Sacagawea Dollar b: Believe it or not, one of the most valuable modern coins in the U.S. is still slipping quietly through pockets, cash drawers, and change machines. It’s the Sacagawea Dollar, and one particular version has stunned collectors by fetching up to $12,000 at auction — despite its humble beginnings.
It looks like just another golden dollar coin, but a rare error version from the year 2000 could turn out to be a small fortune if you know what to look for.
What Is the Sacagawea Dollar?
First introduced in 2000, the Sacagawea dollar was created to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar and honor the Shoshone woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark during their exploration of the American West. The coin features Sacagawea with her infant son, Jean Baptiste, on the obverse, and an eagle on the reverse.
It’s made of a manganese-brass alloy, which gives it the distinctive golden color. Despite its unique appearance, the coin didn’t catch on widely in circulation — but that doesn’t mean valuable ones aren’t out there.
The $12,000 Version: What Makes It Special?
The coin making headlines is known as the 2000 “Cheerios” Sacagawea Dollar. This nickname comes from a special promotion that General Mills ran in 2000, where 5,500 of these coins were placed inside boxes of Cheerios cereal to promote the new coin’s launch.
While most of these look identical to regular Sacagawea dollars, the “Cheerios” versions have a slightly different reverse design. The eagle’s tail feathers are more detailed, with distinct lines not found on the regular issue.
These “pattern” coins were essentially early production versions and are now considered rare and highly collectible. One in high-grade condition has sold for as much as $12,000 — and some may still be out there, unnoticed.
How to Spot a Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar
Finding one of these valuable coins takes a sharp eye. Here’s what to look for:
- Year: It must be dated 2000.
- Design Detail: Focus on the tail feathers of the eagle on the reverse. The “Cheerios” version has sharply defined, separated tail feathers. The regular version looks smoother and less detailed.
- Proof vs. Circulation Strike: These coins are business strikes, not proofs. They don’t have the mirror finish that proof coins do.
- Condition Matters: Like all valuable coins, condition plays a big role. Mint-state coins in excellent condition are worth significantly more.
If you think you’ve found one, get it authenticated by a major grading service like PCGS or NGC before trying to sell or showcase it.
Still Found in Change?
Yes — it’s very possible that some of these rare Cheerios dollars are still circulating. Many recipients of the cereal-box promo never opened or checked their coins. Others may have unknowingly spent them as regular change.
Some collectors have even reported finding Sacagawea dollars from 2000 in circulation today, and while most are standard, there’s always a chance you might get lucky.
Other Sacagawea Coins Worth Watching
The Cheerios dollar isn’t the only valuable one:
- 2000-P “Wounded Eagle”: Another error variety where the eagle on the reverse has a raised line through it, resembling a wound. These can sell for hundreds or more.
- 2000-P Mule Error (with Washington Quarter Obverse): This ultra-rare error shows George Washington’s head on one side and the Sacagawea reverse on the other. Only a few known — and worth over $100,000.
Final Thoughts: Keep Checking That Change
You don’t need to be a seasoned collector to strike it lucky. With a little attention and curiosity, even an ordinary-looking dollar coin could become your ticket to a significant payday.
The next time you get change back from a vending machine, check that golden dollar. If it’s from 2000, take a closer look — it might just be the $12,000 Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar still floating through the U.S. economy unnoticed.
$12,000 Sacagawea Dollar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs.)
1. Is there really a Sacagawea Dollar worth $12,000?
Yes—certain rare varieties of the Sacagawea Dollar are extremely valuable. While most are only worth face value, a small number of special issues—particularly mule errors—can be worth thousands. One such coin sold for over $12,000 at auction.
2. What makes this particular Sacagawea Dollar so valuable?
The most famous and valuable version is the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar / Washington Quarter Mule Error. It was mistakenly struck with the obverse of a Washington Quarter and the reverse of a Sacagawea Dollar, making it a one-of-a-kind minting mistake.
3. What exactly is a “mule error”?
A mule error occurs when two dies that were never meant to be paired are accidentally used together. In this case, the front (obverse) is from a State Quarter, and the back (reverse) is from the Sacagawea Dollar—an error so dramatic it’s instantly recognizable.
4. How can I identify this $12,000 Sacagawea Dollar?
Look for:
- The obverse (front) featuring George Washington, as seen on a quarter.
- The reverse (back) featuring Sacagawea carrying her child.
- A golden-colored coin (like a dollar), but with the quarter’s front.
- It will have a 2000 date and a ‘P’ mint mark (Philadelphia).
If you find one like this, don’t spend it—get it authenticated!
5. How many of these rare mule errors exist?
Only about 20 known specimens have been authenticated by major grading services like PCGS and NGC. That makes them incredibly rare, and collectors are willing to pay a premium.
