Imagine reaching into a parking meter’s coin return, expecting a few loose cents—only to pull out a rare golden mule Sacagawea dollar worth $900,000. That extraordinary find just became reality, capturing the attention of numismatists worldwide.
What Makes This Coin Remarkable?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar |
| Mint Error | Mismatched obverse/reverse (Washington quarter obverse + Sacagawea reverse) |
| Discovery Location | Parking meter coin return |
| Estimated Auction Value | $900,000 |
| Rarity | Fewer than 20 known mule error specimens |
This mule error resulted from a minting mishap—most likely a mismatched die mix-up where the obverse (front) die belonged to a Washington state quarter, and the reverse (back) was from a Sacagawea dollar—a mistake that should never have occurred .
How Was the Coin Found?
A casual collector reached into the meter expecting spare change but noticed something odd. The coin’s golden color didn’t match the quarter design on the front, and the reverse was unmistakably a Sacagawea dollar.
Suspecting an error, they sent it to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) for authentication—and the verdict was stunning: one of the rare mule errors ever circulated .
Why Is This Error So Valuable?
- Mule errors—where dies from different coins are accidentally paired—are some of the rarest and most sought-after coin varieties.
- The 2000-P mule Sacagawea is unique: a golden Sacagawea dollar footed on a quarter obverse.
- With fewer than 20 known specimens, it has become one of the most coveted modern coin errors .
What You Should Know About Mule Errors
- Mule errors occur when the obverse and reverse dies are not intended to match—like a quarter head and a dollar tail.
- Such coins often slip past quality control and enter circulation by mistake.
- These rarities can fetch hundreds of thousands to even millions of dollars at auctions, depending on condition and demand.
Could You Have a Hidden Gem?
Here’s a quick checklist to help you identify a potential mule error:
- Obverse Design: Does the front show a Washington quarter but in golden coloring?
- Coin Size: Is it Sacagawea-sized but with quarter imagery?
- Edge and Inscription: Look for mismatched edge lettering or mint marks.
- Mint Mark: Check for “P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco).
- Coin Condition: High-grade, well-preserved specimens are far more valuable.
This astonishing discovery proves that extraordinary value can be hiding in plain sight—whether in a coin jar or a parking meter.
That everyday golden dollar turned into a $900,000 treasure thanks to a rare mule error. Coin collectors, take note: even mundane change could hold a fortune.
FAQs
What is a mule coin error?
A mule error happens when a coin is struck with imbalanced dies—like a Washington quarter obverse and Sacagawea reverse.
How rare is a mule Sacagawea dollar?
Extremely rare. Only about 20 mule Sacagawea errors have ever been documented.
What should you do if you find a similar coin?
Don’t clean it. Submit it to a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.