Imagine finding a dollar coin in your pocket worth more than a luxury car—or even a house! A rare Sacagawea dollar coin, due to a minting mistake, sold for a jaw-dropping $2.1 million in 2025. This golden coin, meant to honor a Native American hero, became a numismatic legend. Curious? Let’s dive into what makes this coin so extraordinary and how you might spot one in your change!
What Is the Sacagawea Dollar Mule Error?
The Sacagawea dollar, introduced in 2000, is a golden-colored coin honoring the Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition. But a rare minting mistake turned some of these $1 coins into treasures. Known as a “mule” error, this coin combines mismatched designs: the front (obverse) of a Washington quarter and the back (reverse) of a Sacagawea dollar. This blunder created one of the rarest modern U.S. coins, with only about 20 known examples.
The History and Origin of the Sacagawea Dollar
In 2000, the U.S. Mint launched the Sacagawea dollar to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar. Designed by Glenna Goodacre, it features Sacagawea with her infant son, Jean Baptiste, and a soaring eagle on the reverse by Thomas D. Rogers. Its manganese-brass alloy gives it a distinctive golden hue. During the transition from Susan B. Anthony to Sacagawea production, a few quarter planchets were accidentally left in the minting presses, leading to the mule error. These coins slipped through quality control, making them incredibly rare.
| Feature | Sacagawea Dollar | Washington Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| Obverse Design | Sacagawea with infant son | George Washington |
| Reverse Design | Soaring eagle with 17 stars | Eagle (1999 design) |
| Composition | Manganese-brass (golden) | Copper-nickel (silver-colored) |
| Diameter | 26.49 mm | 24.26 mm |
| Weight | 8.10 g | 5.67 g |
Why Is This Error Coin So Valuable Today?
The $2.1 million Sacagawea mule is a numismatic unicorn due to its rarity and historical significance. Only a handful exist, and their unique error—combining two different coin designs—makes them highly coveted. The 2000-P mule, struck on a quarter planchet, fetched $2.1 million at a private auction in October 2025, setting a record for modern U.S. coin errors. Collectors value these coins for their scarcity, pristine condition, and the story of a minting mistake that created a modern treasure.
How to Spot a Rare Sacagawea Coin
Think you might have a valuable Sacagawea dollar? Here’s how to check:
- Obverse Design: Look for George Washington instead of Sacagawea.
- Reverse Design: Confirm the Sacagawea eagle design with “ONE DOLLAR.”
- Color and Size: The coin should be golden but match a quarter’s dimensions (24.26 mm, 5.67 g).
- Mint Mark: Check for a “P” (Philadelphia) mark, typically on the obverse.
- Condition: Uncirculated coins are worth more—avoid cleaning or handling.
If you suspect you’ve found one, don’t spend it! Get it authenticated by services like PCGS or NGC to confirm its value.
Notable Facts and Record-Breaking Sales
The Sacagawea mule isn’t the only valuable version of this coin. Other errors and varieties also fetch high prices. Here are some key examples:
| Coin Type | Error/Variety | Sale Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Sacagawea Mule | Washington quarter obverse | $2.1 million | 2025 |
| 2000-P Cheerios Dollar | Enhanced tail feather design | $34,500 | 2008 |
| 2000-P Wounded Eagle | Die gouge on eagle’s breast | $5,160 | 2017 |
| 2000-P Goodacre Specimen | Special strike for designer | $5,288 | 2013 |
| 2000 Sacagawea/Susan B. Anthony | Struck on Susan B. Anthony planchet | $16,800 | 2022 |
- Rarest of All: Only one known Sacagawea dollar with presidential dollar edge lettering sold for $17,161 in 2012.
- Gold Prototypes: 12 gold Sacagawea dollars, struck in 22-karat gold, were sent into space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1999 and are now stored at Fort Knox.
- Collector Frenzy: The $2.1 million sale sparked a nationwide hunt for rare Sacagawea coins, with collectors checking piggy banks and coin rolls.
Expert Tips for Coin Collectors
Want to start or grow your coin collection? Here’s expert advice to hunt for rare Sacagawea dollars:
- Examine Your Change: Check golden dollar coins for unusual designs or markings.
- Use Tools: A magnifying glass and precise coin scale help spot errors like mules or off-center strikes.
- Avoid Cleaning: Cleaning reduces value—keep coins in their original condition.
- Get Authenticated: Use PCGS or NGC for professional grading to confirm authenticity.
- Join Communities: Coin clubs and online forums offer tips and updates on rare finds.
- Stay Informed: Follow numismatic news for market trends and auction results.
Conclusion: Could You Have a Million-Dollar Coin?
The Sacagawea dollar mule error is a testament to how a tiny minting mistake can turn pocket change into a multimillion-dollar treasure. With only a handful in existence, this coin captivates collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. Its blend of history, rarity, and a record-breaking $2.1 million sale makes it a numismatic legend. So, next time you get a golden dollar, take a closer look—you might be holding a fortune! Start checking your change, join a coin club, or share this story with fellow hobbyists. Happy collecting!