Check Your Wallet: This Rare Sacagawea Dollar Looks Ordinary but Sells for $2.9 Million
special version of the Sacagawea Dollar
Sacagawea Dollar: Did you know that one of the most common-looking U.S. dollar coins could be worth nearly $2.9 million? That’s right a special version of the Sacagawea Dollar, often overlooked in pocket change or old coin jars, has stunned collectors with its incredible value.
If you’re a beginner or casual coin collector, this article will help you understand why this coin is so rare, how to identify it, and what makes it worth millions.
What Is the Sacagawea Dollar?
The Sacagawea Dollar is a U.S. $1 coin first issued in 2000. It features:
- Sacagawea, the Native American woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark.
- A golden-colored alloy (though it’s not real gold).
- A flying eagle design on the reverse (2000–2008).
While most Sacagawea dollars are worth only face value, a tiny number were struck in error or as test pieces and that’s where the big money lies.
The $2.9 Million Version: What Makes It So Special?
The $2.9 million Sacagawea Dollar isn’t your typical coin. This version is part of a small batch of experimental coins minted in the year 2000 with a unique twist: they were struck using the planchet of a different coin the 1999 Washington Quarter!
This error created a “mule coin” a coin with mismatched obverse and reverse designs.
Key Features of the $2.9M Sacagawea Mule Error:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse (Front) | Washington Quarter design |
| Reverse (Back) | Sacagawea dollar flying eagle design |
| Edge | Smooth edge like other dollar coins |
| Composition | Golden-colored manganese-brass alloy |
| Year Struck | 2000 |
| Mintage | Fewer than 20 known to exist |
This Washington Quarter/Sacagawea Mule is one of the most famous coin errors in U.S. history and collectors are willing to pay millions for it.
Check Your Wallet: This Rare Sacagawea Dollar Looks Ordinary but Sells for $2.9 Million
How Was the Mule Coin Discovered?
The first mule coin was discovered in 2000 by a collector who received it in a roll of new Sacagawea dollars from a bank. He immediately noticed something strange the quarter’s head was on one side, but the Sacagawea eagle was on the other.
It was authenticated by coin grading services like PCGS and NGC, and news of the error spread quickly. Over time, a few more were found, but the total number remains extremely low which adds to the rarity and value.
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How to Check If You Have One
Finding a Sacagawea Mule in circulation is like hitting the lottery, but it’s not impossible. Here’s what to look for:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Look at both sides of the coin:
- One side should have George Washington’s portrait (like a quarter).
- The other side should have the Sacagawea eagle reverse.
- Check the date:
- These were only struck in 2000.
- Check the color and size:
- It should have the golden look of the Sacagawea dollar and not the silver color of a quarter.
- Get it authenticated:
- If you suspect you have one, send it to a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
Several factors drive the high price of this mule coin:
- Extreme rarity: Less than 20 known examples.
- Historic significance: First mule coin struck by the U.S. Mint using modern dies.
- Collector demand: Error coins are highly collectible, and this is one of the most famous.
- High-grade examples: Some have been preserved in near-perfect condition, increasing their value.
In 2024, one of these coins sold at auction for nearly $2.9 million, setting a new record and sparking renewed interest in Sacagawea coins.
Check Your Wallet: This Rare Sacagawea Dollar Looks Ordinary but Sells for $2.9 Million
Other Valuable Sacagawea Errors to Watch For
While the $2.9M mule is the most valuable, other Sacagawea error coins can also fetch big bucks. Here are a few to look for:
| Error Type | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Sacagawea/Washington Mule | Up to $2.9 million |
| Missing Edge Lettering (2007–2009) | $50 to $3,000+ |
| Double Die Obverse (DDO) | $100 to $1,000+ |
| Off-Center Strikes | $75 to $500+ |
Where to Look for Rare Sacagawea Dollars
You might not need to look far. Start with:
- Your own change jar
- Old bank rolls
- Garage sales
- Estate sales or auctions
- Coin shows and local dealers
Remember, many people don’t realize the coin’s value. That’s your opportunity!
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Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore That Dollar Coin
To a casual eye, the Sacagawea dollar looks like any other $1 coin. But with a trained eye, it could be your ticket to a $2.9 million payday.
If you’re just starting out in coin collecting, keep checking your change and educating yourself about known errors and key dates. You never know a life-changing coin could be sitting right in your drawer.
