Sacagawea Dollar : What happens when two different U.S. coins are accidentally fused into one? You get a mule error—a rare and valuable mistake that can be worth a fortune. One such coin, the Sacagawea dollar with a Washington quarter obverse, has made headlines with a jaw-dropping value of $2.1 million.
What Is a Mule Error?
In the world of coin collecting, a “mule” is a coin struck with mismatched dies—usually the obverse (front) of one coin and the reverse (back) of another. These mistakes are extraordinarily rare and almost never leave the U.S. Mint. When they do, collectors take notice.
The $2.1 Million Coin: A Sacagawea Dollar Like No Other
In 2000, the U.S. Mint began issuing the golden-colored Sacagawea dollar, featuring the famous Native American guide carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste. These coins typically have a Sacagawea obverse and an eagle reverse.
But due to a rare minting mishap, a small number of these coins were struck with the obverse of a Washington state quarter—complete with the George Washington profile and “United States of America – Quarter Dollar” inscription.
This unlikely pairing of the Washington quarter obverse with the Sacagawea dollar reverse is now one of the most famous and valuable mule errors in U.S. history.
Discovery and Rarity
The first of these coins was discovered in 2000 by a coin collector in Arkansas who received it from a vending machine. Since then, about 19 examples have been confirmed, all believed to have been struck on presses at the Philadelphia Mint.
Collectors prize these coins for their uniqueness, and one in exceptional condition recently sold for $2.1 million in a private sale, setting a record for modern U.S. coinage.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
Several factors contribute to the incredible value of the Sacagawea dollar mule error:
- Extremely Limited Quantity: Fewer than 20 confirmed examples.
- Striking Error: Mules are rare minting mistakes, and this one is particularly dramatic.
- Public Fascination: The story of a modern vending machine discovery adds mystique.
- Collector Demand: Mule errors, especially involving popular coins, are highly sought after.
How to Spot the Mule Error
Think you might have one of these golden treasures? Here’s what to look for:
- Obverse: George Washington’s portrait and “United States of America – Quarter Dollar.”
- Reverse: The standard eagle-in-flight design from the Sacagawea dollar.
- Color: The coin is golden like a Sacagawea dollar, not silver-colored like a quarter.
- Edge: Smooth, without reeding (unlike quarters, which have ridged edges).
If you suspect you have a mule error coin, do not clean it. Instead, have it professionally authenticated by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Other Mule Errors of Note
While this Sacagawea-Quarter hybrid is the most famous, other rare mule errors include:
- Coins with mismatched denomination dies (e.g., a dime struck on a penny blank).
- Coins with reverse designs from different years or series.
- State quarters with incorrect inscriptions or images.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs.)
Q1: What exactly is the Sacagawea dollar mule error?
A: It’s a rare U.S. coin mistakenly struck using the obverse (front) of a Washington quarter and the reverse (back) of a Sacagawea dollar. This accidental combination is known as a mule error, and fewer than 20 verified examples are known to exist.
Q2: How did this error happen?
A: The error occurred at the U.S. Mint in 2000 when dies from two different coin series—the quarter and the Sacagawea dollar—were accidentally paired during the minting process.
Q3: Why is this coin worth $2.1 million?
A: Its high value comes from a combination of extreme rarity, a dramatic minting error, historical significance, and strong demand among serious collectors. One example in top condition recently sold privately for $2.1 million.
Q4: How can I tell if I have a mule error coin?
A: Look for these signs:
- Obverse (front): George Washington’s portrait with “United States of America – Quarter Dollar.”
- Reverse (back): Eagle in flight—standard design for the Sacagawea dollar.
- Color: A golden hue like other Sacagawea dollars (not silver like quarters).
- Edge: Smooth edge (not ridged like a quarter).
If you spot this combo, get it authenticated immediately.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Change
Stories like this prove that even modern pocket change can hold incredible secrets. While the odds are slim, it’s not impossible to find something extraordinary. A forgotten coin in your wallet or a lucky trip to a vending machine could yield a once-in-a-lifetime discovery worth millions.
So next time you receive change, don’t just spend it. Examine it. That golden dollar might be more than money—it might be history in your hand, and possibly worth $2.1 million.