth over $12,000—if it has the right flaw.
So the next time you’re handed a golden dollar in change, don’t just toss it in the coin jar. Examine it closely. You might be looking at a rare piece of modern U.S. Mint history—one that could turn your pocket change into a five-figure windfall.