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In 2001, Coin World reported the revelation ( via a FOIA document request ) that the Mint had struck 39 examples of the 2000 Sacagawea dollar in gold in June 1999 at the West Point Mint.

The planchets came from specially prepared ½ troy-oz $ 25 American Gold Eagle Bullion Planchets.

Why they were struck is not known ; speculation is that this was an attempt by the mint to offer " Premium " collectibles in conjunction with the newly released Sacagawea dollar in 2000.