Sacagawea Dollar: It started as a curiosity in the change tray of a small-town arcade. James Holloway, a 33-year-old maintenance worker from Kansas, noticed what he thought was a gold-colored token mixed in with the spare change. Assuming it had been accidentally spent by a customer, he set it aside to return to the cashier. What he didn’t know at the time was that the “token” was actually a rare 2000 Sacagawea dollar — and one of the most valuable modern coins in existence.
From Arcade Floor to Auction Block
James only discovered the truth weeks later when a coin-collecting friend spotted the piece on his desk and asked to take a closer look. The coin’s gleaming golden hue and flawless detail were unlike anything you’d see in everyday change.
After careful inspection, they realized it matched the description of a legendary error coin: the 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar struck on a U.S. state quarter planchet. This rare minting mistake created a coin with the golden Sacagawea design but on a smaller, slightly thicker planchet, making it unique and extremely valuable.
Why It’s Worth $1.2 Million
Several factors contributed to the coin’s jaw-dropping value:
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Minting Error – The wrong planchet was used, a rare and highly collectible mistake.
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Condition – James’s coin was in near-perfect mint state, with no visible wear.
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Rarity – Fewer than a handful of these error coins are known to exist.
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Collector Demand – The Sacagawea dollar series has a loyal following, and rare varieties can bring record prices.
When authenticated by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the coin received a Mint State 68 grade, confirming its pristine condition.
Headlines and History
Word spread quickly through coin-collecting circles, and soon national news outlets picked up the story. At auction, fierce bidding drove the final sale price to an incredible $1.2 million — turning a humble arcade “token” into a life-changing windfall.
A Modern-Day Treasure Hunt
The story serves as a reminder that valuable treasures can still be hiding in plain sight. Whether in a tip jar, cash register, or arcade change tray, rare coins are out there waiting to be discovered. So next time you find an odd coin in your change, don’t dismiss it — it might just be worth a fortune.
FAQ: The $1.2 Million Sacagawea Dollar – From Token to Treasure
1. What makes this Sacagawea dollar so valuable?
This coin was a rare minting error — a 2000-P Sacagawea dollar struck on a U.S. state quarter planchet, making it smaller and slightly thicker than normal. Its rarity and pristine condition made it worth $1.2 million.
2. How rare are Sacagawea dollar errors like this?
Extremely rare. Only a few examples of this specific error are known to exist, and most are in the hands of private collectors.
3. How can I tell if my Sacagawea dollar is an error coin?
Check the coin’s size, thickness, and weight compared to a regular Sacagawea dollar. Unusual coloring, metal composition, or design misalignments are also signs of mint errors.
4. Where should I get a rare coin authenticated?
Professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) can verify authenticity, grade the coin, and help establish its value for collectors and auctions.
