Most Sacagawea dollars are only worth face value. But a rare minting mistake, known as the Sacagawea Dollar Mule Error, has shocked collectors by selling for as much as $100,000 at auction. 
This error combines two different coin designs—something that should never happen—and turns an ordinary dollar into a six-figure treasure.
What Exactly Is a “Mule Error”?
In coin collecting, a mule error happens when the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of two different coins are accidentally paired together.
For the Sacagawea Mule:
Front (Obverse): Sacagawea carrying baby Jean Baptiste (2000–present design).- Back (Reverse): Statue of Liberty from the Presidential Dollar series.
Not the usual eagle or Native American reverse!
If you see this mismatch, you might be holding one of the rarest U.S. coins ever struck.
How to Check Your Coins (Quick Guide)
Want to know if you’ve got one? Here’s what to do:
Flip It Over – If the reverse shows the Statue of Liberty instead of the eagle/Native American design → 
Big clue.
Confirm the Obverse – The front must feature Sacagawea and baby Jean Baptiste.
Inspect the Edge – Should look like a standard dollar edge (inscriptions may vary).
Compare With Photos – Check verified examples at PCGS or NGC.
Don’t Clean or Alter It! – Even a small fingerprint can slash the value.
Real-World Sales & Values
This coin is not just hype—it’s a proven auction winner.
$84,000 – Confirmed auction result for a certified Sacagawea/Presidential Dollar mule.- Estimated Values:
| Condition | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Raw (Uncertified) | $30,000 – $50,000+ |
| Certified MS60+ | $80,000 – $100,000+ |
Authentication Is Crucial
To sell one of these coins, you’ll need professional grading and authentication. Trusted companies include:
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
ANACS
Top auction houses for sale:
Heritage Auctions
Stack’s Bowers
GreatCollections
Think You Have One? Here’s What to Do
Take clear photos of both sides of the coin.
Store it safely—use a holder or capsule.
Submit it to a grading service before attempting to sell.
Join the “Mule Watch” Community
Collectors worldwide are keeping an eye out for more of these legendary coins. Be part of the movement:
Follow @CoinChannel for:
- Live coin hunt streams
- Case study breakdowns
- First alerts on new discoveries
