If you’ve ever come across an unusual coin, like a Sacagawea Dollar or a Half Dollar, you might wonder whether it’s better to spend or hold onto it. For most people, the decision is simple—spend the coin. However, there are certain cases where holding onto these coins could mean owning a fortune. Rare and error coins can be worth significantly more than their face value, and they may surprise you with their hidden value.
For example, a Sacagawea Dollar coin could be worth as much as six figures, and a seemingly ordinary Lincoln penny could fetch millions. The key is understanding which coins have value beyond the metal they are made from and knowing which ones are worth saving.
The Story Behind the Sacagawea Dollar
The U.S. Mint first issued the Sacagawea Dollar in the year 2000 to commemorate Sacagawea, a Shoshone Native American who played a vital role in guiding Lewis and Clark during their famous westward expedition. The coin was released around the 200th anniversary of this historic journey.
What makes the Sacagawea Dollar even more special is that it’s one of the few U.S. coins to feature a real woman. The coin’s beautiful design and low circulation add to its appeal, making it a favorite among collectors.
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How Much Is a Sacagawea Dollar Worth?
While most Sacagawea Dollars you find will only be worth their face value, there are a few rare versions and error coins that are worth much more. In fact, some have sold for tens of thousands of dollars.
Here are the top five most valuable Sacagawea Dollars:
- 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar with Quarter Mule: This unique coin, featuring George Washington’s head on one side and a soaring eagle on the other, sold for $144,000 at an auction. Only 18 of these coins are known to exist.
- 2014-D Sacagawea Dollar with Presidential Dollar Mule: This error coin features a Sacagawea Dollar design on the front and a Presidential Dollar design on the back, and it sold for $84,000.
- 2000-D Sacagawea Dollar with South Carolina Quarter Mule: Found at the Denver Mint, this mule error occurred when the Sacagawea Dollar’s front was paired with the back of a South Carolina state quarter. It was sold for $66,000.
- 2000 Lincoln Cent on Sacagawea Dollar: Another mule error, this one combines a Lincoln cent design with the Sacagawea Dollar. It sold for $35,000.
- 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar: Issued as part of a promotion with Cheerios, this rare coin was placed in boxes of cereal. Today, one in mint condition is worth $34,500.
While your chances of finding one of these valuable coins are slim, it’s worth checking the coins you come across. You never know when you might get lucky!
Should You Spend Your Sacagawea Dollars or Hold Onto Them?
Most Sacagawea Dollars and other coins like Half Dollars, Dimes, or Nickels are only worth their face value. So, in many cases, spending them makes sense. However, if you suspect that you have a rare or error coin, it might be worth holding onto it or getting it evaluated by a professional.
Factors that make a coin valuable include its age, condition, mint mark, historical significance, and collector demand. For instance, an error coin or a coin from a limited mintage can be worth a lot more than the standard issue.
What About Other Valuable Coins?
Sacagawea Dollars aren’t the only coins that could be valuable. For example, the famous 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny is one of the rarest coins around. During World War II, most pennies were made from steel because copper was needed for the war effort. However, a small batch of pennies was mistakenly made with copper, and today, only 20 to 40 of these coins are known to exist.
The value of these rare copper pennies ranges from $100,000 to $500,000. One particularly rare version sold for $1.75 million in 2010, which is estimated to be worth over $2.3 million today.
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Conclusion
In general, most coins like Sacagawea Dollars, Half Dollars, and others won’t fetch you more than their face value. But if you happen to stumble upon a rare version or an error coin, you could be holding onto a small fortune.
It’s always a good idea to check for rare features like mules, mint marks, or unusual designs. Who knows? That coin gathering dust in your drawer might just be worth much more than you think!