The Rare Sacagawea : Most people recognize the Sacagawea dollar by its golden hue and the portrait of the young Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition. First issued in 2000, these coins were meant to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar and encourage dollar coin use in everyday transactions. While most Sacagawea dollars are worth just a dollar, a few rare varieties are valued in the millions — with one exceptional example selling for an incredible $2.1 million.
The Story Behind the $2.1 Million Sacagawea Dollar
The coin in question is known as the 2000-P “Cheerios” Sacagawea dollar. In early 2000, the U.S. Mint partnered with General Mills to promote the new coin by placing them in boxes of Cheerios cereal. Roughly 5,500 of these coins were distributed, but a few had an important difference — a prototype reverse design with extra detail in the eagle’s tail feathers.
This variation was not used in the final production run, making these prototype “pattern” coins incredibly rare and highly prized by collectors.
What Makes It So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the $2.1 million price tag:
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Extreme Rarity – Only a handful of the prototype “Cheerios” Sacagawea dollars are known to exist.
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Historical Significance – These coins represent a transitional moment in U.S. Mint design history.
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Condition – The highest-graded examples, especially in pristine mint state, can command astronomical prices.
The record-breaking $2.1 million sale was for one such coin in near-perfect condition, authenticated and graded by a top-tier grading service.
How to Spot One in Your Collection
If you have a 2000-P Sacagawea dollar, here’s what to check:
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Date & Mint Mark: Look for “2000” and the “P” mint mark on the obverse.
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Reverse Tail Feathers: On the rare prototype, the eagle’s tail feathers have extra, sharp detailing compared to regular issues.
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Origin: Coins that originally came sealed in Cheerios packaging are more likely to be genuine “Cheerios dollars.”
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Condition: Higher-grade coins fetch significantly more.
Could You Have One?
While the odds are slim, it’s not impossible that one of these rare coins is sitting in a coin jar or tucked away in a collection. If you think you might have a “Cheerios” dollar, it’s worth getting it authenticated by a reputable grading company like PCGS or NGC.
FAQ: The $2.1 Million Sacagawea Dollar
Q1: Are all 2000-P Sacagawea dollars valuable?
No. Only the rare prototype reverse “Cheerios” dollars with enhanced tail feather detail have extreme value.
Q2: How many “Cheerios” Sacagawea dollars exist?
It’s estimated that fewer than a couple dozen of the prototype coins are known today.
Q3: How can I authenticate my Sacagawea dollar?
Submit it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC for verification.
Q4: Where can I sell a rare Sacagawea dollar?
`High-end auction houses and specialized coin dealers are the best venues for selling such rare coins.