For most of us, grabbing a soda from a vending machine is nothing more than a quick stop. But for 29-year-old Amanda Lewis from Iowa, it became a moment she’ll never forget. After popping a dollar into the machine at a local laundromat, she received a golden-colored $1 coin in her change a Sacagawea dollar. At first glance, it looked like any other. But something about the coin’s design made her pause.
Instead of spending it, Amanda pocketed the coin and later took a closer look at home. That moment of curiosity changed her life the coin turned out to be an ultra-rare Cheerios Sacagawea dollar, eventually selling for a jaw-dropping $46,500 at auction.
What’s So Special About This Sacagawea Dollar?
Sacagawea dollars have been around since 2000 and are still commonly seen in change or coin jars. But not all Sacagawea dollars are created equal.
When the U.S. Mint first introduced this coin, it partnered with General Mills to place 5,500 specially struck “Cheerios Dollars” into cereal boxes as a promotional campaign. These early samples had a distinct reverse design, particularly in the eagle’s tail feathers sharper, more detailed, and subtly different from the mass-produced version.
Over time, collectors realized this variation made the coin significantly rarer and more valuable.
Key Differences in the “Cheerios Dollar”
| Feature | Standard Sacagawea | Cheerios Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Tail Feathers | Smooth, Less Defined | Detailed, Textured |
| Mintage | Millions | ~5,500 |
| Distribution | Public Circulation | Cheerios Promotion |
| Collectible Value | $1 Face Value | Up to $50,000+ |
How Amanda Turned Her Coin into $46,500
Once Amanda noticed the eagle’s feather details looked different from the ones she’d seen online, she decided to visit a coin dealer in Des Moines. The expert instantly suspected she had something special and recommended a professional grading service.
The coin came back graded MS-65 (Mint State) excellent condition for a coin that had traveled through circulation.
She then listed it with a well-known numismatic auction house. What began as a modest $5,000 opening bid soon skyrocketed. Bidders recognized its rarity, and in just minutes, it sold for $46,500.
Amanda said she plans to put the money toward student loans and a small down payment on a home not bad for a coin that came out of a vending machine.
Why Rare Coins Keep Turning Up in Everyday Change
Many people assume all rare coins are locked away in private collections or museums. But stories like Amanda’s remind us that valuable coins still circulate quietly, waiting to be found by someone with a keen eye.
Coin expert James Rowe says, “People often overlook Sacagawea dollars because they assume they’re all the same. But tiny design differences especially on early issues can mean the difference between $1 and $40,000.”
Tips for Spotting a Valuable Sacagawea Dollar
If you want to try your luck, here are a few simple steps to help identify a potential treasure:
Look Closely at the Reverse (Back) of the Coin:
- Cheerios Dollars have a bold, detailed eagle tail feather design.
- Compare it with standard versions the difference can be subtle.
Check the Date:
- 2000-P is the key date (Philadelphia Mint).
- Not all 2000-P coins are rare, but some are.
Consider the Condition:
- Higher-grade coins (MS-65 and above) sell for more.
- Avoid cleaning or polishing the coin it can hurt value.
Get a Professional Opinion:
- Local coin shops, grading services like PCGS or NGC, and auction houses can help verify authenticity and market value.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Change It Might Be Worth Thousands
Amanda’s vending machine discovery is more than just a feel-good story it’s a reminder that hidden treasures exist all around us, sometimes in the most unexpected places. With just a little curiosity and attention to detail, an ordinary day can turn into an extraordinary payday.
If you’ve got old coins, especially Sacagawea dollars from the early 2000s, take a closer look. You never know the next big discovery could be sitting quietly in your pocket, purse, or change tray.