A woman cleaning out a change jar discovered a seemingly ordinary 2000‑P Sacagawea dollar, but upon closer inspection, it revealed an extraordinary mule error—the coin featured the Sacagawea obverse and an inverted Washington quarter reverse.
Graded MS‑65, it recently sold for $14,800 at a private auction, marking one of the most dramatic modern coin finds in everyday change.
Why This Mule Dollar Is So Valuable
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint Mark | 2000‑P (Philadelphia) |
| Error Type | Obverse of Sacagawea dollar + Reverse of 2000 Washington quarter (mule) |
| Estimated Survival | ~20 known examples |
| Grade of Coin | Mint State 65 (MS‑65) |
| Auction Price | $14,800 |
| Historical Price | Similar coins fetched $10,000–$17,000 in 2022–2025 |
Origin & Rarity Explained
- In 2000, the U.S. Mint accidentally combined dies from two different coin programs: the Sacagawea dollar and the state quarter series.
- This “mule error” is exceedingly rare: around 20 known specimens among billions minted.
- Since these coins were produced for circulation, a few slipped into everyday use—this recent discovery proves that even now, they can still appear in pocket change.
Recent Auction & Market Dynamics
- Final Bid: $14,800—solidly within the typical valuation range ($10k–$17k) for similar coins.
- Market Demand: Collectors prize these mule errors due to their rarity and playful design anomaly. Auctions for modern mistakes like this consistently drive up following.
- Looking Ahead: As more ungraded or raw coins appear, formal grading (MS‑65+) could push future sale prices higher.
How to Spot a Valuable Mule Sacagawea
- Inspect Reverse: Instead of the eagle, check for Washington’s portrait and the familiar quarter layout.
- Check Mintmark & Date: Confirm 2000‑P on the obverse.
- Assess Condition: Coins in uncirculated or near-mint condition (MS‑60+) are far more valuable.
- Get it Authenticated: Have it graded by PCGS or NGC to verify the mule error and ensure market trust.
What This Means for You
- Never ignore dollar coins—many of these errors still circulate decades later.
- A simple glance might miss the reversed design, but a magnifying glass could reveal a $10,000+ treasure.
- Even if you own just loose change or a coin roll, this story suggests hidden value might be lurking.
This $14,800 mule Sacagawea dollar, found in a simple change jar, proves that even in the digital age, modern coin errors can yield staggering value.
It’s a reminder that every coin matters—especially golden dollar coins from 2000. Next time you handle loose change, take a moment. That ordinary-looking dollar could be your ticket to fame in the numismatic world.
FAQs
What exactly is a mule error?
A mule error happens when dies from two different coins (e.g., Sacagawea dollar and Washington quarter) are mistakenly paired—creating a unique hybrid coin.
How many of these mule Sacagawea dollars exist?
Approximately 20 known specimens, making them extremely rare and sought after.
What impacts its value most?
The balance of rarity and condition—a high-grade MS‑65 (or better) mule Sacagawea can command $10,000 to $17,000+ in auctions.