A Quarter That Isn’t Really a Quarter?
Yes, you read that right. A bizarre and ultra-rare minting mistake—known as a Mule Error—resulted in a coin that combines the head of a Washington Quarter with the tail of a Sacagawea Dollar. This modern error has sold for up to $195,000, making it one of the most valuable U.S. coins struck in the 21st century.
What Is a Mule Error?
Definition: A coin struck using dies from two completely different denominations.
This Specific Coin:
- Obverse (Front): Washington Quarter
- Reverse (Back): Sacagawea Dollar (soaring eagle)
- Edge: Plain (not reeded like a quarter)
- Size: Larger than a quarter (matches dollar dimensions)
Why It’s 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 | Quarter Eagle | Dollar Eagle |
| Known Examples | Billions | Only 3 Known |
Only 3 verified pieces exist:
- 1 graded PCGS MS66
- 2 graded NGC MS67
Sales History of This Coin
$195,000 – PCGS MS66 (Heritage Auctions, 2023)
$192,000 – NGC MS67 (Stack’s Bowers, 2022)
Private Sale – NGC MS67 for ~$200,000 (2024)
How Did This Happen?
- Die Mix-Up: A Washington quarter obverse die was accidentally paired with a Sacagawea dollar reverse die.
- Press Error: The coin was struck using dollar-sized machinery.
- Quality Control Miss: The mistake slipped past inspection.
- Escape into Circulation: Likely from a 2000-D mint set.
Only 3 are confirmed, but experts believe 5 to 10 may exist.
How to Identify a Real Mule Coin
Use This Checklist:
Larger Size than a normal quarter
Plain Edge (not reeded)
Heavier Weight ~8.10g
Reverse Matches the Sacagawea dollar
No Gold Plating or tampering marks
Where to Search
- 2000-D Mint Sets (especially unopened ones)
- $10 Quarter Rolls from banks or collectors
- Garage/Estate Sales (where the last one was found!)
A Nevada collector discovered theirs in a mint set bought at a garage sale—for just $5!
Found One? Do This First:
- Do NOT clean it
- Handle only by the edges (preferably with gloves)
- Take timestamped photos for documentation
- Store securely (preferably in a safe deposit box)
Get It Verified by Experts
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for official grading
- Includes XRF metal analysis and provenance research
- Expect submission costs of $150+, but it’s worth it!
Where to Sell for Top Dollar
Top Auction Houses:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Certified coins sell for 200–300% more than raw examples!
Free Evaluation Offer
Think you’ve found a mule coin?
Send clear photos to:
errors@pennyverse.info
Subject: “QUARTER MULE CHECK”
We’ll give you:
A free expert review- Estimated market value
- Step-by-step guidance
Final Thought: This isn’t just pocket change—it’s a once-in-a-generation treasure. Always double-check your coin rolls and mint sets. The next $195,000 coin might be hiding in plain sight.
