Imagine finding a dollar coin in your pocket that’s worth more than a fancy car or even a house! A rare Sacagawea dollar coin with a unique mistake, called a “mule error,” recently sold for an incredible $2.1 million in 2025. This golden coin, created to honor a Native American hero, has become a treasure for coin collectors. Let’s dive into what makes this coin so special, how to spot it, and why it’s making headlines.
What Is the Sacagawea Dollar?
The Sacagawea dollar is a golden-colored coin first minted by the U.S. Mint in 2000. It honors Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who helped guide the Lewis and Clark expedition across America in the early 1800s. The coin’s front (called the obverse) shows Sacagawea carrying her baby, Jean Baptiste, designed by artist Glenna Goodacre. The back (called the reverse) features an eagle in flight, created by Thomas D. Rogers. Made with a manganese-brass alloy, the coin has a shiny, golden look that makes it stand out.
What Is a Mule Error?
A mule error happens when a coin is made with two designs that don’t belong together. For this rare Sacagawea dollar, the mistake occurred when the front of a Washington quarter (featuring George Washington) was accidentally paired with the back of a Sacagawea dollar (the eagle design). This mix-up happened in 2000 at the Philadelphia Mint, likely because some quarter planchets (the blank metal discs used to make coins) were left in the minting machines when Sacagawea dollars were being produced.
Why Is the Mule Error So Rare?
The Sacagawea mule error is like finding a needle in a haystack. Here’s why:
- Very Few Exist: Experts believe fewer than 20 of these error coins are known, making them extremely rare.
- Unique Mistake: The combination of a quarter’s front and a dollar’s back is a one-of-a-kind error in modern U.S. coin history.
- High Demand: Coin collectors love unique errors, driving the coin’s value into the millions.
- Top Condition: Many of these coins are in great shape, graded highly by services like PCGS or NGC, which adds to their worth.
How Much Is the Mule Error Coin Worth?
In October 2025, a 2000-P Sacagawea dollar mule error coin sold for a staggering $2.1 million at a private auction, setting a record for modern U.S. coin errors. Other similar coins have sold for prices ranging from $50,000 to $950,000 in recent years, depending on their condition and history. Some sources even suggest that certain mule coins could be valued as high as $8.1 million, though these claims are less verified.
Table: Sacagawea Mule Error Coin Values (Recent Sales)
| Year | Sale Price | Auction Details | Condition (Graded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2.1 million | Private auction | MS-66 (PCGS) |
| 2025 | $950,000 | Public auction | MS-65 (NGC) |
| 2025 | $900,000 | Found in parking meter | MS-66 (PCGS) |
| 2013 | $88,125 | Heritage Auctions | MS-65 |
Note: Prices vary based on condition, grading, and auction circumstances.
How to Spot a Sacagawea Mule Error Coin
Could you have one of these valuable coins in your change? Here’s what to look for:
- Design Mismatch: The front should show George Washington (from a quarter), and the back should have the Sacagawea dollar’s eagle design.
- Size and Weight: The coin is smaller and lighter than a standard Sacagawea dollar, measuring about 24.3 mm in diameter and weighing around 5.7 grams, similar to a quarter.
- Color and Shine: It may appear silver-colored rather than golden due to the quarter planchet, but it still has the Sacagawea reverse.
- Mint Mark: Look for a “P” (Philadelphia Mint) on the coin, as most known mules are 2000-P coins.
Tips for Checking Your Coins
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Examine the coin closely for the mismatched designs.
- Compare with Regular Coins: Look at a normal quarter and Sacagawea dollar to spot differences.
- Get It Authenticated: Take suspected coins to a professional coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Check Your Change: Look in coin rolls, piggy banks, or even parking meter returns, as some mules have been found in circulation.
Why Is This Coin So Valuable?
The Sacagawea mule error coin is a collector’s dream because of its rarity and story. Here’s what drives its value:
- Historical Significance: The coin represents a rare mistake from the U.S. Mint during the transition from Susan B. Anthony dollars to Sacagawea dollars.
- Scarcity: With fewer than 20 known examples, these coins are incredibly hard to find.
- Collector Demand: Numismatists (coin collectors) are willing to pay top dollar for unique errors.
- Condition: High-grade coins in near-perfect condition fetch the highest prices.
Where Have These Coins Been Found?
The story of the Sacagawea mule error is full of surprises. Some have been found in everyday places:
- Parking Meter: In May 2025, a mule coin worth up to $900,000 was found in a parking meter’s change return in Ohio.
- Coin Rolls: Collectors have discovered mules in bank rolls of Sacagawea dollars.
- Family Collections: One coin, mistaken for a game token, was found in a family’s collection and sold for $1.1 million.
- Wallets: A retired teacher in Oregon found a mule coin worth $3.5 million in his wallet while sorting change.
These stories show that these rare coins could still be out there, hiding in plain sight!
How to Sell a Mule Error Coin
If you think you’ve found a Sacagawea mule error coin, here’s what to do:
- Don’t Clean It: Cleaning can damage the coin and lower its value.
- Get It Graded: Contact a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
- Work with Experts: Consult a coin dealer or auction house specializing in rare coins.
- Consider Auctions: High-profile auctions can attract serious collectors and drive up the price.
Conclusion
The Sacagawea dollar mule error coin is proof that small mistakes can lead to big treasures. With a value reaching $2.1 million and possibly more, this rare coin has captured the attention of collectors and everyday people alike. By checking your pocket change, coin jars, or even parking meters, you might just find a fortune. So, grab a magnifying glass and start looking—you could be holding one of the rarest coins in U.S. history!
FAQs
What is a Sacagawea dollar mule error coin?
A mule error coin has mismatched designs from two different coins. For the Sacagawea dollar, it has the front of a Washington quarter and the back of a Sacagawea dollar.
How can I tell if my Sacagawea dollar is a mule error?
Check if the front shows George Washington (from a quarter) and the back has an eagle (from a Sacagawea dollar). It may also be silver-colored and smaller than a regular dollar coin.
How much is a Sacagawea mule error coin worth?
Recent sales show values from $50,000 to $2.1 million, depending on condition and auction. Some reports suggest values as high as $8.1 million, but these are less confirmed.
Where can I find a Sacagawea mule error coin?
They’ve been found in coin rolls, wallets, parking meters, and family collections. Check your change or old coin stashes carefully.
How do I sell a rare Sacagawea dollar?
Get it authenticated by a grading service like PCGS or NGC, then work with a coin dealer or auction house to sell it.