A Sacagawea Dollar worth $2.1 million could be sitting in your pocket, change jar, or even a vending machine! First minted in 2000 to honor Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition, these golden-colored coins are common, but a rare “mule” error from 2000 makes some incredibly valuable. One such coin, with a Washington quarter front and Sacagawea back, sold for $2.1 million in October 2025 at a private auction. X users are buzzing, with one saying, “I’m checking every dollar coin now!” With only about 20 known examples, this coin could still be in circulation. Here’s how to spot this treasure and why it’s worth so much.
A Coin with a Story
The Sacagawea Dollar, launched in January 2000, features Sacagawea and her baby, Jean Baptiste, on the front, designed by Glenna Goodacre, and an eagle with 17 stars on the back, by Thomas D. Rogers. Over 1.2 billion were minted in 2000 alone, mostly in Philadelphia (“P” mint mark) and Denver (“D”). Most are worth just $1, but the rare 2000-P mule error—where a Washington quarter front was paired with a Sacagawea back—makes it a collector’s dream. Discovered in Arkansas in May 2000, only 19 are known, with 16 owned by one collector. X users say, “That golden shine could be a jackpot!”
Why It’s Worth Millions
The $2.1 million price comes from the coin’s rarity and unique error. The 2000-P mule happened when a quarter die was accidentally used at the Philadelphia Mint, creating a coin with George Washington’s face and the Sacagawea eagle back. Struck on a quarter-sized planchet (24.26mm, 5.67g), it’s smaller and lighter than a standard Sacagawea (26.5mm, 8.1g). Its pristine condition, often graded MS67 or higher, and historical quirk drive its value. A similar mule sold for $144,000 in 2022, but the 2025 sale set a record. X posts warn, “Don’t spend that odd-looking dollar!” The coin’s scarcity and minting mistake make it a numismatic legend.
How to Spot the Treasure
You can find this rare coin with a quick check:
- Front: Look for George Washington, not Sacagawea, with a “P” mint mark and “2000” date.
- Back: Check for the Sacagawea eagle with “ONE DOLLAR” and 17 stars.
- Size and Weight: It matches a quarter (24.26mm, 5.67g), not a Sacagawea (26.5mm, 8.1g).
- Edge: Look for a plain or reeded edge, not the lettered edge of later Sacagaweas.
Use a magnifying glass to confirm details and a scale for weight. X users suggest, “Check bank rolls or vending machine change!” Don’t clean the coin, as it lowers value.
| Feature | Rare 2000-P Sacagawea Mule Details |
|---|---|
| Front | Washington quarter (George Washington) |
| Back | Sacagawea eagle, “ONE DOLLAR” |
| Size/Weight | 24.26mm, 5.67g (quarter planchet) |
| Mint Mark | “P” (Philadelphia) |
| Value (Rare) | Up to $2.1 million (MS67+) |
Where It Might Be Hiding
With over 767 million 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars minted, many are still in circulation, especially in vending machines, bank rolls, or old coin jars. The mule error slipped into public hands during early 2000, possibly through vending tests. Finds have popped up in places like Arkansas banks or even cereal boxes from a 2000 Cheerios promotion (though Cheerios coins are a different variety). X users share, “Found a Sacagawea in a laundromat—checking it now!” Look in coin rolls, small-town stores, or family collections for a chance at this rare find.
What to Do If You Find One
If you spot a possible mule, handle it by the edges and store it in a soft plastic holder. Don’t clean it—scratches ruin its value. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. They’ll verify the mule error and grade its condition (MS67+ fetches top prices). Even non-mule errors, like the 2000-P Cheerios Dollar with detailed eagle feathers, can sell for $2,750–$11,500. Auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers can get you the best price. X users advise, “Get it graded—fakes are out there!” Report fakes at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Join the 2025 Coin Hunt
The $2.1 million Sacagawea mule is a once-in-a-lifetime find, blending history, rarity, and a minting mistake. As 2025 marks the coin’s 25th anniversary, with a special 24-karat gold version set for release on July 31, interest in Sacagawea Dollars is soaring. Even non-mule coins, like the Wounded Eagle (worth $5,000+) or Cheerios variety, can bring thousands. One X user said, “This hunt makes every dollar exciting!” Check your change, visit coinvaluechecker.com for guides, or join a coin club. Your next Sacagawea Dollar could be a $2.1 million treasure