A Quarter That Isn’t Really a Quarter?
Yes, you read that right. One of the rarest U.S. coins ever made is a strange hybrid: a Washington Quarter obverse (front) paired with a Sacagawea Dollar reverse (back). Known as a Mule Error Coin, it’s so scarce that only three confirmed examples exist—and one recently sold for an astonishing $195,000 at auction.
What Exactly Is a Mule Error Coin?
A mule error happens when dies from two different denominations are accidentally paired together in the minting process.
This Legendary Mule Coin Features:
- Obverse (Front): George Washington (Quarter design)
- Reverse (Back): Sacagawea Dollar with soaring eagle
- Edge: Plain (unlike quarters, which are reeded)
- Diameter: 26.5 mm (larger than a quarter, same as a dollar)
- Weight: ~8.1 g (heavier than a quarter)
Why Is It So Valuable?
| Feature | Normal Quarter | Mule Error Coin |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.26 mm | 26.50 mm |
| Weight | 5.67 g | 8.10 g |
| Edge | Reeded | Plain |
| Reverse Design | Eagle (Quarter) | Eagle (Dollar) |
| Known Examples | Billions | Only 3 Known |
Rarity is everything in numismatics. With just three verified pieces, this mule error is a holy grail for modern collectors.
Auction Sales History
$195,000 – PCGS MS66 (Heritage Auctions, 2023)
$192,000 – NGC MS67 (Stack’s Bowers, 2022)
~$200,000 Private Sale – NGC MS67 (2024)
That’s right—three coins, three six-figure sales.
How Did This Happen?
- Die Mix-Up – A Washington Quarter obverse die was mistakenly paired with a Sacagawea Dollar reverse die.
- Wrong Press – Struck on dollar-sized planchets.
- Quality Control Miss – The error slipped through undetected.
- Circulation Escape – Believed to have come from 2000-D Mint Sets.
How to Spot a Real Mule Coin
If you suspect you’ve found one, check for these telltale signs:
Larger size than a quarter
Plain edge (no ridges)
Weight ~8.10 g
Quarter front / Sacagawea dollar back
No plating, no tampering
Warning: Many fake plated quarters circulate online—always verify before getting excited.
Where to Look
- 2000-D Mint Sets (especially sealed ones)
- $10 Quarter Rolls from banks or collectors
- Garage & Estate Sales (one coin was discovered this way—for only $5!)
What To Do If You Find One
- Do NOT clean it
- Handle only by the edges (gloves preferred)
- Photograph it clearly (both sides, edge, scale)
- Store securely (safe deposit box if possible)
Get It Graded
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading. Graded coins sell for 200–300% more than raw examples.
Where to Sell for Maximum Value
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Free Expert Check
Think you’ve found a mule coin? Send photos to:
errors@pennyverse.info
Subject: “QUARTER MULE CHECK”
We’ll give you:
Free evaluation
Estimated value range
Step-by-step selling advice
Final Thought
The 2000-D Quarter/Sacagawea Dollar Mule is one of the most valuable modern U.S. error coins ever discovered. With only three known, it’s a once-in-a-generation find that could turn a pocket change discovery into a $200,000 payday.
Always check your mint sets, quarter rolls, and estate sale finds—you never know when history (and fortune) might be in your hands.
