@bigmountainlion said:
I am not so sure there are 7500 serious Sacagawea collectors, I think many buy to flip.
I don't believe there is hardly any overlap between those who collect the business strikes/proofs and this coin. If I am wrong, those who can afford it are still almost entirely collecting the series as a secondary or sideline interest. Outside of the handful of expensive die varieties which aren't even that scarce, the relative collector preference is too low. For everyone else, it's either too expensive for them or above their self-imposed price point.
No collection of Saq $ here.
I don't even own an error, just a Goodacre Autographed payment dollar I bought direct from her.
I wanted this gold as it's similar to space flown 2000 and turns out its only .01 mm smaller than normal Saqs.
This is virtually full diameter 24k 25th anniversary Dollar.
I received mine today and I am thrilled for holding a dollar struck in gold. Will put this SAC au and reverse proof side by side to see which one my wife would pick. 😀
Stack’s Bowers Galleries has been selected once again by the United States Mint to present a historic selection of rarities to collectors and investors. Featured in a dedicated auction on Friday, September 12 will be a special group of seven 2000-W Sacagawea dollars struck in 22 Karat gold which traveled nearly 2 million miles in orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1999. These coins have since been stored at the Fort Knox Bullion Depository for more than two decades, and this sale will mark the first time they are available for public ownership. This offering by Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be a landmark event across the categories of numismatics, aviation, space flight, and the most historic American artifacts.
These space-flown 22 karat gold Sacagawea dollars are ranked #5 among the Top 100 Modern Coins, according to Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), and their very existence has become the stuff of numismatic legend. Originally struck as part of the effort to promote the upcoming new Golden Dollar and in celebration of the first space shuttle flight to be commanded by a woman, USAF Col. (ret.) Eileen Collins, these coins were part of an initial mintage of 39 pieces produced in 22 Karat gold. These coins were struck in a Proof format on specially prepared 1/2oz gold planchets originally intended for the American Eagle bullion coin series. These coins were also struck with the pattern “engraved tailfeathers” reverse design which is shared with the coveted “Cheerios” variety of Sacagawea dollar. This special reverse design was used on only the very first coins struck in the series and was quickly modified to a less detailed design shortly after production began.
Only the 12 best strikes were selected for flight aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, and the remaining 27 Sacagawea coins were destroyed. Of the 12 survivors in 22 karat gold, only seven will be available for public ownership, and these will be presented exclusively in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries sale. The United States Mint has confirmed that the remaining five coins will be archived in their heritage collection and permanently out of reach for collectors. Each of the coins in this auction will also be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity featuring the signature of Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally. These pieces, which until now have never been issued as coinage, will become monetized as legal tender upon sale. The final auction price for each coin will include $1 to account for the face value of the newly monetized coin.
“We are extremely honored to once again present a historic selection of rarities on behalf of the United State Mint,” said Stack’s Bowers Galleries President Brian Kendrella. “These space flown 22 Karat gold Sacagawea dollars transcend any single collectible category and stand as true American treasures.”
Also featured in the special auction will be the very first struck 2025-W Sacagawea dollar in 24 Karat gold, produced to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the series. These were issued with an extremely low mintage of only 7,500 pieces and quickly sold out during the initial release by the United States Mint. This #1 struck example is the single most important coin from this limited series and represents a crowning jewel for a world class collection of modern rarities. It will also be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity that has been personally signed by Acting Director Kristie McNally. This offering comes on the heels of similar sale on behalf of the United States Mint in which Stack’s Bowers Galleries sold the #1 struck privy mark 2024 Flowing Hair gold $1 for an astounding $440,000, setting a world record for the most valuable 21st century United States Mint coin. The firm is anticipating a similar record-setting result for this 2025-W 25th Anniversary gold dollar.
To further recognize the significance of these historic pieces, all eight coins will be certified by leading grading service PCGS and encapsulated with bespoke labels designed exclusively for this auction event. They will also be added to the popular PCGS Set Registry which allows collectors to better document and showcase their collections, as well as compete with other collectors. For the first time ever, participants in the Top 100 Modern Coins set will have the opportunity to add the space flown 2000-W 22 karat gold coins to their collection. Though dozens of collectors are currently competing in this set, only seven will have the chance to fill the #5 slot via the Stack’s Bowers Galleries sale. These coins will also be added to other relevant PCGS Registry Sets across the Sacagawea and other modern coin categories.
Live bidding for these 22 Karat and 24 Karat gold Sacagawea dollars will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 12:00PM EDT (9AM PDT). The auction will be hosted on the Stack’s Bowers Galleries website www.StacksBowers.com and broadcast from Griffin Studios in the firm’s Costa Mesa, California headquarters. In recognition of this historic offering, Stack’s Bowers Galleries will waive the Buyer’s Premium on these special Sacagawea dollars, meaning that the highest bid on each lot (the hammer price) will be the final amount paid by the winning bidder (excluding shipping fees).
Remarkably, this sale will represent the fourth time Stack’s Bowers Galleries has been selected by the United States Mint for a special auction, following their $7.5 million sale of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 in July 2002, their $4.6 million sale of 35th Anniversary American Eagle coins in September 2022 and their $8.2 million sale of 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair coins in December 2024. No other auction firm in the world—specialized or generalist—boasts this repetitive selection by the United States Mint.
Alrighty then. The rationale behind creating this 25th anniversary tribute to a coin no one ever really cared about is suddenly coming into focus.
We are all just the foundation upon which the Mint is now continuing its charming practice of pushing artificial modern rarities through S-B for absolute moon money. To create a companion piece for the space coins.
Waiting for @coiner to opine that these will be worth no more than $10K, since they are not part of a cherished series like the V75 AGE, and have half as much gold in them. 🤣
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
Understood. As I asked, where are my Ikes and SBAs? Other relatively unpopular, relatively recent coins that have not yet received either their trips to space, or their gold tribute coins.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not claiming a conspiracy. It's you guys turning every criticism or observation into an allegation of a conspiracy.
I think it was a predicate. Because it was an odd choice to honor with a 25th anniversary tribute.
Not Kennedy. Not Lincoln. Not Washington.
Not a classic, popular, beautiful coin. Just a modern, base metal coin that received no acceptance, and no circulation, other than in some transit systems. And in Ecuador.
Seemed like an odd choice for a gold tribute, 25 years after release. What else gets a tribute after only 25 years? Not 50 years. Or 100 years. Or 230 years. Or 250 years. But 25 years?
Then it turns out they have 7 space flown gold versions from 1999 they want to sell at auction. After 26 years. Not 25 years. And it suddenly made sense.
Not a conspiracy. Just a bit of inspired marketing.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not claiming a conspiracy. It's you guys turning every criticism or observation into an allegation of a conspiracy.
I think it was a predicate. Because it was an odd choice to honor with a 25th anniversary tribute.
Not Kennedy. Not Lincoln. Not Washington.
Not a classic, popular, beautiful coin. Just a modern, base metal coin that received no acceptance, and no circulation, other than in some transit systems. And in Ecuador.
Seemed like an odd choice for a gold tribute, 25 years after release. What else gets a tribute after only 25 years? Not 50 years. Or 100 years. Or 230 years. Or 250 years. But 25 years?
Then it turns out they have 7 space flown gold versions from 1999 they want to sell at auction. After 26 years. Not 25 years. And it suddenly made sense.
Not a conspiracy. Just a bit of inspired marketing.
That’s silly. The real money was made on the 7500 Anniversary coins. Selling the 7 Space Flown pieces is just the cherry on top of the sundae. And FWIW, the 7 coins would have brought a sh*tload more if the 7500 coins had never existed. I mean, gold Sacagaweas as a class used to be super rare and iconic, and now they’re sort of Franklin Mint-y.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not claiming a conspiracy. It's you guys turning every criticism or observation into an allegation of a conspiracy.
I think it was a predicate. Because it was an odd choice to honor with a 25th anniversary tribute.
Not Kennedy. Not Lincoln. Not Washington.
Not a classic, popular, beautiful coin. Just a modern, base metal coin that received no acceptance, and no circulation, other than in some transit systems. And in Ecuador.
Seemed like an odd choice for a gold tribute, 25 years after release. What else gets a tribute after only 25 years? Not 50 years. Or 100 years. Or 230 years. Or 250 years. But 25 years?
Then it turns out they have 7 space flown gold versions from 1999 they want to sell at auction. After 26 years. Not 25 years. And it suddenly made sense.
Not a conspiracy. Just a bit of inspired marketing.
Except you are claiming that they are marketing the gold by selling crap. It would have to be the exact opposite of what you're saying. If they got $300k each for the 1999 ones, it would have driven interest in the 2025 ones. It doesn't work the other way around. Selling a bunch of $4000 knockoffs does nothing to help sell the $200k+ ones.
Which makes more sense:
"OH wow, they just sold these gold coins for $4000, I better bid $250,000!"
"OH wow, they just sold those gold coins for $250,000, I should buy one of these $4000 ones!"Simon.
Added: remember, they sold all the 2025 ones before anyone knew they were selling the other 7.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not claiming a conspiracy. It's you guys turning every criticism or observation into an allegation of a conspiracy.
I think it was a predicate. Because it was an odd choice to honor with a 25th anniversary tribute.
Not Kennedy. Not Lincoln. Not Washington.
Not a classic, popular, beautiful coin. Just a modern, base metal coin that received no acceptance, and no circulation, other than in some transit systems. And in Ecuador.
Seemed like an odd choice for a gold tribute, 25 years after release. What else gets a tribute after only 25 years? Not 50 years. Or 100 years. Or 230 years. Or 250 years. But 25 years?
Then it turns out they have 7 space flown gold versions from 1999 they want to sell at auction. After 26 years. Not 25 years. And it suddenly made sense.
Not a conspiracy. Just a bit of inspired marketing.
Except you are claiming that they are marketing the gold by selling crap. It would have to be the exact opposite of what you're saying. If they got $300k each for the 1999 ones, it would have driven interest in the 2025 ones. It doesn't work the other way around. Selling a bunch of $4000 knockoffs does nothing to help sell the $200k+ ones.
Which makes more sense:
"OH wow, they just sold these gold coins for $4000, I better bid $250,000!"
"OH wow, they just sold those gold coins for $250,000, I should buy one of these $4000 ones!"Simon.
Added: remember, they sold all the 2025 ones before anyone knew they were selling the other 7.
Also, to give credit where credit is due, the Mint could have maxed out by selling the 7 coins before announcing the Anniversary coins, which would have completely screwed the buyers of the 7 coins. But they did the right thing and didn’t hurt anyone.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not claiming a conspiracy. It's you guys turning every criticism or observation into an allegation of a conspiracy.
I think it was a predicate. Because it was an odd choice to honor with a 25th anniversary tribute.
Not Kennedy. Not Lincoln. Not Washington.
Not a classic, popular, beautiful coin. Just a modern, base metal coin that received no acceptance, and no circulation, other than in some transit systems. And in Ecuador.
Seemed like an odd choice for a gold tribute, 25 years after release. What else gets a tribute after only 25 years? Not 50 years. Or 100 years. Or 230 years. Or 250 years. But 25 years?
Then it turns out they have 7 space flown gold versions from 1999 they want to sell at auction. After 26 years. Not 25 years. And it suddenly made sense.
Not a conspiracy. Just a bit of inspired marketing.
That’s silly. The real money was made on the 7500 Anniversary coins. Selling the 7 Space Flown pieces is just the cherry on top of the sundae. And FWIW, the 7 coins would have brought a sh*tload more if the 7500 coins had never existed. I mean, gold Sacagaweas as a class used to be super rare and iconic, and now they’re sort of Franklin Mint-y.
Ya think? They made around $500 above cost on 7500 Anniversary coins. They are going to make close to, or maybe even more than that on the 7 space flown versions, plus 2025 #1.
Assuming the 7 go for around $500,000 each. Which might be high, but isn't crazy, and is probably close.
But, whatever they go for, no, the "real money" is made by selling a handful for six figure premiums each. Not manufacturing 7500 widgets to make a few hundred bucks on each.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not claiming a conspiracy. It's you guys turning every criticism or observation into an allegation of a conspiracy.
I think it was a predicate. Because it was an odd choice to honor with a 25th anniversary tribute.
Not Kennedy. Not Lincoln. Not Washington.
Not a classic, popular, beautiful coin. Just a modern, base metal coin that received no acceptance, and no circulation, other than in some transit systems. And in Ecuador.
Seemed like an odd choice for a gold tribute, 25 years after release. What else gets a tribute after only 25 years? Not 50 years. Or 100 years. Or 230 years. Or 250 years. But 25 years?
Then it turns out they have 7 space flown gold versions from 1999 they want to sell at auction. After 26 years. Not 25 years. And it suddenly made sense.
Not a conspiracy. Just a bit of inspired marketing.
Except you are claiming that they are marketing the gold by selling crap. It would have to be the exact opposite of what you're saying. If they got $300k each for the 1999 ones, it would have driven interest in the 2025 ones. It doesn't work the other way around. Selling a bunch of $4000 knockoffs does nothing to help sell the $200k+ ones.
Which makes more sense:
"OH wow, they just sold these gold coins for $4000, I better bid $250,000!"
"OH wow, they just sold those gold coins for $250,000, I should buy one of these $4000 ones!"Simon.
Added: remember, they sold all the 2025 ones before anyone knew they were selling the other 7.
No. I'm pretty sure they didn't just wake up a week ago Wednesday and decide to sell the other 7. And, yeah, selling 7500 created awareness of and interest in gold Sacs. And created a #1 from 2025 to pull in another $100K or so at auction.
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not claiming a conspiracy. It's you guys turning every criticism or observation into an allegation of a conspiracy.
I think it was a predicate. Because it was an odd choice to honor with a 25th anniversary tribute.
Not Kennedy. Not Lincoln. Not Washington.
Not a classic, popular, beautiful coin. Just a modern, base metal coin that received no acceptance, and no circulation, other than in some transit systems. And in Ecuador.
Seemed like an odd choice for a gold tribute, 25 years after release. What else gets a tribute after only 25 years? Not 50 years. Or 100 years. Or 230 years. Or 250 years. But 25 years?
Then it turns out they have 7 space flown gold versions from 1999 they want to sell at auction. After 26 years. Not 25 years. And it suddenly made sense.
Not a conspiracy. Just a bit of inspired marketing.
Except you are claiming that they are marketing the gold by selling crap. It would have to be the exact opposite of what you're saying. If they got $300k each for the 1999 ones, it would have driven interest in the 2025 ones. It doesn't work the other way around. Selling a bunch of $4000 knockoffs does nothing to help sell the $200k+ ones.
Which makes more sense:
"OH wow, they just sold these gold coins for $4000, I better bid $250,000!"
"OH wow, they just sold those gold coins for $250,000, I should buy one of these $4000 ones!"Simon.
Added: remember, they sold all the 2025 ones before anyone knew they were selling the other 7.
Also, to give credit where credit is due, the Mint could have maxed out by selling the 7 coins before announcing the Anniversary coins, which would have completely screwed the buyers of the 7 coins. But they did the right thing and didn’t hurt anyone.
Only if you think a half ounce of gold with a picture of a Native American woman on it is the same as any other half ounce of gold with a picture of a Native American woman on it. As though 7 of 12 patterns made in 1999, and flown on the space shuttle, are interchangeable with 7500 made for the masses in 2025. As though the pop is now going from 12 to 7512.
It isn't, and one thing has nothing to do with the other. Other than one created awareness of, possibly demand for, the other. And, of course, making 7500 presented the opportunity for them to create an artificial rarity by designating one as #1.
The Mint is also cashing in on the 8th coin - the 2025-W "First Struck" Sac coin. Good for them, nothing wrong with promoting & selling something that someone might want to buy while also paying a few bills.
They cashed in on the "First Struck" FHG Privy to include the #1 Cancelled Die. They cashed in on the rest of the Privies too. Good for them, great idea Mint & Ventris Gibson...
The Mint being portrayed as an entity that's out to 'screw, rip, & deceive everyone' is ridiculous on its face. They produce coins and Medals - Boo-hoo!
Buy coins, collect them, or use them in commerce - or don't - your choice.
How about this, they had to sell the regular gold Sacagawea’s prior to auctioning the space Sacagawea’s because if they did it after, the people who paid the big money for the space coins would be pissed that there were now all of a sudden so many more gold dollars.
I don’t think these gold Sacagawea’s are gonna impact the price of the space Sacagawea’s in any way, but at least now all the cards are on the table.
The two gold dollars are completely different entities. I can't imagine someone that knows the significance of these original 2000 dated dollars being "upset" that they struck anniversary commemorative dated 2025.
I do agree that by selling the 2025 ones first, it has created interest in the space flown 2000 examples. Some collectors with spending money are simply not aware of those special coins.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Comments
Mine's already en route to the next owner.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
HHL BYE BYE !
Tried to bag 7, Wah, Wah , Wah !
"Only six available for you"
The website still shows HHL 1. I wonder if they’ll actually process your order.
mine still shows hhl 1
$2,200 on Mint site.
No HHL
Perhaps they'll finally, really sell out now.
I don't believe there is hardly any overlap between those who collect the business strikes/proofs and this coin. If I am wrong, those who can afford it are still almost entirely collecting the series as a secondary or sideline interest. Outside of the handful of expensive die varieties which aren't even that scarce, the relative collector preference is too low. For everyone else, it's either too expensive for them or above their self-imposed price point.
No collection of Saq $ here.
I don't even own an error, just a Goodacre Autographed payment dollar I bought direct from her.
I wanted this gold as it's similar to space flown 2000 and turns out its only .01 mm smaller than normal Saqs.
This is virtually full diameter 24k 25th anniversary Dollar.
I received mine today and I am thrilled for holding a dollar struck in gold. Will put this SAC au and reverse proof side by side to see which one my wife would pick. 😀
Stack’s Bowers Galleries has been selected once again by the United States Mint to present a historic selection of rarities to collectors and investors. Featured in a dedicated auction on Friday, September 12 will be a special group of seven 2000-W Sacagawea dollars struck in 22 Karat gold which traveled nearly 2 million miles in orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1999. These coins have since been stored at the Fort Knox Bullion Depository for more than two decades, and this sale will mark the first time they are available for public ownership. This offering by Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be a landmark event across the categories of numismatics, aviation, space flight, and the most historic American artifacts.
These space-flown 22 karat gold Sacagawea dollars are ranked #5 among the Top 100 Modern Coins, according to Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), and their very existence has become the stuff of numismatic legend. Originally struck as part of the effort to promote the upcoming new Golden Dollar and in celebration of the first space shuttle flight to be commanded by a woman, USAF Col. (ret.) Eileen Collins, these coins were part of an initial mintage of 39 pieces produced in 22 Karat gold. These coins were struck in a Proof format on specially prepared 1/2oz gold planchets originally intended for the American Eagle bullion coin series. These coins were also struck with the pattern “engraved tailfeathers” reverse design which is shared with the coveted “Cheerios” variety of Sacagawea dollar. This special reverse design was used on only the very first coins struck in the series and was quickly modified to a less detailed design shortly after production began.
Only the 12 best strikes were selected for flight aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, and the remaining 27 Sacagawea coins were destroyed. Of the 12 survivors in 22 karat gold, only seven will be available for public ownership, and these will be presented exclusively in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries sale. The United States Mint has confirmed that the remaining five coins will be archived in their heritage collection and permanently out of reach for collectors. Each of the coins in this auction will also be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity featuring the signature of Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally. These pieces, which until now have never been issued as coinage, will become monetized as legal tender upon sale. The final auction price for each coin will include $1 to account for the face value of the newly monetized coin.
“We are extremely honored to once again present a historic selection of rarities on behalf of the United State Mint,” said Stack’s Bowers Galleries President Brian Kendrella. “These space flown 22 Karat gold Sacagawea dollars transcend any single collectible category and stand as true American treasures.”
Also featured in the special auction will be the very first struck 2025-W Sacagawea dollar in 24 Karat gold, produced to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the series. These were issued with an extremely low mintage of only 7,500 pieces and quickly sold out during the initial release by the United States Mint. This #1 struck example is the single most important coin from this limited series and represents a crowning jewel for a world class collection of modern rarities. It will also be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity that has been personally signed by Acting Director Kristie McNally. This offering comes on the heels of similar sale on behalf of the United States Mint in which Stack’s Bowers Galleries sold the #1 struck privy mark 2024 Flowing Hair gold $1 for an astounding $440,000, setting a world record for the most valuable 21st century United States Mint coin. The firm is anticipating a similar record-setting result for this 2025-W 25th Anniversary gold dollar.
To further recognize the significance of these historic pieces, all eight coins will be certified by leading grading service PCGS and encapsulated with bespoke labels designed exclusively for this auction event. They will also be added to the popular PCGS Set Registry which allows collectors to better document and showcase their collections, as well as compete with other collectors. For the first time ever, participants in the Top 100 Modern Coins set will have the opportunity to add the space flown 2000-W 22 karat gold coins to their collection. Though dozens of collectors are currently competing in this set, only seven will have the chance to fill the #5 slot via the Stack’s Bowers Galleries sale. These coins will also be added to other relevant PCGS Registry Sets across the Sacagawea and other modern coin categories.
Live bidding for these 22 Karat and 24 Karat gold Sacagawea dollars will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 12:00PM EDT (9AM PDT). The auction will be hosted on the Stack’s Bowers Galleries website www.StacksBowers.com and broadcast from Griffin Studios in the firm’s Costa Mesa, California headquarters. In recognition of this historic offering, Stack’s Bowers Galleries will waive the Buyer’s Premium on these special Sacagawea dollars, meaning that the highest bid on each lot (the hammer price) will be the final amount paid by the winning bidder (excluding shipping fees).
Remarkably, this sale will represent the fourth time Stack’s Bowers Galleries has been selected by the United States Mint for a special auction, following their $7.5 million sale of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 in July 2002, their $4.6 million sale of 35th Anniversary American Eagle coins in September 2022 and their $8.2 million sale of 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair coins in December 2024. No other auction firm in the world—specialized or generalist—boasts this repetitive selection by the United States Mint.
http://ProofCollection.Net
Anticipated forum response: Too much over melt. Not interested.
http://ProofCollection.Net
See thread: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1116370/space-flown-2000-w-sacagawea-dollars-in-22-karat-gold-are-hitting-the-market#latest
http://ProofCollection.Net
Not many can afford to buy it.
Alrighty then. The rationale behind creating this 25th anniversary tribute to a coin no one ever really cared about is suddenly coming into focus.
We are all just the foundation upon which the Mint is now continuing its charming practice of pushing artificial modern rarities through S-B for absolute moon money. To create a companion piece for the space coins.
Waiting for @coiner to opine that these will be worth no more than $10K, since they are not part of a cherished series like the V75 AGE, and have half as much gold in them. 🤣
Auctions are always risky, especially in thin markets. Although they seem to be averaging 2400 or 2450, which is basically break even.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
But they already served their purpose. By selling out, and setting up the auction next Friday.
The purpose of the Anniversary coins was to sell out and make money for the Mint. And selling them first made them seem like a more unique opportunity, and less like cheap knockoffs.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Really? So where are the gold tributes to other barely used, less popular coins from the 20th century. I'm still waiting for my gold SBAs and Ikes. Guess I'll have a long wait, since they aren't classics that people adore, like Sacagawea, and don't have counterparts that have been to space that the government wants to auction off for literal moon money. 😀
I swear, when they first announced the gold Sac, I could not for the life of me understand why. It only hit me when I saw the SB press release, including mention of 2025 #1.
Anniversary Tribute Coins, Medals, and Events are nothing new for the Mint fyi. And the 25th Anniversary Sac is no exception. That's why.
How many 25th this, 50th that, 100th here, 230th there Anniversaries are out there? Too many to count - not to mention the State Commem Anniversaries from the early-mid 1900's. Or the Statehood Quarters, ATB's etc...
Anniversary Coins, Medals, and Commems have been a Bread & Butter Numismatic offering for many, many years for the Mint, fyi.
Your newest Sac Mint Conspiracy holds no water.
More likely, it happened the other way. They had the 25th anniversary, got a good response, realized they could auction the space flown ones and held back the 2025 #1. To do it the other way, you'd have to have waited for the 25th to do it and you wouldn't have announced the space auction AFTER selling the 2025 coins.
It would have made more sense to have auctioned the space coins first and then used those results to market the home version. Making a cheap home version does nothing to market the space coins.
I really don't see any big conspiracy here.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Understood. As I asked, where are my Ikes and SBAs? Other relatively unpopular, relatively recent coins that have not yet received either their trips to space, or their gold tribute coins.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not claiming a conspiracy. It's you guys turning every criticism or observation into an allegation of a conspiracy.
I think it was a predicate. Because it was an odd choice to honor with a 25th anniversary tribute.
Not Kennedy. Not Lincoln. Not Washington.
Not a classic, popular, beautiful coin. Just a modern, base metal coin that received no acceptance, and no circulation, other than in some transit systems. And in Ecuador.
Seemed like an odd choice for a gold tribute, 25 years after release. What else gets a tribute after only 25 years? Not 50 years. Or 100 years. Or 230 years. Or 250 years. But 25 years?
Then it turns out they have 7 space flown gold versions from 1999 they want to sell at auction. After 26 years. Not 25 years. And it suddenly made sense.
Not a conspiracy. Just a bit of inspired marketing.
That’s silly. The real money was made on the 7500 Anniversary coins. Selling the 7 Space Flown pieces is just the cherry on top of the sundae. And FWIW, the 7 coins would have brought a sh*tload more if the 7500 coins had never existed. I mean, gold Sacagaweas as a class used to be super rare and iconic, and now they’re sort of Franklin Mint-y.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Except you are claiming that they are marketing the gold by selling crap. It would have to be the exact opposite of what you're saying. If they got $300k each for the 1999 ones, it would have driven interest in the 2025 ones. It doesn't work the other way around. Selling a bunch of $4000 knockoffs does nothing to help sell the $200k+ ones.
Which makes more sense:
Added: remember, they sold all the 2025 ones before anyone knew they were selling the other 7.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Also, to give credit where credit is due, the Mint could have maxed out by selling the 7 coins before announcing the Anniversary coins, which would have completely screwed the buyers of the 7 coins. But they did the right thing and didn’t hurt anyone.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Ya think? They made around $500 above cost on 7500 Anniversary coins. They are going to make close to, or maybe even more than that on the 7 space flown versions, plus 2025 #1.
Assuming the 7 go for around $500,000 each. Which might be high, but isn't crazy, and is probably close.
But, whatever they go for, no, the "real money" is made by selling a handful for six figure premiums each. Not manufacturing 7500 widgets to make a few hundred bucks on each.
No. I'm pretty sure they didn't just wake up a week ago Wednesday and decide to sell the other 7. And, yeah, selling 7500 created awareness of and interest in gold Sacs. And created a #1 from 2025 to pull in another $100K or so at auction.
Only if you think a half ounce of gold with a picture of a Native American woman on it is the same as any other half ounce of gold with a picture of a Native American woman on it. As though 7 of 12 patterns made in 1999, and flown on the space shuttle, are interchangeable with 7500 made for the masses in 2025. As though the pop is now going from 12 to 7512.
It isn't, and one thing has nothing to do with the other. Other than one created awareness of, possibly demand for, the other. And, of course, making 7500 presented the opportunity for them to create an artificial rarity by designating one as #1.
The Mint is also cashing in on the 8th coin - the 2025-W "First Struck" Sac coin. Good for them, nothing wrong with promoting & selling something that someone might want to buy while also paying a few bills.
They cashed in on the "First Struck" FHG Privy to include the #1 Cancelled Die. They cashed in on the rest of the Privies too. Good for them, great idea Mint & Ventris Gibson...
The Mint being portrayed as an entity that's out to 'screw, rip, & deceive everyone' is ridiculous on its face. They produce coins and Medals - Boo-hoo!
Buy coins, collect them, or use them in commerce - or don't - your choice.
Time to find a new Boogeyman, folks.
How about this, they had to sell the regular gold Sacagawea’s prior to auctioning the space Sacagawea’s because if they did it after, the people who paid the big money for the space coins would be pissed that there were now all of a sudden so many more gold dollars.
I don’t think these gold Sacagawea’s are gonna impact the price of the space Sacagawea’s in any way, but at least now all the cards are on the table.
The two gold dollars are completely different entities. I can't imagine someone that knows the significance of these original 2000 dated dollars being "upset" that they struck anniversary commemorative dated 2025.
I do agree that by selling the 2025 ones first, it has created interest in the space flown 2000 examples. Some collectors with spending money are simply not aware of those special coins.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."