The 2023-S LA Dollar (Native American Dollar) is worth anywhere from $5 in Gem Uncirculated condition to over $60 for high-grade Proof specimens. While these coins are modern, their unique designs and limited mintages make them a popular find for everyday Americans curious about the loose change in their jars.

Coin Version	Estimated Value (USD)
2023-S Proof (Standard)	$5.00 – $12.00
2023-S Silver Proof	$25.00 – $45.00
PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect Grade)	$65.00+

Historical Significance of the 2023 Maria Tallchief Dollar

The 2023 Native American $1 Coin, often referred to as the “LA Dollar” by some due to its connection to the arts and Los Angeles performances, actually honors Maria Tallchief. She was America’s first major prima ballerina and a member of the Osage Nation. Finding one of these in your pocket might feel like winning a small lottery, but you need to know exactly what you are looking at. If you are unsure if your coin is a rare variety, using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of research by instantly recognizing the design.

The 2023 theme focuses on Tallchief and the “Five Moons,” a group of Native American ballerinas from Oklahoma who broke barriers in the world of dance. This coin is part of the ongoing Native American $1 Coin Program which started in 2009. Unlike the Susan B. Anthony dollars of the past, these coins feature a beautiful golden finish (though they contain no actual gold). Most of these were minted for collectors and not intended for general circulation, which is why the CoinKnow app remains a vital tool for determining if your specific strike has a premium over face value.

The “S” mint mark on these coins indicates they were produced at the San Francisco Mint. San Francisco is primarily responsible for “Proof” coins—pieces struck twice with specially polished dies to create a mirror-like finish. If you find a 2023 dollar with an “S” mark, it was likely broken out of a collector set, making it more valuable than the common “P” or “D” versions you might see at the bank.

Determining the 2023-S Proof Dollar Market Price

When analyzing the 2023-S LA Dollar coin value, you must first distinguish between the two types of San Francisco strikes. The U.S. Mint produces a standard “clad” version (composed of copper and manganese-brass) and a 99.9% fine silver version. The standard clad proof is common in Proof Sets. However, because these were not released for circulation, their current market value for uncirculated specimens remains significantly higher than one dollar.

Collectors are often looking for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finishes. This is where the frosted portrait of Maria Tallchief stands out sharply against a dark, reflective background. If your coin has scratches or fingerprints, the value drops to almost face value. Professional collectors use CoinKnow to track auction results for “Perfect 70” graded coins, which are the highest tier of quality. Even a tiny hairline scratch invisible to the naked eye can cut the price in half.

Condition / Grade	Clad (S) Value	99.9% Silver (S) Value
Proof 65 (Typical)	$4.50	$28.00
Proof 69 (Near Perfect)	$12.00	$35.00
Proof 70 (Perfect)	$55.00	$85.00

Key Characteristics: How to Identify a 2023-S Mint Mark

To identify this coin, look at the obverse (front) which still features the classic Sacagawea portrait designed by Glenna Goodacre. The date “2023” and the “S” mint mark are not on the front or back of the coin. Instead, they are “incused” or stamped into the edge of the coin. This is a common point of confusion for new hobbyists. You have to turn the coin on its side to see the year and the minting location.

The reverse (back) side is the star of the show. It depicts Maria Tallchief in a graceful ballet pose, with additional dancers in the background symbolizing her Osage legacy. If you notice any “doubling” on the letters or the dancer’s limbs, you might have an error coin. Error coins are extremely rare for 2023 but can fetch hundreds of dollars. Checking the accurate pricing data for the 2023 Sacagawea series is the best way to see if your coin matches known error patterns.

Most Americans who find these coins today likely received them in a “Proof Set” or a “Silver Proof Set” purchased directly from the U.S. Mint. If you find one “in the wild” (like at a grocery store), it is referred to as an “Impaired Proof.” These are still worth more than $1, but usually only around $2 or $3 because the delicate polished surface has been damaged by contact with other coins.

The Value of 2023 Silver vs. Clad Dollars

The primary driver of the 2023-S LA Dollar coin value is its metal content. In 2023, the U.S. Mint produced the silver version in 99.9% fine silver rather than the older 90% silver standard. This gives the silver coin an intrinsic “melt value” that fluctuates based on the daily price of silver. Even if the coin were crushed, it would still be worth roughly $20 just for the metal.

In contrast, the clad version has no precious metal. Its value is purely based on collector demand and its condition. This is where CoinKnow becomes helpful for beginners; it helps you distinguish between the white, lustrous sheen of the silver coin and the yellowish-gold tint of the manganese-clad coin. High-quality silver proofs are often sold in specialized protective “slabs” by grading services like PCGS or NGC.

Feature	Clad Version	Silver Version
Edge Color	Visible copper stripe	Solid silver/white
Weight	8.1 grams	Approx. 8.6 grams
Investment Type	Numismatic/Hobby	Metal Bullion + Numismatic

Is the 2023-S LA Dollar a Good Investment?

If you are looking to “get rich quick,” modern dollar coins are rarely the answer. However, the 2023-S Native American Dollar is a “low mintage” item compared to the millions of quarters produced every year. Because these were never intended to be spent in stores, the available supply is restricted to what collectors bought from the Mint. Over time, as these sets are broken up or lost, the value of high-grade survivors tends to creep upward.

The artistic appeal of the Maria Tallchief design has also made this a “crossover” collectible. It isn’t just coin collectors who want it; fans of ballet, Native American history, and Oklahoma heritage also seek out these coins. This diverse demand helps stabilize the price. If you happen to find one in a collection you inherited, keep it in a protective flip or a plastic capsule to prevent the “golden” finish from tarnishing, as “toning” on these specific coins can sometimes decrease their appeal to buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my 2023 dollar is a “Proof” coin?

A: Proof coins have a mirror-like background and very sharp, frosted details. If you look at the coin and can see your reflection clearly in the “field” (the flat part), it is a proof. All “S” mint mark 2023 dollars are proofs.

Q: Is the 2023 Maria Tallchief dollar made of real gold?

A: No. The standard 2023-S dollar is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of manganese brass. This gives it a golden color, but it contains 0% gold. The silver version is made of 99.9% silver.

Q: Can I spend a 2023-S dollar at the store?

A: Yes, it is legal tender for one dollar. However, doing so would be a mistake! Even the most common 2023-S clad proof is worth at least $3 to $5 to a collector, so spending it at face value loses you money.

Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2023-S LA Dollar?

A: Unlike most coins where the “S” is on the front or back, the 2023 dollar has its mint mark on the edge. You must hold the coin upright and look at the smooth side to see the “S” stamped alongside the year and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”