A one\u2011of\u2011a\u2011kind Sacagawea prototype just shattered expectations, landing nearly three\u2011quarters of a million dollars and shaking up the numismatic scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The golden dollar, struck in 2000 and bearing a little\u2011known test rim, became the star of Heritage Auctions\u2019 spring sale on June\u202f10. Only three pieces with this edge style survive, pushing bidders into a frenzy and lifting the final hammer price to $690,000\u202f\u2014\u202fmore than double early estimates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At first glance the coin shows the familiar portrait of Sacagawea cradling baby\u202fJean\u202fBaptiste, yet the edge tells another story. During pre\u2011launch trials the U.S.\u202fMint experimented with thicker, high\u2011relief rims to protect the design. Most of those test strikes were destroyed, so finding one in Mint State\u202f68 condition borders on miraculous. Who wouldn\u2019t chase a prototype that scarce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Collectors from five continents and several institutional buyers hit the phones and online platforms the moment the lot opened. Within two minutes the price leaped from $100,000 to the high six figures. The anonymous consignor, reportedly a Midwest hobbyist, watched in stunned silence as the bids kept climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n