Imagine finding a coin in your pocket worth $200,000. The 2000 Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar, a rare coin from a cereal box promotion, is still floating around in wallets and cash registers across America. With only a few known to exist, this “golden” dollar has collectors buzzing. Its unique design and fascinating story make it a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by someone with a sharp eye.
A Cereal Box Surprise
In 2000, the U.S. Mint teamed up with General Mills to promote the new Sacagawea Dollar, a coin honoring the Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They placed 5,500 of these coins in Cheerios cereal boxes, one in every 2,000 boxes, as a fun way to introduce the “golden” dollar. Years later, in 2005, collectors noticed something special: many of these coins had extra-detailed eagle tail feathers on the back, making them different from regular Sacagawea Dollars. These rare coins, now called Cheerios Dollars, became a sensation.
Why It’s Worth a Fortune
The Cheerios Dollar’s value comes from its rarity and condition. Only about 150 of the 5,500 coins have been found, and experts believe many were spent or lost. The enhanced tail feathers, with visible veins and a raised central shaft, set it apart from the smoother design on standard coins. A top-quality Cheerios Dollar, graded MS-68 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), sold for $10,200 in 2020, but recent market trends suggest one could fetch up to $200,000 today. Here’s a quick look at its specs:
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Estimated Value (MS-68) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | P | 5,500 | $10,200–$200,000 |
Still Hiding in Plain Sight
What makes this story exciting is that thousands of Cheerios Dollars might still be out there. Since they were released before collectors knew their value, many ended up in circulation. People may have spent them at stores or tucked them away in coin jars. Numismatists like Tom DeLorey, who first spotted the unique design in 1999, encourage everyone to check their change. A Maryland collector, Cliff Long, found three Cheerios Dollars, two in 2000 and one later in circulation, proving these treasures can still surface.
How to Spot the Prize
To find a Cheerios Dollar, look for a 2000 Sacagawea Dollar with a “P” mint mark from Philadelphia. Check the eagle’s tail feathers on the back. If they show detailed veins and a raised central line, you might have a winner. Regular Sacagawea Dollars have flatter, less detailed feathers. If you suspect you’ve got one, don’t clean it—take it to a reputable coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for appraisal. Even lower-grade Cheerios Dollars can sell for $2,600 or more.
A Collector’s Dream
The Cheerios Dollar has sparked a modern-day treasure hunt, with collectors and everyday folks alike searching their change. Its story blends history, luck, and the thrill of discovery. The coin’s value has soared, with a 2000-P Sacagawea mule error (paired with a quarter’s reverse) recently jumping 60% to $200,000, showing the hot demand for rare coins. So, next time you get a golden dollar in change, take a closer look it could be the find of a lifetime.