The Sacagawea dollar was introduced to replace the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar. Its golden color, thanks to a copper core coated with manganese brass, makes it stand out. The front (obverse) shows Sacagawea carrying her baby, Jean Baptiste, designed by artist Glenna Goodacre. The back (reverse) features a soaring eagle with 17 stars, symbolizing the states in the Union during the Lewis and Clark expedition. This coin is one of the few U.S. coins to feature a real woman, adding to its historical value.
But what makes some Sacagawea dollars worth millions? It’s all about rare minting errors and special editions that slipped into circulation. These mistakes turned ordinary coins into collector’s dreams.
The $2.1 Million Mule Error Coin
What Is a Mule Error?
A “mule” error happens when a coin is struck with two different designs that don’t belong together. For the Sacagawea dollar, the most famous error is the 2000-P mule coin. This rare coin has the front of a Washington quarter (showing George Washington) but the back of a Sacagawea dollar (with the eagle). Only about 20 of these coins exist, making them incredibly rare. One sold for $2.1 million at a private auction in October 2025, setting a record for modern U.S. coins.
How Did This Error Happen?
In 2000, the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia accidentally used a Washington quarter die to strike the front of a Sacagawea dollar. This mix-up created a coin with mismatched designs. The error was caught quickly, but a few coins escaped into circulation. Their rarity, combined with their historical significance, drives their value sky-high.
Other Valuable Sacagawea Dollar Varieties
Cheerios Dollar
In 2000, the U.S. Mint partnered with General Mills to promote the Sacagawea dollar by placing 5,500 coins in Cheerios cereal boxes. These “Cheerios Dollars” have extra detail on the eagle’s tail feathers, making them stand out. A pristine one can sell for $10,000 to $25,000. Since many were lost or spent, finding one is like striking gold.
Wounded Eagle
The “Wounded Eagle” Sacagawea dollar has a die flaw that looks like a spear or arrow piercing the eagle’s chest. Only about 100 are known, with a top-grade example selling for $5,160 in 2017. Check your 2000-P coins for this unique mark!
Gold Prototypes
In 1999, 12 Sacagawea dollars were struck in 22-karat gold for a Space Shuttle Columbia mission. These coins, now stored at Fort Knox, are not in circulation but add to the coin’s legendary status.
How to Spot a Valuable Sacagawea Dollar
Want to find a Sacagawea dollar worth millions? Here’s a simple guide:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Date | Focus on coins from 2000, as most rare errors are from this year. |
| Obverse (Front) | For mule errors, look for George Washington instead of Sacagawea. |
| Reverse (Back) | Mule errors have a Washington quarter eagle, not the Sacagawea eagle with 17 stars. |
| Mint Mark | Check for a “P” (Philadelphia) on the front. |
| Weight | Mule errors weigh about 5.67 grams (like a quarter) instead of 8.1 grams. |
| Tail Feathers | Cheerios Dollars have sharper, more detailed eagle tail feathers. |
| Condition | Pristine, uncirculated coins are worth more. Avoid cleaning to preserve value. |
Tools You’ll Need
- Magnifying Glass: To check tail feathers or die flaws.
- Coin Scale: To confirm weight differences.
- Coin Appraiser: Services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade your coin.
Where to Find These Rare Coins
You don’t need to be a pro to find a valuable Sacagawea dollar. Check these places:
- Pocket Change: Look at golden dollars from stores or vending machines.
- Bank Rolls: Ask for dollar coin rolls at your bank.
- Coin Jars: Old jars from around 2000 might hold treasures.
- Vending Machines: Some errors were used in machines during testing.
- Old Cereal Boxes: Unopened Cheerios boxes from 2000 could contain a rare coin.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a rare Sacagawea dollar, follow these steps:
- Don’t Clean It: Cleaning can scratch the coin and lower its value.
- Store It Safely: Use a protective holder to prevent damage.
- Get It Graded: Professional grading by PCGS or NGC confirms authenticity and boosts value.
- Check Auctions: Recent sales, like the $2.1 million mule in 2025, show the market’s demand.
Why Collectors Love the Sacagawea Dollar
The Sacagawea dollar isn’t just about money—it’s a piece of history. It honors a Native American woman who shaped America’s past. Its golden color, rare errors, and limited editions make it a favorite among collectors. The thrill of finding a $2.1 million coin in your change keeps the hunt alive!
Start Your Treasure Hunt Today
The Sacagawea dollar proves that everyday coins can hide life-changing value. Whether it’s a mule error worth millions or a Cheerios Dollar worth thousands, these coins are out there waiting. Grab a magnifying glass, check your change, and join the treasure hunt. Your next dollar could be a fortune!