Sacagawea Dollar Error Explained
Welcome back to Getting Rich on U.S. Mint Mistakes – Episode 4 
Today’s discovery proves that even modern coins can hide life-changing value.
An ordinary-looking Sacagawea $1 coin was once dismissed as pocket change. After expert verification, it sold for up to $84,000 at major auctions. The reason? A rare and dramatic U.S. Mint mule error.
Let’s break this down clearly and simply so you know exactly what to look for. 
Step 1: What Is the $84,000 Sacagawea Mule Error?
This coin is known as a mule error, meaning it was struck using two dies that were never meant to go together.
Instead of matching front and back designs, the U.S. Mint accidentally paired:
- A Sacagawea dollar obverse
- With a Presidential dollar reverse
This type of error should never leave the Mint — which is why collectors pay massive premiums when it does.
Step 2: How to Identify the Rare Sacagawea Mule Coin
Obverse (Front)
Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste
Golden-colored dollar design used since 2000
Looks completely normal at first glance
Reverse (Back)
Statue of Liberty instead of the soaring eagle
Design normally reserved for Presidential $1 coins
No eagle, no denomination style used on standard Sacagawea dollars
If your coin has Sacagawea on the front and the Statue of Liberty on the back, stop immediately. Do not spend it.
Step 3: Why This Coin Is Worth Up to $84,000
Most dollar coins are common:
- Regular Sacagawea dollars → Worth $1
- Presidential dollars → Worth $1
But this coin is different.
Sacagawea + Statue of Liberty mule error
Auction value: up to $84,000+
Why collectors pay so much:
- Extremely few examples exist
- Impossible to recreate artificially
- Fully verified U.S. Mint error
- Strong demand for dramatic modern mistakes
Every confirmed example has sold for tens of thousands of dollars.
Current Market Value
Estimated Value: Up to $84,000
Status: Confirmed auction results from major numismatic houses
Known examples: Only a small handful
This places the coin among the most valuable modern U.S. Mint errors ever discovered.
Step 4: How to Maximize Your Coin’s Value
If you believe you’ve found one, follow these steps carefully.
Get the Coin Certified
Send it to:
- PCGS
- NGC
Certification:
Confirms authenticity
Assigns an official grade
Protects you from scams
Increases buyer confidence
Sell Through Trusted Auction Houses
For a coin of this value, avoid casual marketplaces.
Recommended options:
Heritage Auctions
Stack’s Bowers
Legend Rare Coin Auctions
These platforms attract elite collectors willing to pay top dollar.
Expert Insight
“Everything shown here has been found, verified, and sold. These coins exist — and more could still be out there.”
Your next dollar coin might not be ordinary after all.
Final Thoughts
Modern coins are often ignored — and that’s exactly why rare errors slip through unnoticed.
If you ever see:
Sacagawea on the front
Statue of Liberty on the back
You could be holding a $1 coin worth up to $84,000 
Check your change carefully. History has proven it’s worth the effort.
