A Sacagawea dollar coin, often mistaken for a cheap token, sold for a jaw-dropping $1.1 million at an auction last month. This rare coin, minted in 2000, has been hiding in plain sight—tucked in cash registers, coin jars, or even arcade machines. Its unique features make it a collector’s dream, and you might have one in your pocket right now. Here’s the scoop on why this coin is worth a fortune and how to find it.
A Minting Error That Changed Everything
In 2000, the U.S. Mint released the Sacagawea dollar to honor the Native American guide who helped the Lewis and Clark expedition. But a few coins were accidentally struck with a special design meant for a different project. These “mule” coins combine the front of a Sacagawea dollar with the back of a state quarter, making them incredibly rare. Only about 20 are known to exist, and one fetched $1.1 million in 2024 after being mistaken for a vending machine token.
How to Identify the Million-Dollar Coin
Spotting this rare Sacagawea dollar takes a sharp eye. It looks like a regular golden dollar at first glance, but the back is what sets it apart. Instead of the usual soaring eagle, it has a state quarter design, like the one with George Washington or a state emblem. Here’s a quick guide to help you check:
| Feature | Rare Sacagawea Dollar | Regular Sacagawea Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Obverse (Front) | Sacagawea with baby | Sacagawea with baby |
| Reverse (Back) | State quarter design | Soaring eagle |
| Edge | Plain, no lettering | Lettered edge |
| Year | 2000 | 2000 or later |
- Check the date: It must be 2000.
- Look at the back: A state quarter design is the key.
- Inspect the edge: No lettering means it’s rare.
- Compare the weight: It should feel like a regular dollar coin, about 8.1 grams.
Where These Coins Turn Up
These valuable coins have been found in surprising places. One was discovered in a laundromat change machine, another in a kid’s piggy bank. Since they look like regular Sacagawea dollars, many get passed off as tokens or spent without a second thought. Check your loose change, vending machine returns, or old coin collections. A gas station cashier in Texas found one in 2022 and sold it for $800,000!
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve got a rare Sacagawea dollar, don’t toss it in a coin machine! Take it to a trusted coin dealer or professional appraiser to confirm it’s genuine. Handle it carefully—scratches or cleaning can ruin its value. Store it in a soft plastic holder to keep it safe. If it’s the real deal, you could be looking at a life-changing sum.
Start Searching Today
The rare 2000 Sacagawea dollar is a hidden gem waiting to be found. With so few out there, your chances are small, but the payoff is huge. Next time you get a golden dollar in change, take a closer look. That “token” might just be your million-dollar ticket!
