A Dollar Worth Millions
In 2000, the U.S. Mint introduced the Sacagawea Dollar, a golden-colored coin honoring the Native American woman who helped Lewis and Clark. Most of these coins are worth just one dollar, but a rare version with a minting mistake recently sold for a stunning $2.1 million in 2025. Known as the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule, this coin has the front of a Washington quarter and the back of a Sacagawea dollar. The discovery has people checking their change, hoping to find a fortune. Could this rare coin still be out there in circulation?
What Makes This Coin Special?
The Sacagawea Dollar was meant to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar, with a golden manganese-brass finish and Sacagawea’s image. The error coin, called a mule, happened when the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia accidentally used a Washington quarter die for the front of some Sacagawea dollars in 2000. This mix-up created coins with George Washington’s face on one side and the Sacagawea eagle on the other. Only 19 of these coins are known to exist, making them super rare and valuable to collectors.
Types of Valuable Sacagawea Dollars
Several Sacagawea dollars stand out for their high value due to errors or special features:
- 2000-P Mule Error: Has a Washington quarter front and Sacagawea back, worth up to $2.1 million.
- 2000-P Cheerios Dollar: Has enhanced tail feathers, given out in cereal boxes, valued at $34,500.
- 2000-P Wounded Eagle: Features a die gouge on the eagle’s chest, worth around $5,160.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Mule | Washington quarter front | Up to $2.1 million |
| 2000-P Cheerios | Enhanced tail feathers | $34,500 |
The $2.1 Million Sale
In October 2025, one of these mule error coins sold at a private auction for $2.1 million, setting a record for modern U.S. coin errors. The first mule was found in Arkansas in May 2000 and confirmed by the U.S. Mint as a real error. With only 19 known examples, 16 owned by one collector, their rarity drives up their price. Earlier sales of these mules reached $88,125 in 2013, but the 2025 sale shows how demand has grown. The coin’s perfect condition, graded MS-66 or higher, also boosted its value.
How to Spot a Mule Coin
Want to check if you have this rare coin? Here’s what to look for:
- Front Design: Look for George Washington instead of Sacagawea.
- Back Design: Check for the soaring eagle from the Sacagawea dollar.
- Mint Mark: Find a “P” for Philadelphia near Washington’s portrait.
- Edge: It should be plain, like other 2000 Sacagawea dollars.
| Step | Tool Needed | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check Front | Magnifying Glass | Spots Washington portrait |
| Confirm Mint Mark | Good Lighting | Verifies Philadelphia mint |
Why Collectors Are Excited
The $2.1 million sale has sparked a frenzy among coin collectors and hobbyists. The idea that a simple dollar could be worth millions is thrilling. These coins are rare because the Mint caught the error quickly, so few made it into circulation. The mix of history, rarity, and a big auction price makes this coin a legend in the numismatic world. People are now hunting through coin rolls and old jars, hoping to find one of the few remaining mules.
Start Your Treasure Hunt
The Sacagawea Dollar Mule shows how a small minting mistake can turn pocket change into a treasure. While finding one in your change is unlikely, the possibility keeps the excitement alive. Check your golden dollars closely, especially from 2000, and use a magnifying glass for details. If you think you’ve got a mule, get it checked by pros like PCGS or NGC. Coin collecting is a fun way to explore history and maybe even strike it rich. So, next time you get a dollar coin, take a second look, you might be holding a million-dollar mistake.