A Lucky Find in Loose Change
Last month, a Colorado cashier named Lisa Martinez found a rare Sacagawea Dollar coin while counting her register at a grocery store. The coin stood out because its back design looked unusual. She showed it to a coin expert, who confirmed it was a 2000 Sacagawea Dollar with the rare Cheerios reverse. This discovery, made during a routine shift, sold at auction for $11,500, thrilling coin collectors nationwide.
The Cheerios Coin Mystery
The Sacagawea Dollar, first issued in 2000, features Native American guide Sacagawea on the front. The rare Cheerios version has a unique tail feathers design on the eagle on the back, with more detailed feathers than standard coins. These coins were accidentally included in a promotion where the U.S. Mint placed 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars in Cheerios cereal boxes. Only a few are known to exist, making them a hot item for collectors due to their scarcity and quirky origin.
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Sacagawea Dollar | $1-$5 |
| Cheerios Reverse Dollar | $11,500+ |
From Register to Auction Spotlight
Lisa had no idea the coin was special when she spotted it. She kept it in her purse, thinking it was just a cool keepsake. After reading about rare coins online, she took it to a local coin shop, where experts verified its authenticity. Lisa then worked with an auction house, which marketed the coin to eager collectors. Bidding was intense, and the final sale price left Lisa amazed, as she never thought her job would lead to such a windfall.
Why Collectors Love This Coin
Coin experts say the Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar is prized for its rarity and unique story. The detailed eagle design, known as the Pattern Reverse, was meant for test coins, not public release. Its connection to the Cheerios promotion adds a fun twist, making it a favorite among collectors. The coin Lisa found was in excellent condition, which boosted its value. The auction house reported that a private buyer snapped it up for $11,500, a strong price for this rare dollar.
| Feature | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Cheerios Reverse | Increases rarity |
| Mint Condition | Raises price |
A Bright Future for Lisa
Lisa plans to use the auction money to pay off some bills and take her family on a vacation. Her story has motivated others to check their change for rare coins, hoping to strike it lucky. While finding another Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar is rare, experts say valuable coins can turn up in unexpected places like cash registers or old piggy banks. Lisa’s find proves that a single dollar can hold surprising value if you know what to look for.
The Fun of Coin Collecting
This sale shines a light on the excitement of coin collecting, a hobby that mixes history, discovery, and the chance for big rewards. Sacagawea Dollars are still in circulation, but those with special features like the Cheerios reverse are worth far more than their face value. Collectors encourage people to inspect coins for unique designs or mint marks. Lisa’s tale is a reminder that treasure can hide in everyday change, inspiring everyone to take a closer look at the coins in their pockets.