A Golden Coin That’s Pure Gold for Collectors
Imagine finding 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, stunning coin collectors across the USA. This golden coin, featuring Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition, has a unique mistake that makes it a treasure. Now, people are checking their wallets, coin jars, and bank rolls for this rare find. Could you have one of these million-dollar coins hiding in plain sight?
What Is a Mule Error?
A mule error happens when a coin is struck with two dies that don’t belong together. For this Sacagawea Dollar, the front shows George Washington from a 1999 or 2000 Washington quarter, while the back has the Sacagawea Dollar’s soaring eagle design. This mix-up occurred 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 known to exist, making them one of the rarest modern U.S. coins. Their scarcity and unique design drive their value to millions.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mule Error | Washington quarter front, Sacagawea back |
| Mint Year | 2000, with “P” mint mark (Philadelphia) |
The Auction That Shocked the World
The $2.1 million coin was found by a collector in a roll of Sacagawea Dollars from a bank in 2000. At first, it looked like a normal coin, but the Washington quarter front caught their eye. Experts at PCGS confirmed it as a genuine mule, graded MS-66 for its near-perfect condition. The coin’s value soared as collectors competed at the auction, setting a record for modern U.S. coin errors. Experts believe a few more mules might still be in circulation, fueling a nationwide hunt for these rare coins.
How to Spot a Valuable Sacagawea Dollar
Want to check your coins? Look for a 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar with a smooth edge, not reeded like a quarter. The front should show George Washington, not Sacagawea, and the back should have the eagle design. Use a magnifying glass to confirm the “P” mint mark and 2000 date on the front. The coin should be silver-colored, like a quarter, but weigh about 5.67 grams, lighter than a standard Sacagawea Dollar’s 8.1 grams. If you find one, don’t clean it, as this lowers its value. Take it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
| Check For | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Design | Washington front, Sacagawea eagle back |
| Weight | Around 5.67 grams (quarter planchet) |
Why Collectors Are Going Crazy
The $2.1 million sale has sparked a coin-collecting frenzy. People are searching spare change, old coin rolls, and even vending machine returns for Sacagawea Dollars. Coin shops report more customers bringing in 2000-P coins for appraisal, and online forums are buzzing with tips. Even non-mule Sacagawea errors, like the “Wounded Eagle” variety, can be worth $500 to $5,000. The thrill of finding a rare coin, combined with its historical link to Sacagawea, has made this a hot hobby for many Americans.
Start Your Coin Hunt Now
The Sacagawea mule error proves that a single dollar coin could change your life. Check any 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars you have, especially if they look unusual. Visit a coin shop or check online guides for help spotting errors. The excitement of finding a $2.1 million coin is spreading, and you could be the next to uncover a hidden treasure. Grab a magnifying glass and start looking, your pocket change might just make you a millionaire