Do You Have a Rare Sacagawea Dollar Coin?
You Might Have a Coin Worth Thousands of Dollars – Here’s How to Tell
Key Insight: Most Sacagawea dollar coins are worth just a few dollars, but certain rare varieties have sold for $34,500 and even $84,000 at auction!
The Basics: What Most Sacagawea Dollars Are Worth
If you’re like most people, the Sacagawea dollar coin in your pocket or collection is probably a common circulation coin. Take this example of a 2006-D Sacagawea dollar that sold on eBay for just $2.50:
- Shows visible wear from circulation
- Has a “D” mint mark below the date (Denver Mint)
- Most coins in this condition are worth face value or slightly more
The majority of Sacagawea dollars you’ll encounter fall into this category – worth a few dollars at most. But there are exceptions…
🚀 Extraordinary Find: A single 2000-P Sacagawea dollar sold for $34,500 because it was a rare “Cheerios” variety!
The $34,500 Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar
Back in 2000, you had a chance to find one of these rare coins in a box of Cheerios cereal! The “Cheerios Dollar” is one of the most sought-after modern US coins among collectors.
How to Identify a Cheerios Dollar:
| Feature | Regular Sacagawea Dollar | Cheerios Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Year & Mint | Any year/mint mark | MUST be 2000-P only |
| Tail Feathers Detail | Smooth tail feathers without distinct lines | Diagonal lines visible in tail feathers |
| Grading Requirement | Not critical for value | Must be certified by PCGS/NGC as “Cheerios Dollar” |
Regular 2000-P Sacagawea
Value: $1 – $5
Tail Feathers: Smooth without diagonal lines
Commonality: Millions minted
Cheerios Dollar
Value: $2,000 – $34,500+
Tail Feathers: Distinct diagonal lines
Commonality: Only 5,500 estimated to exist
Important: Even if you have a 2000-P coin with the right features, grading companies like PCGS or NGC must certify it as a genuine Cheerios dollar for it to command premium prices.
💎 Record Breaker: A 2014-D Sacagawea/Presidential mule error coin sold for a staggering $84,000 at auction!
The $84,000 Error Coin: Sacagawea Mule Dollar
This extraordinary coin represents one of the most valuable modern error coins:
- Coin: 2014-D Sacagawea dollar
- Grade: NGC AU58 (lightly circulated)
- Error Type: Mule error – front is Sacagawea, back is presidential dollar
- Sold For: $84,000
This coin was accidentally struck with mismatched dies at the mint, creating a “two coins in one” rarity that’s highly prized by collectors.
⚠️ Warning About Coin Alteration
Some unscrupulous individuals might try to create fake error coins by cutting two coins in half and gluing them together. This is:
- Morally wrong – It deceives collectors
- Fraudulent – It’s illegal to sell altered coins as genuine
- Easily detected – Grading companies like NGC and PCGS will never authenticate altered coins
Always have rare coins certified by reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC before buying or selling.
How to Check Your Coins
- Check the date and mint mark: Look for 2000-P coins (Cheerios dollar) or any coin with unusual features
- Examine the tail feathers: Use a magnifying glass to look for diagonal lines on 2000-P coins
- Look for errors: Check if the front and back of your coin match properly
- Get professional grading: If you suspect you have a rare coin, submit it to PCGS or NGC for authentication
- Document your find: Take clear photos from multiple angles before handling the coin extensively
Final Thoughts
While most Sacagawea dollars in circulation are worth only their face value, rare varieties like the Cheerios dollar and mule error coins can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. The key is knowing what to look for and getting potentially valuable coins professionally authenticated.
Remember: The rare coins mentioned here represent extreme exceptions. Most Sacagawea dollars are worth $1-5, but it’s always worth checking your change – you never know when you might find a treasure!
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