Did you know you could be carrying a $1 coin worth up to $14,000 without even realizing it? Rare coins like the 2000-P Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar and the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar can fetch big money, and they might be sitting quietly in your pocket, coin jar, or drawer.
In this article, we’ll dive into how these coins became valuable and how you can spot them in your change.
Key Details of Rare $1 Coins Worth Big Money
| Rare Coin | Estimated Value | Unique Traits | Other Notable Coins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar | Up to $14,000 | Enhanced tail feathers on the eagle | 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar |
| 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar | Hundreds to $500+ | “Wide Rim” version with rim spacing | 2000 Australian $1 “Mule” Error |
| 2000 Australian $1 “Mule” Coin | Up to $6,000 | Double rim due to minting error |
The Story Behind These Rare Coins
Most $1 coins are worth, well, $1. But certain minting errors, limited-edition releases, and even promotional coins can cause some coins to skyrocket in value. Here’s a closer look at some of the most valuable $1 coins you should watch out for:
1. 2000-P Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar
In 2000, General Mills included special Sacagawea Dollar coins in Cheerios cereal boxes as part of a promotional campaign. Around 5,500 coins were minted with a unique design: enhanced tail feathers on the eagle side of the coin.
These “Cheerios Dollars” are now worth as much as $14,000 when in mint condition. The coin’s rare design and limited production make it highly sought after by collectors, with professional grading services increasing its value.
2. 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar – “Wide Rim” Version
Another coin to look out for is the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar. Some versions of this coin have a “wide rim”—the rim is closer to the year date compared to the standard version.
The 1979-P Wide Rim coin is highly valued, with collectors willing to pay hundreds of dollars, particularly for coins in uncirculated condition. You can compare your coin with online images to check for the rim spacing to see if yours is the rare version.
3. 2000 Australian $1 “Mule” Coin
This coin is a bit more international, as it comes from Australia. In 2000, the Royal Australian Mint made an error by using the obverse die of a 10-cent coin to strike a $1 coin. This mistake created a coin with a double rim on the head side, which is highly valuable. Known as the “mule” coin, it can fetch anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 at auction.
How to Spot a Rare $1 Coin
Finding a rare coin in your change isn’t impossible, but it requires careful inspection. Here’s how you can identify valuable $1 coins:
Step 1 – Check the Coin’s Date and Mint Mark
Look for coins with the following dates and mint marks:
- 2000-P Sacagawea
- 1979-P Susan B. Anthony
- 2000 Australian $1 Mule Coin
The “P” mint mark stands for the Philadelphia Mint in the U.S. Australian coins typically have no mint mark or a “C” for Canberra.
Step 2 – Inspect Key Design Features
Use a magnifying glass or your phone’s macro lens to zoom in on design features:
- Cheerios Dollar: Look for enhanced tail feathers on the eagle.
- Wide Rim Anthony Dollar: Check the space between the rim and the year date.
- Mule Coin: Look for a double rim on the head side.
Step 3 – Assess the Coin’s Condition
Coins in uncirculated or mint condition are worth significantly more. A graded MS65+ or better coin can fetch much higher prices.
Step 4 – Look for Errors
Collectors pay top dollar for coins with minting errors. Examples include:
- Misaligned dies
- Off-center strikes
- Double strikes
If a coin looks “off,” don’t dismiss it—it could be worth a lot!
Step 5 – Get a Professional Opinion
If you think you have a rare coin, visit a local coin dealer or use a professional coin grading service like NGC Coin Grading or PCGS Certification to get it authenticated.
Real-Life Examples of Rare Coin Auction Results
| Coin | Condition | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar | MS68 | $14,100 (Heritage Auctions) |
| 1979-P Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony | MS65 | $500+ |
| 2000 Australian Mule Coin | Circulated | $4,000–$6,000 |
You might just be carrying a small fortune in your pocket without even knowing it. From the $14,000 Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar to the $4,000 Mule Coin, rare coins are often hiding in plain sight.
Check your change, inspect your coin jar, and look for those unique minting errors and special designs. If you find a coin that might be valuable, consider getting it professionally graded to secure its full value.
FAQs
What makes the $2000-P Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar valuable?
The Cheerios Dollar is rare because it features enhanced tail feathers on the eagle, making it highly sought after by collectors.
How do I know if I have the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony “Wide Rim” coin?
Look for the narrow space between the rim and the year date. The wide rim version is much rarer.
What is the value of the 2000 Australian $1 Mule Coin?
The mule coin, caused by a minting error, is worth between $4,000 and $6,000, depending on its condition.