Imagine picking up a dollar coin that’s actually worth up to $72,000. That’s the case with a special version of the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar. This golden coin honors Sacagawea, a Native American woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark. But one rare version—called the “mule error”—has a surprising twist.
Instead of Sacagawea on the front, it shows George Washington’s face from a quarter. A bank worker in Arkansas discovered one in 2025, making people check their change. This guide explains how to spot this coin, its value, and why collectors are so eager to find it.
What Makes the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar So Rare
The Sacagawea Dollar was first made in 2000 to honor Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who helped explorers. Most of these coins are only worth face value, but a mistake at the Philadelphia Mint made some incredibly rare. A quarter front was accidentally used with the back of the Sacagawea coin.
Only 18 of these special coins are known to exist. These coins are extremely valuable—some sell for more than $70,000. If you check your change and find one, you’ve hit the coin-collecting jackpot.
A Special Coin with an Unusual Minting Mistake
When the Sacagawea Dollar came out, it had a big launch and even a Cheerios box promotion. But it was the mule error that really caught people’s attention. This coin wasn’t discovered right away, which only made it more exciting.
Its shiny golden look, paired with its minting error, makes it a unique piece of American history. Collectors and regular folks have joined the search for this rare dollar. The unusual mix of designs from two different coins makes it stand out from anything else in coin collecting today.
How to Identify the Rare 2000-P Sacagawea Mule Error
To know if you’ve found this rare coin, you need to look closely at a few things. Here’s what makes it different:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint Mark | “2000” with a “P” from the Philadelphia Mint |
| Front (Obverse) | Shows George Washington instead of Sacagawea |
| Back (Reverse) | Has the eagle design with 17 stars and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” |
| Edge | Smooth edge like a Sacagawea Dollar (not the ridged edge of a quarter) |
| Material | Golden color from a mix of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel |
| Condition | $70,000–$72,000 in mint condition, $20,000+ if circulated |
| Rarity | Only 18 known, certified by NGC or PCGS |
Steps to Spot the Mule Error in Your Coins
To check if your 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar is the mule error, start by looking at the front. Instead of Sacagawea and her baby, it will have George Washington’s head, like on a quarter. The year “2000” and letter “P” should also be there. On the back, the eagle with 17 stars will match normal Sacagawea Dollars.
The edge will be smooth, not ridged like a quarter. Use a magnifying glass to compare with pictures online. Only 18 of these coins are known, so if you find one, it’s a big deal worth checking out.
How Much It’s Worth and Why It’s in Demand
The 2000-P Sacagawea mule error is one of the rarest coins in the U.S., with auction prices from $20,000 to as high as $72,000. In 2022, one coin sold for $70,000. Another reached similar numbers in 2025. Collectors are excited by the mistake made at the mint, and its connection to American history.
Other valuable Sacagawea coins include the “Cheerios Dollar,” worth $5,000–$65,000, and the “Wounded Eagle” worth $200–$6,000. But none are as rare or valuable as the mule error, which continues to be the ultimate find.
Best Places to Search for This Rare Dollar Coin
There are still ways to find this valuable coin. You might come across it in everyday places. Check your spare change, especially from vending machines or store purchases. Go to the bank and ask for dollar coin rolls to look through. Search through old jars of coins at home.
Even flea markets or garage sales could have mixed coin boxes where one might turn up. Many people don’t know this rare coin exists, so it could be hiding in plain sight, waiting for someone to find it and realize its worth.
What to Do If You Think You Found the Mule Error
If you think you’ve found one of these rare mule coins, don’t clean it. Cleaning can lower its value. First, compare it with online images and trusted coin guides. If it seems like a match, the next step is to get it graded by a professional service like NGC or PCGS.
They’ll confirm if it’s real and assign a grade. After that, you can sell it through trusted auction sites like Heritage Auctions or even eBay. Uncirculated coins in perfect shape bring the highest prices, but even used ones can be life-changing.
Why Everyone Should Be Checking Their Change
The 2000-P Sacagawea mule error turns a basic $1 coin into something that could be worth tens of thousands. People have already found them in places like bank rolls and loose change from stores. Other valuable types like the Cheerios Dollar or Wounded Eagle add to the excitement of checking coins.
The Cheerios Dollar has sharper feather details, while the Wounded Eagle shows a wing crack. Both can also be worth a lot. Looking through your coins costs nothing and takes little time. You could be sitting on a fortune without knowing it.
Why You Should Look Twice at That Dollar Coin
This rare 2000-P Sacagawea mule error could be hiding in your change, worth up to $72,000 because of a minting mix-up. With only 18 known examples, it’s a true treasure for collectors. You can spot it by checking for George Washington’s face on the front and Sacagawea’s eagle design on the back.
Its shiny gold color and history make it a collector favorite. You never know—your coin jar or wallet might have this valuable piece of American coin history. Start searching now and you might just strike gold with a $1 coin.
FAQs
What is the mule error on the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar?
It’s a rare coin that mistakenly has the front of a Washington Quarter and the back of a Sacagawea Dollar. Only 18 are known and they can sell for up to $72,000.
How can I check if my Sacagawea Dollar has the error?
Look at the front of the coin. If it shows George Washington instead of Sacagawea, and has a “2000” date and “P” mint mark, you might have it. The back should show the eagle design.
Where could I find a mule error coin today?
Check your pocket change, coin jars at home, bank rolls, or even coins at garage sales. These coins are still out there and often go unnoticed.
Should I clean the coin before selling it?
No, don’t clean the coin. Cleaning it can lower its value. Instead, get it checked and graded by a service like PCGS or NGC before you try to sell it.
Last Thought
The rare 2000-P Sacagawea mule error coin is a hidden gem that could turn your everyday change into something truly valuable. With only 18 known to exist, this mix-up between two coin designs has become one of the most wanted collectibles in U.S. history.
You don’t need to be a coin expert to find it—just a careful observer. Whether in a bank roll, change jar, or even at a yard sale, the next valuable discovery could be in your hands. Take a closer look at your 2000-P dollars—your fortune might just be one coin away.
