Imagine finding a dollar coin worth $900,000 in a parking meter! A rare 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar, known as the “Mule” error coin, was recently discovered in a meter’s change return, sparking excitement among coin collectors and everyday folks. This golden-colored coin, featuring Native American heroine Sacagawea, isn’t just pocket change—it’s a potential fortune. Here’s why this coin is so valuable and how you can spot one in your change.
A Coin with a Big Mistake
The Sacagawea Dollar was introduced in 2000 to honor the Shoshone woman who helped guide the Lewis and Clark expedition. It has Sacagawea and her baby on the front and an eagle on the back. The 2000-P Mule error coin is special because of a rare minting mistake: it combines the front of a Sacagawea Dollar with the back of a State Quarter, creating a hybrid coin. Only a handful of these errors were made at the Philadelphia Mint, making them incredibly rare. One sold for $900,000 at a recent auction.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
The “Mule” error happened when the U.S. Mint accidentally used the wrong die during production, pairing a Sacagawea Dollar front with a State Quarter back (usually the Washington Quarter design). This mix-up was caught quickly, so very few coins made it into circulation. Collectors love these coins because they’re one-of-a-kind, and their value skyrockets in good condition. Even a worn Mule Sacagawea Dollar can fetch tens of thousands, making it a dream find for coin hunters.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2000 |
| Mint Mark | P (Philadelphia) |
| Error Type | Mule (Sacagawea front, Quarter back) |
| Material | Copper-Nickel clad |
| Estimated Value | Up to $900,000 |
How to Spot This Rare Coin
Want to check if you’ve got a $900,000 coin? Grab a magnifying glass and look at your Sacagawea Dollars from 2000. Check for a “P” mint mark under the date, showing it’s from Philadelphia. The key is the back: instead of an eagle, a Mule coin has a State Quarter design, like George Washington or a state emblem. The mismatch is obvious when you compare it to a regular Sacagawea Dollar. Don’t clean the coin, as that can lower its value. If you think you’ve found one, take it to a coin dealer or grading service for verification.
Lucky Finds in Everyday Places
Stories of rare coin discoveries keep the hunt alive. In 2024, a parking meter in Ohio coughed up a 2000-P Mule Sacagawea Dollar, which sold for $850,000 after the finder had it graded. Another was found in a vending machine in Texas in 2022, netting the lucky owner $100,000. These finds show that valuable coins can turn up anywhere—bank rolls, change from stores, or even coin jars at home. Collectors share tips on forums and at coin shops, urging people to check their dollar coins carefully.
Start Your Treasure Hunt Now
The 2000-P Mule Sacagawea Dollar is a reminder that big money can hide in small places. With only a few of these coins in existence, every Sacagawea Dollar you come across is worth a second look. Check your change from parking meters, vending machines, or old piggy banks. Ask family members for spare coins or visit a local coin shop to learn more. You don’t need to be an expert—just curious and ready to inspect your coins. That $900,000 Sacagawea Dollar could be waiting to change your life!
