The 2018-P WA Dollar (Native American Dollar) is worth anywhere from $1.05 in circulated condition to over $1,200 in top-tier mint state grades. While most examples found in change are only worth face value, certain high-grade specimens and coins with specific edge lettering positions command a premium from collectors.

Condition	Estimated Value (USD)
Circulated / Pocket Change	$1.00 – $1.05
Uncirculated (MS60-MS63)	$2.00 – $5.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65+)	$15.00 – $45.00
Superb Gem (MS67+)	$150.00 – $1,200.00+

Understanding the 2018 Native American Dollar Heritage

The 2018-P WA Dollar is part of the Native American $1 Coin Program, which began in 2009 to honor the contributions made by Indian tribes and individual Native Americans to the history of the United States. If you are unsure if the coin in your hand is a rare variety, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common circulation strike and a collector’s item.

The 2018 theme specifically commemorates Jim Thorpe, the legendary athlete from the Sac and Fox Nation. The reverse design features Thorpe, with the foreground highlighting his achievements in football and track and field. Professional collectors often use CoinKnow to track the market fluctuations of these modern dollars, as prices can change based on auction results.

Because these coins were primarily minted for collectors and not for general circulation after 2011, finding one in your spare change is relatively rare. However, the Philadelphia mint (denoted by the “P” on the edge) produced millions, so “rare” doesn’t always mean “valuable” unless the condition is flawless. Identifying the specific luster and strike quality is key to determining if your coin is a hidden gem.

The Significance of Jim Thorpe on the 2018-P Dollar

The “WA” in some search queries often refers to “World Athlete” or is a misspelling of “WA” (Washington), but in the numismatic world, this coin is officially the 2018 Jim Thorpe Native American Dollar. The reverse was designed by Michael Gaudioso and depicts Thorpe in a classic athletic pose.

The obverse continues to feature the portrait of Sacagawea, designed by Glenna Goodacre, which has been the face of the golden dollar since 2000. When evaluating your coin, check for the “P” mint mark. On these modern dollars, the mint mark, year, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are incused on the edge of the coin rather than on the face.

If you are trying to find the 2018-P Native American dollar price for Position A strikes, you need to look closely at the edge lettering orientation. Collectors often pay more for coins where the lettering is oriented a specific way relative to the obverse. You can use the CoinKnow app to see high-resolution photos of what “Position A” looks like compared to “Position B.”

Mint Mark	Mintage	Main Feature
P (Philadelphia)	~1.12 Million	Jim Thorpe / Athlete Theme
D (Denver)	~1.40 Million	Jim Thorpe / Athlete Theme
S (San Francisco)	Proof Only	High Mirror Finish

Grading and the 2018-P WA Dollar Value

Determining the 2018 Native American dollar value depends heavily on the “Mint State” (MS) grade. Most coins from the 2018-P run will grade between MS63 and MS65. At these levels, they are worth a few dollars. However, if a coin hits MS67 or MS68, the value skyrockets because very few survived the minting process without tiny scratches or “bag marks.”

A “bag mark” occurs when coins hit each other during transport at the United States Mint. Because these golden dollars are made of a manganese-brass clad composition, they are relatively soft and scratch easily. An MS68 2018-P Jim Thorpe dollar is a true rarity that can fetch several hundred dollars at a specialized coin auction.

If you find a coin that looks exceptionally shiny, it might be a “Proof” coin from the San Francisco mint, or it might just be a very well-preserved Philadelphia strike. Using CoinKnow can help you learn how to spot the difference between the satin-like finish of a business strike and the mirror-like finish of a proof.

Potential Errors to Look For

Error coins are the “holy grail” for everyday finders. While the 2018-P series is known for high production quality, some mistakes always slip through. Common errors to look for include “Struck Through” errors, where a piece of debris gets caught between the die and the coin, or “Double Dies,” though no major 2018-P double dies have been widely reported yet.

Another area to watch is the edge lettering. Occasionally, a coin might miss the edge lettering process entirely, resulting in “Plain Edge” dollars. These are highly sought after by collectors and can be worth significantly more than a standard 2018-P WA dollar.

Always inspect the rim of your coin. If the edge lettering looks doubled or blurry, you might have found an edge-lettering error. While these don’t always command thousands of dollars, they are certainly worth more than the face value of $1.

Grade (PCGS/NGC)	2018-P Value	2018-D Value
MS64	$8	$8
MS65	$15	$12
MS66	$35	$30
MS67	$145	$110
MS68	$850+	$600+

How to Sell Your 2018-P Dollar

If you’ve determined that your coin is a high-grade specimen, the next step is knowing where to sell it. For common uncirculated coins worth $5 to $10, online marketplaces like eBay are often the best bet. Be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of both the front, back, and the edge of the coin.

For coins that you suspect are grade MS67 or higher, it is often worth getting them “certified” by a service like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade guarantees the coin’s condition to a buyer and can significantly increase the final sale price. However, grading costs money, so only send in coins that appear flawless under a magnifying glass.

Local coin shops are another option, though they typically offer “wholesale” prices so they can resell the coin for a profit. If you just want a quick valuation and don’t want to deal with shipping, a local dealer is a friendly way to learn more about the hobby.

Tips for Collectors and Hobbyists

Collecting 2018-P WA Dollars can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Since these coins represent a unique piece of American sports history and Native American culture, they are popular choices for “Year Sets.” If you are starting a collection, try to find “Rolls” of these dollars.

Buying a full roll of 25 coins increases your chances of finding one in perfect MS68 condition. Store your coins in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent “toning” or spotting. While some collectors love the rainbow colors of toned silver coins, golden dollars often develop unattractive dark spots if exposed to humidity.

Always keep an eye on the auction records. The market for modern dollars is highly volatile. A coin that sells for $200 today might sell for $400 next year if a new group of collectors enters the market. Staying informed is the best way to ensure you never undersell a valuable piece of history.

2018-P WA Dollar FAQ

Q: Why is it called a “WA” dollar?

A: Generally, “WA” is a common search typo for “Native American” or refers to the “World Athlete” status of Jim Thorpe, who is featured on the 2018 design. There is no official “WA” mint mark; the mint mark is “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco.

Q: Can I spend a 2018-P Dollar at a store?

A: Yes, these are legal tender. However, since the US Mint did not release them for general circulation, they are worth at least a small premium to collectors. Spending them for just $1 is essentially giving away money!

Q: What is the difference between Position A and Position B?

A: This refers to the edge lettering. In Position A, the edge lettering is “upside down” when the Sacagawea portrait is facing up. In Position B, the lettering is “right side up.” Neither is inherently rarer than the other, but collectors often try to get one of each for their sets.

Q: How can I tell if my 2018-P dollar is rare?

A: Look for a lack of scratches and a very strong “strike.” If the coin looks like it just came off the press and has a deep, golden luster with no visible marks, it could be a high-grade rarity worth $100 or more.

Q: Is the 2018-P dollar made of real gold?

A: No. It is a “Golden Dollar,” but the color comes from a mixture of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. There is no actual gold content in these coins.

Q: Where is the mint mark located?

A: On 2018 dollars, the mint mark is not on the face of the coin. You must look at the edge (the “third side”) of the coin to find the year and the “P” or “D” mark.