Discover a $2.1 Million Treasure: Imagine discovering a dollar coin in your change that’s worth millions! A 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar with a rare mule error sold for $2.1 million at a private auction in October 2025, leaving coin collectors across the U.S. stunned. This golden coin, which features Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who helped guide the Lewis and Clark expedition, carries a unique error that has turned it into a valuable treasure. Now, people everywhere are checking their wallets, coin jars, and bank rolls, wondering if they might have this rare find hidden among their change. Could you have one of these million-dollar coins without even knowing it?
What Exactly Is a Mule Error?
A mule error occurs when a coin is struck with two mismatched dies, creating an unusual design. In the case of the Sacagawea Dollar, the front displays George Washington from a 1999 or 2000 Washington quarter, while the back features the soaring eagle design from the Sacagawea Dollar. This mistake happened at the Philadelphia Mint in 2000 when quarter planchets were accidentally used in the dollar coin press. Only about 20 of these mule coins are believed to exist, making them one of the rarest modern U.S. coins. Their extreme rarity and distinctive design have driven their value to millions.
Key Features of the Coin
- Mule Error: George Washington on the front, Sacagawea’s eagle on the back
- Mint Year: 2000, with a “P” mint mark (Philadelphia)
- Auction Record: $2.1 million sale, setting a record for modern U.S. coin errors
The Auction That Stunned the Coin World
The $2.1 million coin was found by a collector in a roll of Sacagawea Dollars purchased from a bank in 2000. At first glance, it appeared to be a regular coin, but the Washington quarter front immediately caught the collector’s attention. Experts at PCGS confirmed it as a genuine mule coin and graded it MS-66 for its near-perfect condition. At the auction, its value soared as collectors eagerly competed for the rare find, setting a new record for modern U.S. coin errors. Coin experts believe there may still be a few more mule coins in circulation, sparking a nationwide hunt for these hidden treasures.
How to Spot a Valuable Sacagawea Dollar
Want to check your own coins? Look for a 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar with a smooth edge (unlike the reeded edge of a quarter). The front should feature George Washington, not Sacagawea, while the back should show the eagle design. Use a magnifying glass to confirm the mint mark “P” and the 2000 date on the front. The coin will be silver-colored like a quarter but should weigh around 5.67 grams, which is lighter than a typical Sacagawea Dollar that weighs 8.1 grams. If you find one, avoid cleaning it as this can reduce its value. Instead, take it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Things to Check for When Looking:
- Design: George Washington on the front, Sacagawea’s eagle on the back
- Weight: Around 5.67 grams (indicating a quarter planchet was used)
- Mint Mark: “P” on the front to show it was minted in Philadelphia
Why Collectors Are Going Wild for This Coin
The $2.1 million sale has sparked a frenzy among coin collectors. People are now searching through spare change, old coin rolls, and even vending machine returns, hoping to find a Sacagawea Dollar with the same rare error. Coin shops report a sharp increase in customers bringing in 2000-P coins for appraisals, and online forums are buzzing with tips on how to spot these elusive mules. Even non-mule Sacagawea error coins, like the “Wounded Eagle” variety, can be worth anywhere from $500 to $5,000. The combination of excitement and the coin’s historical connection to Sacagawea has made coin collecting a hot new hobby for many Americans.
Start Your Coin Search Today
The sale of the $2.1 million coin proves that a single dollar coin could change your life. Check any 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars you have, especially if they seem unusual. Visit a local coin shop or check out online guides for tips on identifying errors. The thrill of possibly finding a $2.1 million coin has everyone talking, and you could be the next one to stumble upon this hidden gem. Grab a magnifying glass and start inspecting your pocket change—your next big find might be just around the corner!
