This year is known only for the 39 examples of the new Sacagawea dollar that were struck in 22 karat gold J2190 at West Point as a prelude to the Mint's eventual offering of a precious metal gold version of the "golden dollar" for collectors. These meet the criteria as a trial piece although they are more accurately described as presentation pieces. A dozen of these coins went into orbit on the space shuttle Columbia on July 23, 1999 and still exist. The others were melted. The Mint has since sold 7 of these in a special sale by StacksBowers on September 12, 2025. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Mint. Go to Previous Page