A Coin Worth More Than Its Face Value
A rare 2000 Sacagawea dollar, known as the “Cheerios Dollar,” sold for $25,000 at a 2025 auction, thrilling coin collectors nationwide. This coin, part of a special promotion with General Mills in 2000, was found in a Cheerios cereal box and features a unique reverse design. The recent sale at a Heritage Auctions event highlights the growing excitement around these rare coins, which can still be found in circulation. With only a small number known to exist, the Cheerios Dollar has become a treasure for collectors, proving that everyday money can hide incredible value.
What Makes the Cheerios Dollar Special?
The Sacagawea dollar, first minted in 2000 to honor the Shoshone woman who helped the Lewis and Clark expedition, usually has a bald eagle on the back. The Cheerios Dollar, however, has a distinct reverse with enhanced eagle tail feathers, known as the “Reverse of 1999.” This design was used on prototype coins placed in 5,500 Cheerios boxes as part of a U.S. Mint promotion. The enhanced feathers are sharper and more detailed than the standard “Reverse of 2000” used for regular circulation coins. Experts estimate fewer than 100 of these coins have been certified, making them extremely rare and valuable.
| Coin Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year
Coin insurance
Coin appraisals
|
2000 |
| Error Type | Cheerios Reverse (1999) |
| Key Identifiers | Enhanced eagle tail feathers |
| Recent Auction Price | $25,000 (2025) |
The Story Behind the Auction
The $25,000 Cheerios Dollar, graded MS-68 by PCGS, was sold in a January 2025 auction, drawing bids from collectors across the country. This coin was in near-perfect condition, with a bright, lustrous finish that added to its value. Previous sales of Cheerios Dollars have reached as high as $29,900 in 2008 and $10,200 in 2020, but the 2025 sale shows the coin’s value remains strong. The lot included the original Cheerios packaging, boosting its appeal. The high price reflects the coin’s rarity and the growing interest in Sacagawea dollars, especially those tied to the unique Cheerios promotion.
How to Spot a Cheerios Dollar
Finding a Cheerios Dollar in your change is like striking gold, but it requires careful attention. Check any 2000 Sacagawea dollar for the reverse side. The Cheerios version has more detailed tail feathers on the eagle, with a raised central line in the feather shaft, unlike the recessed line on standard coins. A magnifying glass can help you compare the feathers to online images of the Reverse of 1999. Look for a shiny, uncirculated coin, as condition greatly affects value. If you find a potential match, take it to a coin dealer or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. Even circulated Cheerios Dollars can be worth thousands.
| Auction History | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Sale Price | $29,900 (2008, MS-68) |
| Recent Sale Price
Coin appraisals
|
$25,000 (2025, MS-68) |
| Grading Services | PCGS, NGC |
Why Collectors Are Hunting These Coins
The Cheerios Dollar is a favorite among coin collectors because of its unique history and scarcity. The 2000 promotion, where coins were hidden in cereal boxes, created a sense of adventure that still excites numismatists. With only a few dozen certified examples, these coins are hard to find, and their value keeps climbing. The combination of a minting variation and a fun marketing story makes them stand out. Collectors also value the connection to Sacagawea, a key figure in American history. As more people learn about these coins, demand at auctions continues to grow, pushing prices higher.
Check Your Change for a Fortune
The recent $25,000 auction sale is a reminder that valuable coins are still out there, waiting to be found. Since some Cheerios Dollars were spent as regular money, they could be in your pocket or change jar. Take a moment to inspect any 2000 Sacagawea dollars you come across, focusing on the eagle’s tail feathers. Even if you don’t find a Cheerios Dollar, other Sacagawea varieties, like those with experimental alloys, can also be worth thousands. This exciting discovery encourages everyone to look closely at their change, as a single dollar coin could turn into a life-changing windfall.
