Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, coin collectors! Stack’s Bowers Galleries is hosting a historic auction on September 12, 2025, featuring an extraordinary selection of gold Sacagawea dollars, including seven 2000-W 22 Karat gold coins that traveled nearly 2 million miles aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1999 and the very first struck 2025-W 24 Karat gold Sacagawea dollar commemorating the series’ 25th anniversary. This auction is a landmark event for numismatists, space enthusiasts, and collectors of American artifacts alike.
Space-Flown 2000-W 22 Karat Gold Sacagawea Dollars
These 22 Karat gold Sacagawea dollars are no ordinary coins. Struck in a Proof format on 1/2oz gold planchets originally intended for American Eagle bullion coins, they feature the rare “engraved tailfeathers” reverse design, shared with the coveted “Cheerios” variety. Only 39 were initially minted to promote the new Golden Dollar and celebrate the first space shuttle mission commanded by a woman, USAF Col. (ret.) Eileen Collins. Of those, just 12 were selected for the Columbia flight, with the remaining 27 destroyed. Now, only seven of these space-flown coins will be available for public ownership, as the United States Mint will archive the remaining five in its heritage collection.
Ranked #5 among the Top 100 Modern Coins by PCGS, these coins are true numismatic legends, having been stored at the Fort Knox Bullion Depository for over two decades. Each coin will be monetized as legal tender upon sale, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally. Certified by PCGS with bespoke labels, they’ll also be eligible for inclusion in the PCGS Set Registry, offering collectors a chance to compete for the coveted #5 slot in the Top 100 Modern Coins set.
First-Struck 2025-W 24 Karat Gold Sacagawea Dollar
Adding to the excitement, the auction includes the #1 struck 2025-W 24 Karat gold Sacagawea dollar, minted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the series. With a limited mintage of just 7,500, these coins sold out quickly upon release. This first-struck example is a crown jewel for any modern coin collection, also accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Kristie McNally. Following Stack’s Bowers’ record-setting $440,000 sale of the #1 struck 2024 Flowing Hair gold $1, expectations are high for another blockbuster result.
Auction Details
The live auction kicks off at 12:00 PM EDT (9:00 AM PDT) on September 12, 2025, hosted on Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ website (www.StacksBowers.com) and broadcast from their Costa Mesa, California headquarters. In a rare move, the Buyer’s Premium will be waived, so the highest bid (hammer price) will be the final amount paid, excluding shipping fees.
This marks the fourth time Stack’s Bowers has been chosen by the United States Mint for a special auction, a testament to their expertise in handling historic numismatic treasures. Previous sales include the 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 ($7.5 million), 35th Anniversary American Eagle coins ($4.6 million), and 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair coins ($8.2 million).
Why This Matters
These coins are more than just collectibles—they’re pieces of American history, blending numismatics, space exploration, and cultural milestones. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this auction offers a rare chance to own coins that have orbited Earth or mark a significant milestone in the Sacagawea series.
For more details or to consign your own collection, contact Stack’s Bowers Galleries at 800-458-4646 or email info@stacksbowers.com. Don’t miss this historic event!