A Dollar Coin Worth Millions
Imagine finding a dollar coin in your change that’s worth $2.3 million. The Sacagawea Dollar, first minted in 2000, is usually worth just its face value, but a rare minting error has turned one into a collector’s dream. Known as the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule, this coin has a unique mistake that makes it one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins. With millions still in circulation, you might have one hiding in your pocket or coin jar. Collectors are buzzing about this golden treasure, and one recently sold for $2.3 million at a private auction in 2025.
What Makes This Coin Special
The Sacagawea Dollar was introduced in 2000 to honor the Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition. The front shows Sacagawea with her son, Jean Baptiste, while the back has a soaring eagle, symbolizing peace. Made with a manganese-brass alloy, it has a shiny golden look. Most of these coins are common, but a rare error from the Philadelphia Mint created the “mule” coin. This error pairs the front of a Washington quarter, showing George Washington, with the back of a Sacagawea Dollar. Only about 20 of these coins are known to exist, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
The Error That Creates a Fortune
The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule is special because of a minting mix-up. During production, the U.S. Mint accidentally used a Washington quarter die for the front and a Sacagawea Dollar die for the back. This mismatch, called a “mule” error, is one of the rarest mistakes in U.S. coin history. The coin is the size of a quarter (24.26 mm wide, 5.67 grams) and has a plain edge, like a Sacagawea Dollar. Its “P” mint mark shows it was made in Philadelphia. In pristine condition, one of these coins fetched $2.3 million, driven by its rarity and perfect state. With only a handful known, finding one is like winning the lottery.
| Feature | Standard Sacagawea Dollar | Mule Error Coin |
|---|---|---|
| Front Design | Sacagawea | George Washington |
| Back Design | Soaring eagle | Soaring eagle |
| Mint Mark | P, D, or none | P |
| Size | 26.5 mm | 24.26 mm |
How to Spot a Valuable Coin
You don’t need to be a coin expert to check for this treasure. Look at the front: if it shows George Washington instead of Sacagawea, you might have a mule error. The back should have the Sacagawea eagle design with “ONE DOLLAR.” Check for a “P” mint mark and measure the coin to confirm it’s the size of a quarter, about 24.26 mm wide. Weigh it to ensure it’s around 5.67 grams. Don’t clean the coin, as scratches can lower its value. Store it in a protective holder and take it to a professional grader like PCGS or NGC to confirm its authenticity. Coin shows or trusted dealers are great places to sell if you find one.
Why Collectors Are Going Crazy
Coin collecting is hotter than ever, with people digging through change for rare finds. Posts on X show collectors sharing tips about spotting errors like the Sacagawea mule. The coin’s historical significance, tied to the Lewis and Clark expedition, adds to its appeal. With only 19 or 20 known mule coins, the hunt is intense. Some were even found in everyday places, like bank rolls or cereal boxes from a 2000 Cheerios promotion, though those “Cheerios Dollars” are a different rare type worth hundreds or thousands. The thrill of finding a $2.3 million coin keeps collectors checking every dollar they get.
Check Your Change Today
The idea that a $2.3 million coin could be in your pocket is exciting. These Sacagawea Dollar mules might be in cash registers, vending machines, or your own change. A quick look at your coins, especially those from 2000, could uncover a life-changing find. Grab a magnifying glass, check the designs, and you might discover a piece of history worth millions. This rare mistake proves that even a simple dollar can turn into a massive fortune.