Most Sacagawea dollars are only worth $1 — but a few contain hidden minting errors that can turn pocket change into serious cash. Some of these coins have sold for thousands, and one legendary variety has fetched over $80,000 at auction.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 3 Sacagawea dollar errors every collector should know about, how to spot them, and where to sell if you strike gold.
1. 💰 The $80,000 “Mule Error” (Quarter/Sacagawea Hybrid – Ultra Rare)
🔥 Why It’s Valuable:
- Obverse (front): Shows George Washington’s head (from a quarter).
- Reverse (back): Still has the flying eagle from the Sacagawea dollar.
- Edge: Smooth like a dollar, not reeded like a quarter.
- Only 13 examples known, all struck in 2000 at the Philadelphia Mint.
✅ How to Spot It:
- If the front has George Washington instead of Sacagawea → you may have the error.
- Edge should be plain, not ridged.
📈 Recent Sale: $84,000 (PCGS MS-65, Heritage Auctions, 2022).
2. 🦅 The “Wounded Eagle” Error (Value: $150 – $500+)
💡 What It Is:
- A raised die gouge runs across the eagle’s chest, looking like a scar or wound.
- This is part of the minting process — not post-mint damage.
🔍 How to Spot:
- Look for a diagonal raised line through the eagle’s torso.
💰 Grading Value:
- AU-50: Around $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 given away in Cheerios cereal boxes as a promotion.
- These coins have sharply detailed tail feathers unlike the regular issue.
🔎 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 Rare Sacagawea Dollars
- High-value ($5,000+) → Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers
- Mid-range ($500–$5,000) → GreatCollections
- Everyday collectors → eBay or CoinTalk forums (good for Wounded Eagle finds)
⚠️ 3 Deadly Mistakes That Kill Value
- ❌ Cleaning the coin — damages the surface and destroys value.
- ❌ Selling raw — certification by PCGS or NGC can boost prices 2–3x.
- ❌ Ignoring bank rolls — many Sacagawea dollars are still hiding in rolls from the early 2000s.
📬 Free Error Check (Pennyverse)
Think you’ve found one? Get a free photo evaluation:
📧 Email: verify@pennyverse.info
Subject: SACAGAWEA ERROR CHECK
Attach: Clear front & back photos
You’ll receive:
✅ Authentication report
✅ Current estimated market value
✅ Recommended selling strategy
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