A single 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar just sold for $1.5 million at auction — and yes, it could be hiding in a collection, change jar, or forgotten cereal box near you. Here’s the complete guide to identifying the ultra-rare varieties that have made headlines and turned ordinary collectors into millionaires.
Why These Sacagawea Dollars Sell for Millions
The “Cheerios Dollar” Pattern Reverse
- Originally placed in select 2000 Cheerios cereal boxes as a promotion
- Only 12 confirmed specimens exist (far fewer than the rumored 5,500)
- Record Sale: $1,440,000 (PCGS MS68, 2023)
- Features extra-sharp eagle tail feathers not found on regular issues
Goodacre Presentation Dollars
- Only 5,000 coins awarded to artist Glenna Goodacre (designer of the obverse)
- Just 3 examples graded MS70 by PCGS
- Last MS70 sold for $1.25 million (2024)
- Known for their unique satin finish and perfect strike
Experimental Planchet Errors
- Struck on unique bronze test planchets before final design approval
- Only two examples confirmed
- Private treaty sales estimate values of $2 million+
How to Spot a Million-Dollar Sacagawea Dollar
1. The Cheerios Dollar ($1.5M)
Look for extra-detailed eagle tail feathers (use 10x magnification)
Weight: 8.1 grams exactly
Crisp edge lettering, sharper than normal strikes
Must be traced back to 2000 Cheerios box promotion
2. The Goodacre Presentation ($1.25M)
Distinct satin-like finish (not standard golden luster)
Perfect grade MS70 required for million-dollar sales
Must be PCGS/NGC certified and linked to Goodacre release
3. The Experimental Bronze Planchet ($2M+)
Bronze tone instead of golden color
Rings differently when tapped
Authentication required by experts — impossible to verify by eye alone
Grading & Value Guide (2024 Auction Records)
| Variety | MS67 | MS68 | MS69 | MS70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerios Dollar | $250,000 | $1.5M | — | — |
| Goodacre Presentation | $400,000 | $750,000 | $1M | $1.25M |
| Bronze Error | — | — | — | $2M+ |
What To Do If You Think You Have One
These coins are rarer than the 1913 Liberty Nickel — handle carefully.
- Use cotton gloves to avoid fingerprints.
- Photograph both sides under natural light.
- Get it certified by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS immediately.
- If authentic, arrange secure transport (armed courier recommended for million-dollar specimens).
Real-Life Million-Dollar Stories
“I used mine as a car wash token for years — until an appraiser spotted it. That coin sold for $1.44 million.” – Anonymous Collector
“Found in a cereal box I almost threw away. My $1.5M breakfast!” – 2023 Auction Seller
Why This Is the Ultimate Modern Treasure
More valuable than most classic rarities
Still new discoveries being made today
The only modern U.S. coin to break the $1M barrier
Final Word
If you have a 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar, don’t dismiss it as pocket change. The right variety, in the right condition, could transform your coin into a seven-figure payday.
Check your coins now — you could be sitting on the next million-dollar discovery.
