A Golden Dollar Worth a Fortune
The Sacagawea Dollar, first minted in 2000, is a familiar coin with its golden color and image of the Native American heroine Sacagawea. Most are worth just one dollar, but a few rare ones have sold for six figures. These coins could still be hiding in your change, wallets, or coin jars. Knowing which ones to look for might turn your pocket change into a massive payday.
The 2000-P Cheerios Dollar
One of the most famous Sacagawea Dollars is the 2000-P Cheerios Dollar. In 2000, the U.S. Mint put these coins in some Cheerios cereal boxes as a promotion. They have a special tail feather design that’s sharper than regular coins. Only about 5,500 were released this way, and one sold for $102,000 at auction. Check any 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars for this unique feather detail.
The 2000-D Mule Error
Another rare find is the 2000-D Mule Error. This coin has the front of a Sacagawea Dollar but the back of a state quarter, a mistake made during minting. Fewer than 20 are known to exist, and one fetched over $176,000. Look for a 2000-D coin with a quarter’s eagle design on the back instead of Sacagawea’s soaring eagle. This error could make you rich.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Cheerios | Sharp tail feathers | Up to $102,000 |
| 2000-D Mule Error | Quarter design on back | Over $176,000 |
Other High-Value Sacagawea Coins
Some Sacagawea Dollars from later years are also valuable. The 2007-P Satin Finish coin, made for special collector sets, can sell for thousands if found in circulation. Only a few slipped out of the sets, and one in perfect condition went for $12,000. The 2014-D Native American Dollar, with a unique reverse design honoring Native American contributions, is another. A top-grade version sold for over $20,000. These show that even newer coins can be worth a lot.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-P Satin Finish | From collector sets | Up to $12,000 |
| 2014-D Native American | Unique reverse design | Over $20,000 |
The 2008 Reverse of 2007 Error
A fifth gem is the 2008 Sacagawea Dollar with the 2007 reverse design. This error happened when the Mint accidentally used the previous year’s back design. These coins are rare, with one selling for $65,000 in pristine condition. Check 2008 coins to see if the reverse matches the 2007 design, which has different lettering and eagle details. This mistake makes the coin a collector’s dream.
How to Find These Treasures
Spotting a valuable Sacagawea Dollar takes a keen eye. Check the date and mint mark, usually a “P” for Philadelphia or “D” for Denver, on the front. Look for unusual details like sharp tail feathers, a quarter’s back, or mismatched designs. A magnifying glass helps spot errors. If you think you have a rare coin, take it to a coin shop or get it graded by experts like PCGS or NGC. They’ll confirm if it’s a six-figure winner.
Keep Checking Your Change
Sacagawea Dollars are still used today and can show up in cash registers, vending machines, or old stashes. Stories of people finding these coins in everyday change keep collectors excited. Most are worth just a dollar, but a rare one could change your life. Next time you get a golden dollar, look closely. It might be worth way more than you think.