Could a seemingly ordinary 2000‑P Sacagawea Dollar in your pocket actually be one of the rarest modern U.S. coin errors?
A genuine mule error coin—featuring a Washington quarter obverse mated to a Sacagawea dollar reverse—has sold for $194,062.50, but even $70,000–$88,000 estimates circulate.
Discover the facts, figures, diagnostics, and how to spot a potential treasure.
What Is the 2000‑P Sacagawea Dollar Mule Error?
A “mule” error occurs when two unrelated coin dies are mistakenly paired. In this case:
- Obverse: George Washington design from a 2000 state quarter, with mint mark “P”.
- Reverse: Soaring eagle design from the 2000 Sacagawea dollar series.
Struck on a Sacagawea dollar planchet, this hybrid coin was never intended to exist
Rarity & Known Survivors
- First specimen discovered in May 2000 by Frank Wallis in Arkansas
- As of 2025, only ≈21 authenticated examples are known worldwide
- Collector Tommy Bolack owns about 15 of them, acquired privately over time
Auction Records & Market Values
| Year | Grade | Sale Price (Including Premium) | Selling House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | PCGS MS‑66 (Die Pair 1) | $194,062.50 | GreatCollections |
| Mar 2018 | NGC MS‑67 (Die Pair 1) | $192,000 | Stack’s Bowers |
| Earlier private | Varied | $75,000–$155,250 | Private sales & dealers |
Despite earlier media claims of $72,000 or $88,000 values, current verified auction prices exceed $190,000
Physical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year / Mint | 2000 “P” (Philadelphia) |
| Obverse design | Washington quarter obverse, no date |
| Reverse design | Soaring eagle Sacagawea reverse |
| Mass | 8.10 g |
| Diameter | 26.49 mm |
| Composition | Copper‑core, manganese‑brass clad |
| Edge | Plain |
| Die pair types | At least three known (Die Pair 1 most common) |
| Total face value | $1.25 ($1 + $0.25 concurrent inscriptions) |
These specs match standard Sacagawea dollars except for the mismatched obverse
How Was the Error Discovered & Handled?
- The mule surfaced in May 2000 in ordinary circulation.
- U.S. Mint authenticated it, impounded coin batches, and ordered melting of most error planchets
- A federal investigation led to the confession of two former employees who had illegally sold some coins
Should You Check Your Coin?
If you possess a 2000‑P Sacagawea Dollar, inspect closely:
- Does the obverse show George Washington and a quarter‑style “P” mint mark without a date?
- Does the reverse depict the classic Sacagawea soaring eagle with “ONE DOLLAR”?
- Is it in uncirculated or near‑Mint State condition (e.g. MS 65–67)?
Authenticated examples in MS 66–67 scale have fetched $125,000 to nearly $200,000
A wild discovery: if your 2000‑P Sacagawea Dollar features a Washington quarter obverse mated to a Sacagawea reverse, in high condition, you may be holding one of the rarest modern U.S. coin errors—once sold for nearly $200,000.
The mule is verified, documented, graded, and strictly limited in number.
While finding one today is unlikely, the possibility turns everyday change into a potential treasure hunt—and any suspicious specimen deserves professional grading immediately.
FAQs
Can a 2000‑P Sacagawea really be worth $72,000?
Older estimates suggested $70k–$88k, but verified auction sales now exceed $190k, especially for high-grade examples
How many genuine mule coins exist?
About 21 confirmed examples as of 2025; most owned by a single collector
Can a coin like this still appear in everyday change?
It’s extremely unlikely now. All known examples have been removed from circulation, certified, and placed in collections or auctions.