Most Sacagawea dollars are worth just $1 — but a few contain hidden errors that can turn them into life-changing money. Here’s how to spot three of the most valuable varieties, including the legendary $80,000 Mule Error, and how to cash in.
1. 💰 The $80,000 “Mule Error”
(Quarter/Sacagawea Hybrid – Ultra Rare)
🔥 What Makes It Valuable:
- Wrong Obverse: George Washington’s face (from a quarter) appears on the front.
- Reverse: Still has the flying eagle of the Sacagawea dollar.
- Edge: Plain (like dollar coins), not reeded (like quarters).
- Only 13 Known: Struck by mistake at the Philadelphia Mint in 2000.
âś… How to Spot It:
- Check the front – if it shows George Washington instead of Sacagawea, you may have the error!
- Edge should be smooth, not ridged.
Recent Sale: $84,000 (PCGS MS-65, 2022)
2. 🦅 “Wounded Eagle” Error
(Value: $150 – $500)
đź’ˇ What It Is:
- A raised die gouge appears across the eagle’s body, looking like a “wound.”
- It’s part of the strike — not damage from wear.
🔍 How to Spot:
- Look for a raised line or gouge running diagonally through the eagle’s torso.
đź’° Grading Value:
- AU-50: ~$150
- MS-65: ~$500+
3. 🥣 The “Cheerios Dollar”
(Value: $3,000 – $12,000+)
📦 Why It’s Special:
- In 2000, 5,500 special Sacagawea dollars were inserted into Cheerios cereal boxes as promotions.
- These coins have highly detailed tail feathers — unlike the regular flat-design ones.
🔎 How to Spot:
| Normal 2000-P | Cheerios Dollar |
|---|---|
| Flat feathers | Crisp, defined tail feathers |
Record Sale: $12,000 (PCGS MS-69, 2018)
🏷 Where to Sell These Rare Dollars
đź’Ž Auction Houses:
- $5,000+ errors: Heritage Auctions
- $500–$5,000 coins: GreatCollections
🧑‍💻 Online:
- eBay: Great for “Wounded Eagles” and mid-range finds.
- CoinTalk Forums: Connect with private collectors (zero fees, but trust is key).
⚠️ 3 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Cleaning the coin – Removes patina and kills value.
❌ Selling ungraded – Always get it certified by PCGS or NGC to boost value.
❌ Ignoring old bank rolls – Many Sacagawea coins are still hiding in dollar rolls.
📬 Free Error Check
Think you found one? Get a free, no-strings-attached evaluation:
📧 Email: verify@pennyverse.info
Subject: SACAGAWEA ERROR CHECK
Attach: Clear front/back photos
You’ll get:
âś… Authentication report
âś… Current estimated market value
âś… Recommended selling strategy
🌟 Final Thought:
Whether it’s a cereal box rarity or a once-in-a-generation mint mistake, Sacagawea dollars could be your ticket to thousands. The key is knowing what to look for — and now, you do.
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