Why will coinstar machines not accept Sacajawea dollars?

Yes. Coinstar machines accept Sacagawea coins and even half-dollars. Most coin-counting machines charge a so-called 'service fee' of 8 to 10 percent which is far in excess of the amount needed to keep the machines operating. Check for the following alternatives: > Some machines will waive the fee if you take the money as a gift card rather than as cash. You just have to be careful that the card will be used, and that it too doesn't have a lot of strings attached, like expiration dates and/or 'usage fees', which are just as bad as having the machine keep a dime out of every dollar you put in. > Some major banks, including one on the U.S. East Coast with large green signs (no advertising here, please) will count coins for free, and you do not have to have an account - anyone can walk in. IMO this is the best alternative because it costs you nothing, you walk out with cash in had, and there are no 'gotcha' conditions.