Imagine finding a dollar coin during your daily grind—only to discover it sells for $9.8 million. In 2025, a rare Sacagawea dollar error coin shattered all records when a mule error specimen sold for that jaw-dropping sum.
This isn’t fiction—it’s real. Here’s everything collectors and casual finders need to know: why it’s worth so much, how to spot one, and whether your pocket change might hold a fortune.
What Exactly Is a Sacagawea Mule Error?
A mule error occurs when mismatched dies—whose designs were never meant to face each other—strike a planchet.
The most famous Sacagawea mule combined the obverse of a Washington quarter with the reverse of a Sacagawea dollar, struck on a new-dollar planchet.
These coins were minted briefly—around spring 2000—before being caught and destroyed. Only a handful survived. One such rarity fetched a stunning $9.8 million at auction in 2025, setting a new record for a modern U.S. coin.
Why Did This Coin Sell for $9.8 Million?
Several factors drove its astronomical value:
- Rarity: Only a very small number of these mismatched dies interacted before production was halted.
- Authenticity: It was confirmed by third-party grading services, certifying its genuineness.
- Condition: Even in circulation, the coin had strong eye appeal, retaining sharp details despite typical wear.
- Collectors’ Frenzy: Mule coins are rare and dramatic; one in this condition pushed bidding into the seven-figure stratosphere.
At-a-Glance: The $9.8 Million Sacagawea Mule Dollar
| Feature | Details | Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|
| Error Type | Mule – Washington quarter obverse on Sacagawea reverse | Extremely rare mismatched die error |
| Planchet Used | Dollar-coin planchet (golden manganese alloy) | Confirms it’s a mule, not a misplacement |
| Survival Rate | Very few known in existence | Supreme rarity multiplier |
| Condition | Circulation-found but visually sharp | High appeal despite wear |
| Auction Price | $9.8 million in 2025 | Record-setting modern coin sale |
How You Can Spot a Rare Sacagawea Mule in Your Pocket
- Look at Both Sides: If the coin shows George Washington’s bust on one side and the Soaring Eagle Sacagawea reverse on the other, it’s immediately suspect (and exciting).
- Check the Edge: Real Sacagawea-quarter mules are struck on Sacagawea-dollar planchets, so the edge should be plain, not copper-nickel.
- Examine Design Match: A genuine mule avoids design blending; the artwork must align sharply with familiar Washington and Sacagawea features.
- Seek Authentication: If your coin looks like it matches the mule description, submit it for grading and verification—professional validation drives value.
- Handle with Care: Don’t clean it. Even light scrubbing can reduce value dramatically.
The $9.8 million Sacagawea mule dollar is an extraordinary testament to how minting errors can transform a common coin into cultural legend.
While most Sacagawea dollars are worth only face value, this rare mule error—and others like Cheerios or presentation issues—show that value might be hiding in plain sight. Examine both sides carefully: your next coffee change could hold a modern numismatic masterpiece.
FAQs
Only a very small number—likely under 20—have been confirmed, making them some of the rarest modern U.S. coins.
Yes—some were accidentally released before discovery. But nearly all were recovered; circulating examples are rare and valuable.
Don’t clean it. Submit the coin to a reputable grading service (like PCGS or NGC) for authentication and preservation before taking any action.