Are you holding onto a small fortune without even knowing it? The humble Sacagawea dollar, once overlooked by many, could be worth a pretty penny if it contains specific mint mistakes. Collectors are willing to pay thousands of dollars for certain rare variations of this coin, with some fetching as much as $15,000. As coin collectors and enthusiasts dig through their collections, it might be time for you to check your pocket change.
The History of the Sacagawea Dollar
The Sacagawea dollar was first introduced in 2000 by the U.S. Mint. The coin features Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who played a key role as a guide and interpreter during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The coin was initially created to boost the use of dollar coins in the U.S., but it didn’t gain much traction among the public. However, over time, certain mint errors have made some of these coins extremely valuable.
Mint Mistakes: The Key to High Value
The most valuable Sacagawea dollars are those with minting errors. One of the most famous is the “Cheerios” dollar, which was included in select boxes of Cheerios in 2000 as part of a promotion. These coins have enhanced details on the eagle’s tail feathers, making them highly sought after. Only about 5,500 of these coins were ever made, and a well-preserved Cheerios dollar can fetch around $4,000.
Another rare and valuable version is the “Wounded Eagle” Sacagawea dollar. This coin features a die error that makes it look like the eagle on the reverse side of the coin has a wound. It is believed that only 100 of these coins exist, and they can be worth up to $5,000 or more depending on their condition.
A third example of a valuable mint error is the Sacagawea dollar that was struck with a Statehood quarter reverse. This rare “mule” error, where the front of one coin is paired with the back of another, is one of the most valuable Sacagawea dollars. In 2022, one such coin sold for $144,000 at auction.
What to Look For
If you have a Sacagawea dollar, take a close look at the details, especially the eagle’s tail feathers and any unusual marks. Pay attention to any signs of errors such as double dies (where the images appear doubled), misplaced dates, or incorrect reverse sides. These errors can significantly increase the coin’s value.
Condition is also a crucial factor. Coins in mint condition or those that have been well-preserved over the years are more likely to fetch higher prices at auction.
John joined blainecountycruise as the Associate Games Editor in 2022. With a Journalism degree and four years of freelancing experience, she is your expert on everything from CoD and Apex Legends to Genshin Impact and Monster Hunter. You can reach her at [email protected].