What if a coin in your pocket or jar is more than just a dollar? In the world of numismatics, rare error coins sometimes carry values vastly beyond face value. One of the most famous modern U.S. minting anomalies is the 2000-P Sacagawea “mule” error — a coin that pairs features of a Washington quarter and Sacagawea dollar in a mismatched strike.
In top condition, these errors have been known to sell for six-figure prices, sparking excitement among collectors and casual coin-checkers alike. Read on to learn the full story, how to identify one, and whether your spare change could hide a treasure.
What Is the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar & the Mule Error?
The Sacagawea dollar was first issued in 2000 to honor Sacagawea, the Shoshone guide to Lewis and Clark. Though often called a “gold dollar,” it isn’t made of gold — it’s a manganese-brass clad coin.
A mule error occurs when a coin is struck using mismatched dies (front and back from different coin types). The 2000-P Washington quarter / Sacagawea dollar mule features the obverse (front) of a Washington quarter and the reverse (back) of a Sacagawea dollar, struck on a dollar planchet — a combination that should never have existed.
In mid-2000, the U.S. Mint acknowledged the error, attributing it to a cracked Sacagawea obverse die being inadvertently replaced with a quarter die.Most of the error coins were reportedly recovered and destroyed, but some escaped into circulation.
As of recent counts, about 19 authenticated examples are publicly known, with many held by a single collector.
Notable Sales & Market Data
| Attribute | Detail / Value |
|---|---|
| Highest reported auction value | Up to $200,000 (for top examples) |
| PCGS Price Guide listing | $125,000 for a PCGS MS-66 mule example |
| Sale of lesser known mule | A recently sold mule coin fetched around $150,000 |
| Historic earlier sale | The first mule (nicknamed the “Jeff Allen” mule) sold via eBay for $41,295 in 2001 (MS-67 grade) |
| Total known mules | ~19 authenticated specimens |
| Standard 2000-P Sacagawea mintage | ~767,140,000 (regular circulation strikes) |
Because most Sacagawea dollars circulated at face value, these mules are dramatically rarer and in high demand.
Why These Mule Errors Command Six Figures
- Extreme Rarity
With fewer than 20 known examples and most in private collections, the availability is incredibly low. - Unmistakable Uniqueness
The mismatched combination of obverse and reverse is striking and unmistakable to serious collectors. - Condition & Grading Premiums
Coins graded as Mint State 65, 66, or higher substantially boost the value. - Collector Hype & Historic Significance
It remains one of the most famous modern mint errors in U.S. coinage and features prominently in error-coin literature. - Provenance & Auction Demand
The stories behind each specimen — its discovery, grading pedigree, and auction history — add prestige and competition among bidders.
How to Spot a 2000-P Sacagawea Mule in Your Change
To check whether a seemingly ordinary golden dollar is the rare mule:
- Front (Obverse): Should show George Washington’s portrait, not Sacagawea.
- Back (Reverse): Should retain the Sacagawea eagle / dollar design.
- Edge: Smooth (like Sacagawea dollars), not reeded like quarters.
- Mint Mark / Date: “2000 P” should appear, consistent with the error type.
- Weight / Composition: Same as regular Sacagawea dollar alloy: ~8.1 g, clad mixture.
- Compare Examples: Use authenticated images and designs of known mule examples.
- Get it Graded: If your coin matches these traits, submit it to a trusted grading authority (PCGS, NGC) without cleaning.
Risks, Fakes & Caution
Because of the high value, counterfeit mule errors exist. Some may be altered or post-mint creations. Only certified, authenticated coins should be trusted for high valuations. Also, coins should never be cleaned by amateurs, as that can dramatically reduce value.
The 2000-P Sacagawea mule error remains one of the most exciting discoveries in modern U.S. coin collecting. Once valued at face value, one of these rare mismatched strikes now has the potential to command six-figure prices — with reported auction results approaching $150,000 to $200,000.
If you come across a golden dollar that looks “off,” take the time to examine it carefully. In the world of numismatics, even spare change can hide a treasure.
FAQs
Are all 2000-P Sacagawea dollars valuable?
No — the vast majority remain worth just face value ($1). Only the mule error and a few promotional varieties command high premiums.
How should I proceed if I think I found one?
Do not clean it. Photograph it clearly. Submit it to a well-known grading service for authentication. Then consult a reputable coin auction house or dealer.