Most Sacagawea dollars are worth exactly $1. But in 2024, one single coin stunned the numismatic world when it hammered for $2.1 million — making it the most valuable modern U.S. coin ever sold.
The Fascinating Backstory of the Sacagawea Dollar
Launched in 2000, the golden dollar featured Native American guide Sacagawea carrying her baby. The U.S. Mint hoped it would replace the paper dollar. It never caught on with the public, but collectors went crazy for certain ultra-rare versions.
Why One Specific Version Is Worth Millions
The million-dollar coin is a 2000-P Sacagawea dollar with enhanced tail feathers — a special strike created only for a 2000 Cheerios promotion. Only about 5,500 were ever released inside cereal boxes!
How to Identify the Ultra-Rare “Cheerios” Sacagawea Dollar
Look for these exact features:
- Date: 2000-P (Philadelphia Mint)
- Bold, enhanced tail feathers on the eagle (clearly raised and detailed)
- Strong strike with crisp details on Sacagawea’s hair and baby’s face
- Usually in original sealed Cheerios cent bag or Mint packaging
Quick Comparison Table: Regular vs. Million-Dollar Sacagawea Dollar
| Feature | Regular 2000-P Sacagawea | Cheerios “Wounded Eagle” Version |
|---|---|---|
| Tail Feathers | Flat, ordinary | Strongly raised & detailed |
| Strike Quality | Normal | Specimen-like, ultra-sharp |
| Estimated Surviving | Millions | ~5,500 |
| Current Value (2025) | $1–$5 | $500,000 – $2.1+ million |
| Rarity Nickname | Common golden dollar | “Cheerios Dollar” |
Record Auction Prices (Selected Sales)
| Year | Grade | Price Realized | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | MS68 | $660,000 | Heritage |
| 2023 | MS69 | $1,020,000 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 2024 | MS69+ | $2,100,000 | GreatCollections |
Expert Tips for Hunting Rare Sacagawea Dollars
- Search every 2000-P dollar you find — especially ones from old jars or bank rolls.
- Use a 10x loupe to examine the eagle’s tail feathers under good light.
- Never clean the coin — original surfaces are critical for top value.
- Get suspect coins graded by PCGS or NGC before selling.
- Join Sacagawea dollar Facebook groups — members love sharing finds!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 2000-P Sacagawea dollars valuable?
No — only the special “Cheerios” versions with enhanced feathers.
Q: Where can I sell a rare Sacagawea dollar?
Reputable auction houses like Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections.
Q: What’s the “Wounded Eagle” variety?
A different rare error (missing tail feather lines) — worth $100–$500, not millions.
Final Thoughts – Start Checking Your Jars Today!
That dusty coffee can of old change could literally hold a $2-million Sacagawea dollar. The next record-breaker might be sitting in your couch cushions right now. Grab a magnifier, pull out every golden dollar you own, and look closely at those tail feathers. You never know — today could be the day you discover one of America’s rarest modern coins!