Golden Dollar, Golden Flaw: Sacagawea Error Coin Valued at $2.15 Million

Sacagawea Error Coin : In the fascinating world of numismatics, where tiny details can transform pocket change into extraordinary treasures, few stories capture the imagination quite like the recent sale of a Sacagawea dollar error coin for a staggering $2.1 million. This remarkable tale demonstrates how a simple minting mistake can create one of the most valuable modern coins in American history, turning what should have been ordinary currency into a collector’s dream.

The Birth of an Extraordinary Error

Understanding the Sacagawea Dollar

The Sacagawea dollar, introduced in 2000, is a golden-colored coin honoring the Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition. But a rare minting mistake turned some of these $1 coins into treasures. Designed by Glenna Goodacre, the coin features Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, on the obverse, while the reverse showcases a soaring eagle design by Thomas D. Rogers. The coin’s distinctive golden appearance comes from its manganese-brass composition, which was specifically chosen to distinguish it from other circulating coins.

The coin was introduced as a replacement for the Susan B. Anthony dollar and was intended to be more popular with the public. However, despite the U.S. Mint’s hopes, the Sacagawea dollar never gained widespread acceptance in everyday commerce, leading to dramatically reduced production after its initial release.

The Mule Error Phenomenon

Known as a “mule” error, this coin combines mismatched designs: the front (obverse) of a Washington quarter and the back (reverse) of a Sacagawea dollar. This blunder created one of the rarest modern U.S. coins, with only about 20 known examples.

The error occurred during a critical transition period in 2000 when the U.S. Mint was switching from Susan B. Anthony dollar production to the new Sacagawea dollars. During the transition from Susan B. Anthony to Sacagawea production, a few quarter planchets were accidentally left in the minting presses, leading to the mule error. These coins slipped through quality control, making them incredibly rare.

The Discovery That Changed Everything

First Known Specimen

The first known specimen of this mule error was discovered in May 2000 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Following its discovery, the coin was sent to the U.S. Mint for authentication. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in modern numismatics, as it represented one of the first authentic mule coins to escape the Mint’s quality control systems and enter circulation.

In July 2000, the Mint confirmed the coin as a legitimate error, marking it as one of the first authentic mule coins to be released into circulation by the U.S. Mint. This official authentication transformed what could have been dismissed as a curiosity into a genuine numismatic treasure.

The Rarity Factor

As of now, only 19 examples of the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule are known to exist. Of these, 16 are owned by a private collector, Tommy Bolack. This extreme scarcity has contributed significantly to the coin’s astronomical value. The concentration of so many examples in a single collection has further intensified the rarity for specimens that do appear at auction.

Record-Breaking Sale and Market Impact

The $2.1 Million Transaction

The 2000-P mule, struck on a quarter planchet, fetched $2.1 million at a private auction in October 2025, setting a record for modern U.S. coins. This sale represents a significant milestone in numismatic history, demonstrating the incredible premiums that collectors are willing to pay for truly exceptional error coins.

Over the years, as fewer mules surfaced, their rarity drove prices higher. The latest sale, at a private auction in October 2025, set a new record at $2.1 million. This dramatic price appreciation reflects both the coin’s inherent rarity and the growing interest in modern error coins among serious collectors.

Market Dynamics and Collector Interest

Coin collecting is a big hobby in the U.S., and rare errors like this one are the holy grail. The Sacagawea mule combines history, scarcity, and a fascinating mistake. Collectors love coins that tell a story, and this one has it all: a tribute to a Native American hero, a minting blunder, and a tiny production run.

The sale has created ripple effects throughout the numismatic community, inspiring countless collectors to examine their own Sacagawea dollars more carefully and generating renewed interest in error coins generally.

Identification and Authentication

How to Identify a Sacagawea Mule

To identify a 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule, examine the coin for the following features: Obverse Side: Look for the portrait of George Washington, which is characteristic of a state quarter. Reverse Side: Check for the soaring eagle design, which is unique to the Sacagawea dollar. Edge: The coin should have a plain edge, consistent with Sacagawea dollars minted in 2000. Mint Mark: Ensure the mint mark “P” is present, indicating it was minted in Philadelphia.

Physical Specifications

Color and Size: The coin should be golden but match a quarter’s dimensions (24.26 mm, 5.67 g). Mint Mark: Check for a “P” (Philadelphia) mark, typically on the obverse. Condition: Uncirculated coins are worth more—avoid cleaning or handling.

Authentication and Professional Services

If you suspect you’ve found one, don’t spend it! Get it authenticated by services like PCGS or NGC to confirm its value. Professional authentication is crucial for any suspected error coin, as the potential value makes professional verification essential.

The authentication process involves detailed examination by experts who can verify the coin’s authenticity and assign appropriate grades based on condition. Given the extraordinary value of these coins, professional authentication is not just recommended—it’s absolutely essential.

Other Valuable Sacagawea Variants

Additional Error Types

The Sacagawea mule isn’t the only valuable version of this coin. Other errors and varieties also fetch high prices. Here are some key examples: Rarest of All: Only one known Sacagawea dollar with presidential dollar edge lettering sold for $17,161 in 2012. Gold Prototypes: 12 gold Sacagawea dollars, struck in 22-karat gold, were sent into space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1999 and are now stored at Fort Knox.

The Cheerios Connection

Some Sacagawea coins are rarer than others. For example, only 5,500 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea dollar coins — collaborations between Cheerios (yes, the breakfast cereal) and the U.S. Mint — were ever minted. These coins were included in select boxes of Cheerios cereal. These promotional coins featured enhanced detail in the eagle’s tail feathers and have become highly sought-after collectibles.

Investment and Collecting Considerations

Value Factors

The immense value of the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule stems from several factors: Rarity: With only 19 known examples, the coin is exceptionally rare. Historical Significance: It represents a significant error in the U.S. Minting process. Collector Demand: The unique nature of the coin makes it highly sought after by collectors. Condition: Coins in better condition, such as those graded MS-66 or higher, fetch higher prices.

Tips for Collectors

Want to start or grow your coin collection? Here’s expert advice to hunt for rare Sacagawea dollars: Examine Your Change: Check golden dollar coins for unusual designs or markings. Use Tools: A magnifying glass and precise coin scale help spot errors like mules or off-center strikes. Avoid Cleaning: Cleaning reduces value—keep coins in their original condition. Get Authenticated: Use PCGS or NGC for professional grading to confirm authenticity.

Sacagawea Dollar Error Types and Values

Error Type Year Known Examples Highest Sale Price Key Features
Washington Quarter/Sacagawea Mule 2000-P ~19 $2.1 million Washington obverse, Sacagawea reverse
Cheerios Dollar 2000-P ~5,500 produced $4,000+ Enhanced eagle tail feathers
Presidential Edge Lettering 2000 1 known $17,161 Wrong edge inscription
Wounded Eagle 2000 ~100 $500+ Spear through eagle design
Gold Prototypes 2000-W 12 (in Fort Knox) Not for sale 22-karat gold composition

The Future of Error Coin Collecting

The U.S. Mint has tightened quality control since 2000, making such errors less likely today. Still, this sale has sparked a frenzy, with more people checking their Sacagawea dollars just in case. Modern minting technology and improved quality control procedures mean that dramatic errors like the Sacagawea mule are increasingly unlikely to occur and escape detection.

However, the possibility of discovering valuable errors continues to drive collector interest and market activity. The Sacagawea dollar mule error is a testament to how a tiny minting mistake can turn pocket change into a multimillion-dollar treasure. With only a handful in existence, this coin captivates collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.

The story of the $2.1 million Sacagawea error coin serves as a powerful reminder that extraordinary treasures can sometimes hide in the most ordinary places, waiting for the right person to recognize their exceptional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if I have a Sacagawea mule error coin? A: Look for George Washington’s portrait on the front (instead of Sacagawea) combined with the Sacagawea eagle design on the back, plus a “P” mint mark and quarter-sized dimensions.

Q: Are there other valuable Sacagawea dollar errors besides the mule? A: Yes, including the Cheerios promotional coins, wounded eagle variants, and coins with presidential dollar edge lettering, though none approach the mule’s value.

Q: Should I clean a potential error coin before having it authenticated? A: Never clean a potentially valuable coin, as cleaning significantly reduces its value and can damage authentication prospects.

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