A Coin That Could Make You Rich
Imagine pulling a dollar coin from your pocket worth millions. A rare 2000 Sacagawea dollar, known as the mule error, sold for $2.1 million at a private auction in October 2025. This coin has the Sacagawea portrait on the front but was mistakenly stamped with the back of a Washington quarter, showing an eagle. The mix-up happened at the Philadelphia Mint, and only a handful of these coins exist. Collectors are eager to find them, and other rare Sacagawea dollars, like the Wounded Eagle or Cheerios version, can also bring in thousands.
What Is the Mule Error?
The Sacagawea dollar, launched in 2000, honors the Native American woman who helped Lewis and Clark. It’s a golden-colored coin made of manganese-brass, not gold. The mule error is special because it combines the Sacagawea front with a quarter’s eagle back, a mistake from mismatched minting dies. Fewer than 20 of these coins are known, making them a collector’s treasure. Other versions, like the 2000-P Cheerios dollar with detailed tail feathers, can sell for up to $10,200, while a Wounded Eagle, with a mark on the eagle’s chest, might fetch $500.
How to Find a Valuable Coin
You could have a fortune in your change. Check any 2000 Sacagawea dollar for the mule error by looking at the back. If it shows a quarter’s eagle instead of the usual soaring eagle, you might be holding a million-dollar coin. For the Cheerios dollar, look for sharp tail feathers. The Wounded Eagle has a scratch or mark on the eagle’s chest. Use a magnifying glass to see details clearly. Don’t clean the coin, as that can lower its value. If you think you’ve found a rare one, get it checked by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Error | Quarter’s eagle on reverse | Up to $2.1 million |
| Cheerios Dollar | Detailed tail feathers | Up to $10,200 |
Why Are These Coins So Valuable?
The mule error is rare because it was a minting mistake. The wrong die was used, pairing a dollar front with a quarter back. Since the U.S. Mint catches most errors, few of these coins reached the public. The Cheerios dollars came from a special promotion with General Mills, included in some cereal boxes, so not many were made. The Wounded Eagle’s value comes from a die flaw that marked the eagle’s chest. Collectors love these coins for their scarcity and the story behind their creation.
| Error Type | Cause | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Error | Wrong reverse die used | Fewer than 20 known |
| Wounded Eagle | Die damage or scratch | Limited number |
What to Do With a Rare Find
If you find a mule error or another rare Sacagawea dollar, handle it carefully. Store it in a soft plastic holder to avoid scratches. Contact a grading service to confirm its condition and authenticity. They’ll grade it and tell you its value. Selling through a trusted auction house or coin dealer is the best way to get a good price. While most Sacagawea dollars are worth just a dollar, a rare error could make you rich.
Join the Coin Hunt
Searching for these coins is like a treasure hunt for anyone. Check your change, old piggy banks, or coin collections for 2000 Sacagawea dollars. A quick look could uncover a coin worth millions. With a bit of luck and a close eye, you might find a piece of history that changes your life. Grab a magnifying glass and start looking today.
