$1.2 Million Sacagawea Dollar Found: A routine stop at a gas station turned into a millionaire moment for one unsuspecting customer. While paying for snacks with a handful of change, they received a golden-colored dollar coin in return — what appeared to be an ordinary Sacagawea dollar. But this wasn’t just any dollar. After some research and expert evaluation, the coin was confirmed to be a rare Sacagawea dollar prototype — ultimately valued at an astounding $1.2 million.
This incredible discovery has sparked excitement among coin collectors and everyday Americans alike, reigniting interest in one of the U.S. Mint’s most misunderstood coins.
What Makes This Coin So Special?
The Sacagawea dollar was first issued in 2000 to honor Sacagawea, the Native American woman who helped guide the Lewis and Clark expedition. It was designed with a distinctive golden hue and was meant to replace the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar.
But a handful of test strikes and minting errors from the early production years are now considered priceless.
The $1.2 million coin found at the gas station is believed to be one of the 2000 Sacagawea dollars struck on a Susan B. Anthony planchet — a rare minting error that created a hybrid of two major U.S. coin series. Only a few examples of this mistake are known to exist.
Key Features of the $1.2 Million Coin
Experts identified the coin’s value due to a unique combination of characteristics:
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Struck on the wrong planchet: A leftover Susan B. Anthony blank was mistakenly used.
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Sharp detail and mint luster: It was in near-uncirculated condition.
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Authentication and grading: Certified by a top-tier grading company, boosting its credibility and value.
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Historical rarity: Only a handful of similar coins have ever surfaced.
How You Can Spot a Rare Sacagawea Dollar
While most Sacagawea dollars are worth face value, some rare variants and errors can fetch thousands — or even millions — if you know what to look for:
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Wrong planchet errors: Coins struck on the wrong metal, like a copper-nickel blend instead of manganese-brass.
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Missing edge lettering (on later Presidential dollar coins, often confused with Sacagawea coins).
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High-grade examples: Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition.
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2000 “Cheerios” Dollar: Distributed in Cheerios boxes during a promotion — these coins have unique detail on the eagle’s tail feathers and can be worth over $5,000.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
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Handle with care – Avoid scratching or cleaning it.
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Check the date and metal – Compare it to standard examples.
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Seek expert help – Get it authenticated by grading services like PCGS or NGC.
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Keep it safe – Rare coins can be valuable targets for theft or damage.
Final Thought: Check Your Change
The story of the $1.2 million Sacagawea dollar found at a gas station proves that treasure could be hiding in plain sight. While most people overlook dollar coins as just odd or outdated, a few lucky individuals are discovering fortunes in the most unexpected places.
So the next time you get change at a gas station, take a closer look — you just might be holding a piece of American minting history worth a fortune.
Got a Sacagawea coin and want to know its value? Share the year and condition, and I’ll help you figure it out!
FAQs $1.2 Million Sacagawea Dollar Found at a Gas Station
FAQ 1: Why is this Sacagawea dollar worth $1.2 million?
It’s a rare minting error — a 2000 Sacagawea dollar struck on a Susan B. Anthony planchet, making it an ultra-rare hybrid coin.
FAQ 2: How many of these rare coins exist?
Only a handful of these error coins are known to exist, making them extremely valuable to collectors.
FAQ 3: How can I tell if my Sacagawea dollar is special?
Check for:
- Wrong metal (silver-colored instead of golden)
- Unusual size or weight
- Sharp details and no edge lettering (in some rare versions)
FAQ 4: What should I do if I think I found one?
Don’t clean it. Store it safely and get it authenticated by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.