The 2017-S Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $100 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While these coins were never released into general circulation for daily transactions, they hold a special place in collectors’ hearts due to their unique edge lettering and commemorative reverse design.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Spent)	$1.00 – $1.25
Uncirculated (Mint State)	$3.00 – $8.00
Proof (PF 67-68)	$10.00 – $15.00
Proof (PF 69 Ultra Cameo)	$18.00 – $25.00
Perfect Proof (PF 70 DCAM)	$45.00 – $125.00

The History and Significance of the 2017-S Native American Dollar

If you have stumbled upon a 2017-S Sacagawea Dollar, you might be wondering why you don’t see them in your everyday pocket change. Since 2012, the U.S. Mint has not produced these golden dollars for general circulation. Instead, they are minted specifically for collectors and sold in rolls, bags, and proof sets. If you want to identify yours quickly, using a top coin identifier app like CoinKnow can help you determine the specific finish and variety in seconds.

The 2017 edition continues the “Native American $1 Coin” series, which began in 2009. Each year, the reverse (tails) side changes to commemorate a different contribution of Native Americans to U.S. history. The 2017 design honors Sequoyah, a Cherokee scholar who created the Cherokee syllabary, making it possible for his people to read and write in their own language.

The “S” mint mark indicates that this specific coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) coins, the S-mint coins for 2017 were produced as Proofs or Enhanced Uncirculated versions. Because they were sold at a premium to collectors, they are much harder to find in the wild than your average quarter or dime. If you find one that looks exceptionally shiny, it is likely a Proof coin intended for a collection.

Understanding the Value of 2017-S Sacagawea Proof Coins

When evaluating the market price of these coins, the “S” mark is crucial. Generally, the 2017-S Sacagawea dollar comes in two primary forms: the standard Proof and the Enhanced Uncirculated version found in the 225th Anniversary Enhanced Uncirculated Coin Set. The value depends heavily on the grade assigned by professional services like PCGS or NGC.

For a standard Proof 2017-S, the coin should exhibit a mirror-like finish with frosted details. This is known as “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo.” Most of these coins are found in PR69 or PR70 condition. While a PR69 might only fetch $20, a perfect PR70 can command a significantly higher price from serious investors. Understanding the current market trends for Sacagawea dollars is essential for anyone looking to sell.

For a quick breakdown of Proof values, refer to the table below:

Grade	Proof Value (S-Mint)	Enhanced Uncirculated Value
Grade 67	$8.50	$12.00
Grade 68	$12.00	$18.50
Grade 69	$22.00	$35.00
Grade 70	$115.00	$150.00+

Identifying the Reverse Design: Sequoyah and the Cherokee Syllabary

The reverse of the 2017-S Sacagawea Dollar is visually striking. It features a profile of Sequoyah writing “Astilaohini” (meaning “Cherokee Nation”) in his newly created syllabary. Along the border, you will see the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$1,” and “Sequoyah” written in English. This design was created by artist Chris Costello and sculpted by Charles L. Vickers.

Many beginners mistake the golden color for real gold. However, these coins are actually made of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core. The unique “golden” hue was chosen to help the public distinguish them from quarters, but it also means the coins can tarnish or develop a dark patina quickly if handled with bare fingers.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a 2017-S or another year, examine the edge. Since 2009, the date, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are incused on the edge of the coin rather than on the face. This makes the 2017-S Sacagawea dollar feel smooth to the touch compared to a reeded-edge quarter. If you’re struggling to read the small letters on the edge, the CoinKnow app’s high-resolution scanning feature can make identification effortless.

The “Position A” and “Position B” Edge Lettering Varieties

A common point of confusion for those researching comprehensive 2017 Sacagawea dollar price data is the mention of “Position A” and “Position B.” This refers to the orientation of the edge lettering relative to the obverse (Sacagawea’s face).

Position A means the edge lettering is upside-down when the obverse is facing up. Position B means the lettering is right-side-up. This occurs because the edge lettering is applied in a separate step by a machine that processes the coins randomly. In the world of coin collecting, neither position is particularly rarer than the other for the 2017-S, but some specialized collectors try to acquire one of each for their sets.

For the 2017-S Proof specifically, the edge lettering is usually applied more carefully than on the P and D business strikes, often resulting in more consistent orientations within specific sets. However, it is always worth checking, as oddities in edge lettering can sometimes hint at a “mule” or error coin, which would drastically increase its worth.

Key Errors to Look For in 2017 Native American Dollars

Error hunting is where the real money is made for many hobbyists. While the 2017-S was minted with high quality control, errors can still slip through. One of the most sought-after errors in the Sacagawea series is the “Mule” error, where the front or back of the coin is paired with a different coin’s design entirely. While none have been officially confirmed for the 2017-S specifically, they are the “holy grail” of the series.

More common errors include “Double Dies,” where the design elements appear blurry or doubled, and “Die Cracks,” where the metal has squeezed into a crack in the minting die, leaving a raised line on the coin. If you find a 2017-S that looks “off” or contains extra metal, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin can destroy its collector value instantly.

Instead, use CoinKnow to compare your coin against high-resolution images of known errors. Even a small “Struck Through” error, where a piece of debris gets caught between the die and the coin, can raise the value of a standard S-mint proof from $10 to $50 or more.

Error Type	Description	Potential Value
Missing Edge Lettering	Edge is smooth with no date/motto.	$50 – $200
Weak Strike	Details on Sequoyah appear faded.	$15 – $30
Off-Center Strike	Design is shifted to one side.	$100+ (depending on %)

How to Care for and Sell Your 2017-S Dollar

Found a high-value 2017-S? Proper storage is vital. Since these coins contain copper, they are susceptible to environmental damage. Store your coin in a PVC-free flip or a plastic capsule to prevent “fingerprint” oils from etching into the surface. If the coin is already in a Mint-issued plastic lens, it is best to leave it there.

When it comes time to sell, your best options are reputable coin dealers, online auctions like eBay, or specialized numismatic sites. For a 2017-S that you believe is a PR70 (perfect grade), you should consider professional grading. However, grading costs around $25-$40, so it only makes sense if the potential value of the coin justifies the expense.

Before heading to a shop, do your homework. Check sold listings on auction sites rather than “asking” prices, as people can list coins for any price they want. Using a tool like the CoinKnow app can give you a baseline of what dealers are actually paying, ensuring you don’t get underpaid for your find.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2017-S Sacagawea Dollar made of real gold?

A: No. While it has a beautiful golden color, it is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. There is no actual gold in the coin.

Q: Can I find a 2017-S Dollar in my change?

A: It is very rare. Since the 2017-S was only sold in collector sets and not intended for circulation, you would only find one if a collector accidentally spent it or if a collection was broken up.

Q: What makes the “S” mint mark different from “P” or “D”?

A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 2017, the San Francisco Mint focused on producing high-quality Proof and Enhanced Uncirculated versions for collectors, whereas Philadelphia and Denver produced the standard “business strike” coins.

Q: How can I tell if my 2017-S is an “Enhanced Uncirculated” version?

A: The Enhanced Uncirculated finish has a distinct look with varying levels of frosting and polishing on different parts of the design, unlike the uniform mirror-finish of a regular Proof. These were only available in the 225th Anniversary Set.

Q: How much is a 2017-S Sacagawea Dollar worth today?

A: Most 2017-S Proofs are worth around $10 to $20. However, if yours is graded as a perfect PR70 by a service like PCGS, it could be worth over $100 to the right buyer.