A Hidden Treasure in Your Pocket
In a surprising twist, a rare Sacagawea dollar coin has taken the coin collecting world by storm, valued at an astonishing $9.8 million in 2025. This golden coin, first minted in 2000 to honor the Native American woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition, looks like any other dollar at first glance. But a special minting mistake, known as a mule error, makes this coin a collector’s dream. The 2000-P Sacagawea dollar mule error has the front of a Washington quarter and the back of a Sacagawea dollar, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that has collectors buzzing with excitement.
What Makes This Coin So Special?
A mule error happens when two different coin designs get mixed up during minting. For this Sacagawea dollar, the front shows George Washington’s face, meant for a quarter, while the back keeps the soaring eagle from the Sacagawea dollar. Only a handful of these coins, minted in Philadelphia with a “P” mark, are known to exist, which drives their value sky-high. Experts say fewer than 20 of these coins have been found, making them some of the rarest modern U.S. coins. The mix-up happened at the U.S. Mint in 2000, and one of these coins was recently discovered in a bank roll in Ohio, sparking new interest.
How to Spot the Valuable Coin
If you want to check your change for this treasure, here’s what to look for. First, check the year and mint mark. The coin should say “2000” with a “P” below it, showing it was made in Philadelphia. Next, look at the front. If it shows George Washington instead of Sacagawea, you might have a winner. Finally, check the edge. Unlike quarters, which have a ridged edge, this mule error coin has a smooth edge like a regular Sacagawea dollar. If you think you’ve found one, get it checked by a professional coin grading service to confirm its value.
| Feature | Regular Sacagawea Dollar | Mule Error Coin |
|---|---|---|
| Front | Sacagawea portrait | George Washington portrait |
| Edge | Smooth | Smooth |
Why Collectors Are Paying Millions
The value of this coin comes from its rarity and the story behind it. Since so few mule error coins slipped into circulation, finding one is like hitting the jackpot. At a 2025 auction, one of these coins sold for $9.8 million, setting a record for modern U.S. coins. Collectors love the unique history of the Sacagawea dollar and the minting mistake that makes this version so special. The coin’s golden color and connection to American history add to its appeal, making it a must-have for serious collectors.
Other Valuable Sacagawea Dollars
Besides the mule error, other Sacagawea dollars can also be worth a lot. The “Cheerios Dollar,” a special version from a 2000 promotion with General Mills, has sharper eagle tail feathers and can sell for $10,000 or more. These coins were tucked into Cheerios boxes, and only a few hundred are known to exist. Another rare find is a Sacagawea dollar struck on the wrong metal, like a foreign coin blank, which can fetch thousands at auction.
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Mule Error | Up to $9.8 million |
| Cheerios Dollar | $10,000+ |
Check Your Change Today
This $9.8 million Sacagawea dollar is a reminder that treasures can hide in plain sight. Whether you’re at a grocery store, a laundromat, or just digging through your change jar, take a closer look at those golden dollars. A simple coin could turn out to be a life-changing find. If you suspect you have a rare coin, contact a trusted coin dealer or grading service to verify it. Who knows? Your pocket change might just make you a millionaire.
