In the world of coin collecting, few pieces have sparked as much surprise and curiosity as the Sacagawea dollar. First introduced in 2000 to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar, this golden-toned coin featured the Shoshone guide Sacagawea with her baby, Jean Baptiste. While the standard coins are still found in circulation, a handful of them—due to errors, low mintages, or unique variants—have sold for staggering amounts.
Here’s a look at five Sacagawea coins that turned ordinary pocket change into unexpected six-figure windfalls for lucky collectors and sellers.
1. 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar – $100,000 Surprise
Back in 2000, Cheerios cereal boxes included either a new Lincoln penny or a shiny new dollar coin as part of a promotional giveaway. These “Cheerios dollars” turned out to be very different from regular Sacagawea coins.
What makes them special? They feature a prototype reverse design with enhanced eagle feathers that were later changed for mass production. Only about 5,500 of these prototype coins were ever distributed, making them incredibly rare.
One example sold at auction for $100,000, thanks to its pristine condition and historical value as a transitional design.
2. 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule with Washington Quarter Obverse – $192,000 Shocker
One of the most astonishing minting errors in U.S. history involved a Sacagawea dollar mistakenly struck with the obverse (heads) of a Washington state quarter. Known as a “mule” error, this rare mistake occurred when dies from two different coins were accidentally paired together.
Only around 19 known examples exist, and one specimen fetched $192,000 at auction, cementing its place as one of the most valuable U.S. error coins of all time.
3. 2000-D Sacagawea Dollar on Susan B. Anthony Planchet – Over $100,000
This rare coin is a minting anomaly in which a 2000-D Sacagawea dollar was struck on a planchet (blank) intended for a Susan B. Anthony dollar, which had a different composition.
The mistake resulted in a Sacagawea design with the silver-toned appearance of the Anthony dollar. These error coins are nearly impossible to replicate and are considered minting marvels. One of them sold for more than $100,000, driven by its extreme rarity and collector demand.
4. 2001-S Proof Sacagawea Dollar (Deep Cameo, PR70) – Valued at $120,000+
Proof coins are made for collectors with special dies that result in a mirror-like finish. While the 2001-S Sacagawea dollar is not uncommon, getting one in perfect PR70 Deep Cameo condition is almost unheard of.
Because of the flawless finish, mirror fields, and frosted design, one such proof coin has been valued upwards of $120,000 by private collectors and major auction houses. Grading agencies like PCGS and NGC have confirmed just a handful in this condition.
5. 2000-P Wounded Eagle Sacagawea Dollar – Up to $275,000
Among error coin hunters, the “Wounded Eagle” Sacagawea dollar is a legend. This coin gets its name from a die gouge that appears like a spear piercing the eagle’s body on the reverse.
This dramatic mint error was caused by a scratch on the die used to mint the coin, leading to a visible line across the eagle’s torso. In top condition, one of these coins sold for a jaw-dropping $275,000, as reported in private sales and collector circles.
Why Are These Coins So Valuable?
The secret to these six-figure Sacagawea coins lies in rarity, condition, and historical significance. Most dollar coins carry face value or modest collector premiums, but error coins and early production variants are in a league of their own. Even a minor difference in die design or planchet composition can skyrocket a coin’s worth—especially if it’s authenticated by professional grading agencies.
Final Thoughts
While most Sacagawea dollars will only buy you a soda, a few rare ones have changed lives. These stories serve as a reminder that it pays to check your spare change, especially when it comes to golden dollars. Whether found in a cereal box, a coin jar, or an inherited collection, some of these coins are still floating around—and may just be hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
Q: Are Sacagawea dollars still in circulation?
Yes, they are legal tender and occasionally show up in change, though they are more commonly seen in collector sets.
Q: How can I tell if I have a valuable Sacagawea coin?
Look for errors like unusual coloring, doubled images, off-center strikes, or mismatched designs. It’s best to consult a coin grading service or a reputable dealer.
Q: What’s the best way to sell a rare Sacagawea coin?
Auction houses like Heritage Auctions or online platforms like eBay (with proper authentication) are good options for selling high-value coins.
