Episode 4 – Getting Rich on U.S. Mint Mistakes
Welcome back to Episode 4 of Getting Rich on U.S. Mint Mistakes! This time, we’re diving into a fascinating and highly valuable minting error involving the Sacagawea dollar — a mistake that turned a $1 coin into an $84,000 collector’s jackpot.
Key Identification Features
Here’s how to spot the rare variety:
Obverse (Front):
- Features Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste
- Standard design used on Sacagawea dollars since 2000
Reverse (Back):
- Instead of the usual soaring eagle, the rare version shows the Statue of Liberty, which is typically found on Presidential dollars
Why This Error Matters
Many collectors and casual coin holders mistakenly believe that all dollar coins are valuable. Here’s what you need to know:
Common Sacagawea dollars have an eagle reverse — these are typically worth only face value.- Presidential dollars feature former U.S. presidents on the obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse — also common.
The valuable error features Sacagawea on the front and Statue of Liberty on the back — a rare and accidental mule pairing of two separate coin programs!
Estimated Value: Up to $84,000
One of these rare mule errors has been authenticated and sold at auction for $84,000. Only a handful of verified examples exist, making it one of the most sought-after modern U.S. coin errors.
Steps to Maximize Your Coin’s Value
Get Certified
- Visit PCGS Submission Guide or NGC to learn how to professionally grade and authenticate your coin.
- Certification is essential for determining legitimacy and value.
Auction It
- Once certified, consider listing it with top auction houses like:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
These platforms regularly deal with high-value coin rarities and attract serious bidders.
Final Thoughts
If you think you’ve spotted a Sacagawea dollar with the Statue of Liberty reverse, don’t dismiss it. This mule error is genuine, documented, and already sold at auction — and yours could be next.
“Everything I show you has been found, sold, and verified — your treasure hunt might just be beginning.”
