A recent auction featuring a collection of gold commemorative coins that journeyed into orbit aboard a NASA space shuttle has made headlines, with the seven Sacagawea dollars fetching an impressive $3.28 million. On September 12, 2025, these remarkable coins were sold by California-based Stack’s Bowers Galleries after being kept under wraps in Fort Knox, one of the most secure locations in the United States.
The Sacagawea dollars gained notoriety due to their historic flight in 1999 on the Space Shuttle Columbia, which was notable for being commanded by Air Force Col. Eileen Collins, the first woman to lead a shuttle mission. The mission, STS-93, played a key role in deploying the Chandra X-Ray Observatory while carrying a total of 20 gold coins. Experts anticipate that the auctioned coins may soon be recognized as the most valuable modern coins ever sold.
Among the highlights of the auction, two of the space-flown Sacagawea coins each sold for $550,000, making them the most valuable U.S. gold dollars struck since the Civil War, as well as the most valuable space-flown coins ever auctioned. A single Sacagawea dollar that did not travel to space also garnered significant attention, selling for $120,000.
The historic significance of the Columbia shuttle cannot be understated. Following its successful mission in 1999, it tragically met with disaster during its STS-107 mission in 2003, disintegrating during re-entry and resulting in the loss of all seven crew members.
The Sacagawea coin pays tribute to the legendary figure who served as an interpreter and guide for explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their westward journey in 1805. According to Christine Karstedt of Stack’s Bowers Galleries, these gold coins symbolize the extraordinary achievements of American women, reflecting their vital roles throughout history.
NASA’s space shuttle program, operational from 1981 to 2011, was a landmark initiative in human spaceflight, transporting crew and cargo to low Earth orbit. Over its three-decade run, the program completed 135 missions, aiding in the construction of the International Space Station and facilitating numerous satellite operations. Today, four retired shuttles are displayed across the United States, with discussions underway about relocating the Discovery shuttle to Space Center Houston.
The auction not only highlights the monetary value of these historic coins but also serves as a reminder of the significant milestones achieved by women in space exploration and the ongoing legacy of America’s journey into the cosmos.
