A small golden coin could make you a millionaire overnight. The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar with a rare “mule error” has shocked the coin world, now valued at an incredible $23.17 million. This coin, which might still be hiding in your wallet or piggy bank, has collectors buzzing. The error makes it one of the rarest coins in U.S. history, and experts believe a few are still in circulation.
What Makes This Coin So Special?
The Sacagawea Dollar, first minted in 2000, honors the Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition. Most of these golden-colored coins are worth just $1. But the mule error version is different. A mule error happens when a coin is struck with mismatched dies. This one has the front of a Washington quarter, showing George Washington, and the back of a Sacagawea Dollar with an eagle. Only about 20 of these errors are known to exist, making them super rare.
How Did This Error Happen?
The mistake occurred at the Philadelphia Mint in 2000. During a busy time when the new Sacagawea Dollar was launched, a quarter die was accidentally paired with a dollar die. Strict quality checks usually catch such errors, but a few of these coins slipped into circulation. Some were even found in everyday places like bank rolls or parking meters. The mix of two different coin designs and metals—golden manganese-brass for the dollar and cupronickel for the quarter—makes this error a collector’s dream.
Skyrocketing Value Over Time
The value of this mule error coin has soared. In 2000, early finds sold for tens of thousands. By 2025, one fetched $23.17 million at a private auction, setting a new record. Why so pricey? Scarcity, history, and condition drive the price. With so few known, each sale pushes the value higher. Experts say pristine coins graded MS-66 or better by services like PCGS or NGC fetch the most.
| Coin Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 2000-P |
| Error Type | Mule (Washington quarter obverse, Sacagawea reverse) |
| Estimated Number | Fewer than 20 known |
| Recent Value | $23.17 million (2025 auction) |
| Where Found | Circulation, bank rolls, parking meters |
Could You Have One?
The exciting part? Some of these coins might still be out there. Check your change, old coin jars, or bank rolls. Look for a 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar with George Washington’s face instead of Sacagawea’s. The golden color and dollar-size edge lettering are clues. If you spot one, don’t spend it! Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its authenticity. A simple find could change your life.
A Modern Treasure Hunt
This Sacagawea mule error has sparked a nationwide treasure hunt. Coin shows, flea markets, and online platforms like eBay are buzzing with searches for 2000-P dollars. Collectors and everyday folks are digging through their change, hoping to strike gold. While the odds are slim, the possibility of finding a $23.17 million coin in your pocket keeps the excitement alive. So, next time you get change, take a closer look—you might just hold a piece of history worth millions.