Hidden Treasure at a Yard Sale: A $7.5 Million Sacagawea Dollar Found
Can you imagine picking up a coin for 50 cents at a garage sale and finding out it’s worth millions? That’s exactly what happened in a quiet American neighborhood. Someone discovered a rare Sacagawea dollar that might be worth as much as $7.5 million, and it’s got collectors and coin lovers buzzing with excitement.
A Coin Hiding in Plain Sight
It was just a regular Saturday yard sale. While browsing through items, a shopper found a plastic bag labeled “Old Coins – 50¢ Each.” Inside were pennies, nickels, and one golden-colored Sacagawea dollar coin. Nothing about it looked special at first glance.
Curious, the buyer took the coin to a local coin shop. That’s when things got interesting. The expert there noticed it looked like one of the rare 2000-P mule error coins — a mistake from the U.S. Mint where the front of a Washington quarter was accidentally combined with the back of a Sacagawea dollar.
Only a few of these “mule” coins are known to exist, and collectors are willing to pay big money for them.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
Most Sacagawea dollars are only worth a dollar. But this one is different because of the rare minting mistake. Instead of Sacagawea’s face on the front, this coin has George Washington’s face, like on a quarter, while the back shows the eagle from the Sacagawea dollar.
Coins like this are extremely rare. In fact, one of them has already been sold privately for $7.5 million. The high price comes from its rarity, the unusual error, the coin’s condition, and its place in minting history.
These Coins Are Still Around
Even though they were first released in 2000, Sacagawea dollars are still legal to use today. You might find them in tip jars, old piggy banks, or coin collections. The coins were created to honor Sacagawea, the Native American woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark.
But because they weren’t widely used by the public, many are still out there, possibly hiding in plain sight.
What to Watch For in Your Spare Change
Not every golden dollar is worth millions, but if you’re hoping to get lucky, here are some signs your coin might be rare:
- George Washington’s face instead of Sacagawea
- Strange or missing edge lettering
- Off-center designs or other striking errors
- Odd color or weight differences
Important: Many fakes exist. If you think you’ve found a rare coin, have it checked by a professional coin grading service before jumping to conclusions.
Everyday Treasures May Be Closer Than You Think
This story reminds us that treasure isn’t always buried. Sometimes, it’s sitting in your change jar or hidden in an old drawer. It’s amazing to think a coin so easily overlooked could turn out to be worth millions.
So, next time you empty your pockets or sort through old coins, take a closer look — you might be holding a small fortune.
FAQs
1. What is a Sacagawea dollar?
It’s a U.S. dollar coin first issued in 2000 that features Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark on their expedition.
2. What is a mule error coin?
A mule error happens when the front (obverse) and back (reverse) of a coin come from two different types of coins — like combining a quarter front with a dollar back.
3. How can I tell if my coin is valuable?
Look for unique features like a mismatched front and back, odd edge lettering, or design mistakes. When in doubt, have a coin expert examine it.
4. Where can I get a rare coin authenticated?
You can take your coin to a reputable coin shop or send it to professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).
