Minted in the year 2000, the Sacagawea dollar is one of the iconic coins present in American numismatics. The gold finish and design in honor of Sacagawea—as Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark expedition—make this coin stand out. Although it is worth a dollar, certain minting errors and variations have made some of them outclassed and highly valued. We shall see below the most expensive of all Sacagawea dollars and what all makes them so special.
Minting Errors That Make Sacagawea Dollars Extraordinary
- 2000 Sacagawea Dollar Minted on a Massachusetts Quarter
One of the most intriguing errors occurred when a Sacagawea dollar was accidentally stamped on a Massachusetts quarter. The resulting coin featured the Sacagawea design overlaid with the state quarter’s details, creating a fascinating blend of two coins. This rarity sold for over $8,800 at auction in 2017 and remains highly sought after by collectors. - 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Struck on a Susan B. Anthony Slab
Another remarkable error involved the Sacagawea dollar being struck on a plate intended for a Susan B. Anthony dollar. Unlike the typical gold-toned Sacagawea coins, these coins are silver. One such example sold for $16,800 in 2022, demonstrating the immense value collectors place on these anomalies. - 2000 Lincoln Cent Minted on a Sacagawea Dollar
In a truly extraordinary mistake, a Sacagawea dollar was struck with a Lincoln cent design. The Lincoln cent’s design obscured the Sacagawea coin’s date but was traced back to the year 2000. This unique error, the only known example, fetched a staggering $35,000 at auction in 2015. - 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar
To celebrate the release of the Sacagawea dollar, a special promotion with Cheerios included these coins in cereal boxes. These “Cheerios Sacagawea Dollars” were among the first minted and are known for their sharply detailed eagle feathers. One such coin sold for $34,500 in 2008, marking it as a must-have for serious collectors.
Read more: This Massachusetts quarter can be worth up to $9,000 – It’s from 2000 and features a mythical Minuteman.
The Most Coveted Sacagawea Dollar Errors
- 2000-D Sacagawea Dollar in a South Carolina Quarter Mintage Error
An astounding error occurred when a Sacagawea dollar was stamped with the reverse design of a South Carolina quarter. This hybrid coin, discovered over two decades later, sold for $66,000 in 2022. It is the only known example, adding to its allure. - 2014-D Sacagawea Dollar and Presidential Dollar Minting Error
In 2014, another fascinating mistake paired the Sacagawea dollar’s obverse with the reverse of a Presidential dollar. Discovered in a bag of bank coins in 2019, this unique coin was sold for $84,000 in 2021, highlighting its rarity and appeal. - 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar and State Quarter Error
The crown jewel of Sacagawea dollar errors is the 2000-P coin mistakenly stamped with the reverse of a state quarter. With only 18 known examples, this coin is among the rarest in U.S. history. One such piece shattered records when it sold for $144,000 in 2022, cementing its place as the most valuable Sacagawea dollar ever sold.
Take-home note
The Sacagawea dollar represents more than just a commemorative coin—it’s a gateway to history and artistry. Minting errors, whether accidental or promotional, have turned these coins into treasures worth thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. For collectors and history enthusiasts alike, these coins remain a testament to the unexpected quirks of numismatics.