Have you ever come across a golden-colored dollar coin and tossed it aside, thinking it was just another ordinary piece of change? If that coin is a 2000-P Sacagawea dollar, you might want to take a second look especially if it’s a rare mule error coin. Some of these special coins have sold for up to $62,000 at auction, and they’re still out there in the wild.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what makes this coin so valuable, how to spot the error, and what you should do if you think you’ve got one.
What Is the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar?
The Sacagawea dollar was first released by the U.S. Mint in 2000 to replace the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar. It features the Native American guide Sacagawea carrying her infant son Jean Baptiste on the obverse (front) and an eagle in flight on the reverse (back).
Here’s a quick overview of the standard 2000-P Sacagawea dollar:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark | P (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | Manganese-brass clad over copper |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Edge | Plain (no reeding) |
| Obverse Design | Sacagawea with baby Jean Baptiste |
| Reverse Design | Soaring eagle with 17 stars |
Most of these coins are worth only face value $1 but a few extremely rare ones are worth a small fortune.
What Is the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule Error?
The mule error is what makes this version of the Sacagawea dollar so valuable. In coin collecting, a “mule” refers to a coin that’s struck using mismatched dies meaning the front and back designs aren’t supposed to go together.
What’s the Error?
In this case, the 2000-P Sacagawea mule features:
- The obverse of a Washington quarter (used in the State Quarters series)
- The reverse of a Sacagawea dollar
- Minted on a Sacagawea dollar planchet (the golden-colored blank)
This wild combination was a minting mistake and a rare one at that.
Only about 20 to 30 authentic examples of this mule coin are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after modern U.S. coins.
How Much Is the Sacagawea Mule Error Coin Worth?
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare error coins, you’re looking at a jackpot-level payday. Here are some notable sales:
| Auction Year | Grade | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | MS-67 (PCGS) | $192,000 |
| 2021 | AU-58 (NGC) | $66,000 |
| 2023 | MS-65 | $72,000 |
| 2024 | VF (Very Fine – Raw Coin) | $35,000 (Private) |
Even circulated examples can fetch $30,000 or more, while high-grade coins can go well over $100,000 depending on the buyer and auction.
How to Identify the 2000-P Sacagawea Mule Error
Not sure what to look for? Here’s a breakdown to help you spot the mule error coin:
Key Features of the Mule Error Coin:
- Front (Obverse): Washington’s head (like on a quarter), with the word “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Back (Reverse): Sacagawea’s eagle design
- Date and Mintmark: 2000-P
- Edge: Smooth (not reeded like a quarter)
- Color: Golden/brassy tone like a Sacagawea dollar
This coin will look and feel like a dollar, but the front will have George Washington instead of Sacagawea. That’s the key!
Where Were These Error Coins Found?
Most of these mule errors were discovered in bags of coins from vending machine companies and direct shipments from the U.S. Mint. A few were even found in circulation, which means there’s still a chance one could be sitting in your change jar, a cash drawer, or even inside an old coin roll.
If you regularly:
- Search bank rolls
- Use coin-counting machines
- Buy coins at garage sales or estate auctions
…you may stumble upon one of these hidden treasures.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have One?
If you think you’ve found a 2000-P Sacagawea mule error coin:
1. Do Not Clean It
Cleaning can reduce the coin’s value dramatically. Leave it as is.
2. Get It Authenticated
Submit it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. These companies have verified all known examples to date.
3. Consider a Reputable Auction House
Once authenticated, you can contact coin auction specialists like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers to help you sell the coin to serious collectors.
Final Thoughts: Your Change Could Be Worth Thousands
The 2000-P Sacagawea dollar is a great reminder that treasure can still be found in everyday change. With just a bit of knowledge and curiosity, beginner collectors can spot valuable errors and potentially strike it rich.
So next time you get a golden dollar coin, don’t dismiss it. Flip it over and check both sides carefully you just might be holding a $62,000+ coin in your hand.