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The Certified 2008-S Sacagawea Dollar graded PF70 by NGC represents the pinnacle of modern proof coinage and serves as the final regular issue in the original Sacagawea Dollar series before the transition to the Native American $1 Coin Program in 2009. Struck at the San Francisco Mint using specially prepared dies and planchets, this coin was never released into circulation and was made exclusively for collectors as part of the U.S. Mint’s annual proof sets. The PF70 grade, as assigned by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), confirms this coin is flawless under 5x magnification, with pristine surfaces, a full strike, and perfect contrast—qualities that define the highest level of numismatic craftsmanship.
The Sacagawea Dollar was first introduced in 2000, designed to replace the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar and intended to circulate widely. While its golden appearance and innovative design initially generated enthusiasm, it ultimately found more success among collectors than in general circulation. The coin’s obverse features a beautiful and symbolic depiction of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark during their 1804–1806 expedition to the Pacific Ocean. Artist Glenna Goodacre created this graceful design, showing Sacagawea in a three-quarter profile with her infant son, Jean Baptiste, on her back. In PF70 condition, every strand of her hair, curve of her face, and feature of the child is crisply defined against the flawless, mirrored background.
The obverse inscriptions include “LIBERTY” at the top, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left of Sacagawea’s image, and the date “2008” with the “S” mintmark from San Francisco located to the right. In this proof example, the frosted portrait exhibits strong cameo contrast against the black, mirrored fields typical of high-quality proof coinage. The PF70 grade ensures no hairlines, spots, or weaknesses of strike—making this coin as perfect as possible for collectors and registry set competitors alike.
The reverse of the 2008-S Sacagawea Dollar carries the original soaring eagle design by Thomas D. Rogers, Sr. This dynamic image features a bald eagle in flight, wings fully extended, with 17 stars arranged in an arc beneath it. The stars represent the number of states in the Union at the time of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” complete the design. In PF70 condition, the eagle’s feathers, wings, and beak are frosted and intricately detailed, contrasted perfectly by the coin’s deep mirror-like fields. The stars, letters, and other design elements are struck with ideal sharpness, free from any surface imperfections.
The coin’s composition consists of a core of pure copper clad in manganese brass, giving it its signature golden color. This alloy was chosen to distinguish it from other denominations and to aid vending machine compatibility. Though the coin has a gold-like appearance, it does not contain any precious metal. The proof version was never intended for circulation and was distributed as part of the U.S. Mint’s annual proof set offerings. Proof Sacagawea dollars, especially those in perfect PF70 condition, are significantly rarer than their business-strike counterparts, as only a small fraction of even proof coins meet the strict standards required for a perfect grade.
2008 marked the final year of the original eagle reverse design. Starting in 2009, the U.S. Mint introduced the Native American $1 Coin Program, which featured annually changing reverse designs celebrating the contributions of Native Americans to the history and development of the United States. As such, the 2008-S proof holds special significance as the last coin in the original series, capping off a nearly decade-long run of consistent design. This adds an important historical dimension to the coin’s numismatic appeal.
NGC, a world leader in third-party coin grading, applies rigorous standards to its PF70 designation. To achieve this grade, a coin must exhibit full, unbroken mint luster, a flawless strike, no post-mint imperfections, and ideal contrast between devices and fields. The 2008-S Sacagawea Dollar certified by NGC as PF70 is preserved in a tamper-evident holder, clearly labeled with its specifications. This not only protects the coin’s perfect condition but also enhances its value, legitimacy, and marketability.
While the Sacagawea Dollar series did not achieve the wide circulation intended by the U.S. Mint, it quickly gained traction with collectors due to its artistic merit, symbolism, and cultural significance. Sacagawea’s depiction is one of the few in U.S. coinage to honor an Indigenous woman, making the coin historically and socially meaningful. Its blend of art, history, and technical excellence continues to resonate with collectors, and the 2008-S PF70 serves as the pinnacle of that series’ original format.
Modern coin collectors, registry set participants, and enthusiasts of American history all value the 2008-S PF70 Sacagawea Dollar for its perfection, design, and symbolic closure of an era. The coin’s relatively low mintage compared to circulating issues, combined with the scarcity of perfect examples, ensures continued collector interest. Furthermore, the perfect PF70 grade elevates this coin into a highly competitive tier for those building top-condition sets of U.S. proof coins or 21st-century dollar series.
The Certified 2008-S Sacagawea Dollar graded PF70 by NGC is a flawless, historically important coin that represents the culmination of nearly a decade of consistent and elegant design. With its rich symbolism, flawless strike, and status as the last of its kind, this coin is a crown jewel of modern numismatics—perfect for collectors who seek the finest examples of U.S. Mint craftsmanship and historical tribute through coinage.