A seemingly ordinary vending machine coin turned out to be an extraordinary numismatic treasure. A college student in New Mexico recently discovered a rare Sacagawea dollar featuring an unusual reverse error—a design variant never intended for circulation.
Once authenticated, this unexpected find fetched an astonishing $16,500 at a specialized auction.
What Makes This Sacagawea Dollar So Valuable?
Most standard Sacagawea dollars showcase the familiar flying eagle on the reverse. This rare version, however, displays a pattern or mule reverse—likely tied to a test die pairing. Such pairing occurred by error and is extremely scarce.
Authenticators at Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) confirmed the coin’s authenticity after a local dealer examined it. Its unique features include:
- A non-standard eagle design, often called a pattern reverse
- Mule characteristics, meaning mixed-die pairing unintended for general circulation
- Off-center strike and tonal differences that hinted at a rarity
Found in a Vending Machine: An Unlikely Discovery
The student discovered the coin during a regular transaction: inserting $5 for a snack and receiving unexpected change. Noticing odd details in tone and strike alignment, they researched online and took it to a local dealer.
The coin ultimately sold privately at auction for $16,500, highlighting how everyday change can sometimes hold hidden fortunes.
Overview Table of the Coin’s Key Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Sacagawea Dollar (early 2000s) |
| Error Type | Rare pattern/mule reverse design |
| Discovery Location | Vending machine, New Mexico campus |
| Authentication | Verified by PCGS |
| Sale Price | $16,500 |
| Significance | Among very few known in circulation |
Why This Discovery Matters
This find resonates deeply in the coin-collecting community for several reasons:
- Rare error in circulation
Medium-strike errors like this are usually caught by the Mint, not spent. - The thrill of randomness
Collectors cherish stories of rare coins found in everyday change—adding narrative value. - Proof of mintage anomalies
Error coins like this provide evidence of unintended die usage and production quirks.
As an auction representative commented, “It’s like striking gold in your lunch money”—a sentiment collectors deeply understand.
How to Spot a Rare Sacagawea Dollar
If you encounter a Sacagawea dollar, look for:
- Different reverse design (non-flying eagle)
- Off-center strike, doubled dies, or tonal irregularities
- Mixed mint marks or mismatched obverse/reverse combinations
- Specific varieties, like the “Cheerios reverse” or “Wounded Eagle,” though rarer
Even tone or edge differences could signal a hidden error coin.
What You Should Do If You Find One
- Don’t spend the coin—keep it in a protective sleeve or coin holder
- Photograph it clearly, showing both sides
- Have it evaluated by a reputable grading service (e.g., PCGS, NGC)
- If genuine, consider auctioning via a professional numismatic house
Even if it’s not worth thousands, most error coins carry higher value than face value.
This incredible story proves that rare coin treasures can emerge anywhere—even in a snack machine transaction. The $16,500 Sacagawea dollar with a rare reverse error reminds us that normal change may hold hidden value.
Next time you get coins as change, take a moment to inspect them—it could pay off in a big way.
FAQs
What is a pattern or mule reverse error?
It’s a reverse-side design not intended for circulation, produced due to mismatched dies—extremely rare.
How much did this coin sell for?
After authentication, the error Sacagawea dollar sold for $16,500 at auction.
What should I do if I find a suspicious Sacagawea dollar?
Keep it safe, get it graded by PCGS or NGC, and consider auctioning through a professional numismatic dealer.