A Rare Find in Everyday Change
A Sacagawea dollar coin, known as the Cheerios reverse, recently sold at auction for an impressive $14,000, catching the attention of coin collectors across the country. This golden-colored coin, first minted in 2000, was part of a special promotion with General Mills, where around 5,500 Sacagawea dollars were tucked into Cheerios cereal boxes to spark excitement about the new coin. What makes this version so special is its unique reverse design, featuring an eagle with extra-detailed tail feathers, different from the standard coins made for regular circulation. The recent auction shows these coins are still out there, sometimes hiding in wallets or loose change, waiting to be discovered.
Why the Cheerios Dollar Stands Out
The Cheerios reverse dollar is rare because only a small number were made with a prototype design. The U.S. Mint used a different eagle design for these coins, with sharper and more detailed tail feathers, before switching to a simpler version for mass production. Collectors love this coin for its scarcity and historical value, as it marks a unique moment in U.S. coin history. According to coin experts, the condition of the coin plays a big role in its value. A well-preserved Cheerios dollar, like the one auctioned for $14,000, can fetch high prices, while worn ones might still be worth thousands.
| Coin Feature | Cheerios Reverse |
|---|---|
| Year Minted | 2000 |
| Key Detail | Enhanced tail feathers |
| Quantity | ~5,500 |
| Recent Auction Price | $14,000 |
A Surprise in Your Pocket
The story of the recent auction began when a collector in Ohio found the coin in a family member’s old coin jar. At first glance, it looked like any other Sacagawea dollar, but a closer look revealed the telltale enhanced tail feathers. The coin was sent to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), which confirmed it was a genuine Cheerios reverse in excellent condition. This discovery reminds everyone that these valuable coins could still be out there, maybe in a drawer or a piggy bank. Experts suggest checking any Sacagawea dollars from 2000 for the special eagle design, as they could be worth far more than their face value.
Past Sales Show Big Money
The Cheerios dollar has a history of fetching big bucks at auctions. In 2020, one sold for an astonishing $2.2 million due to its pristine condition and rarity. Other examples have gone for $100,000 or more, especially if they’re in near-perfect shape. The $14,000 sale is notable but not the highest, showing that prices can vary based on the coin’s condition and market demand. Collectors are always on the lookout for these coins, and each new find stirs up excitement in the coin-collecting world.
| Auction Year | Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.2 million |
| 2025 | $14,000 |
How to Spot a Cheerios Dollar
If you want to check your own coins, here’s what to do. Look at the back of any 2000 Sacagawea dollar and focus on the eagle’s tail feathers. The Cheerios version has sharper, more detailed feathers compared to regular coins. Don’t clean or scratch the coin, as this can lower its value. Take it to a trusted coin dealer or grading service for authentication. With only a few thousand of these coins ever made, the odds of finding one are slim, but the payoff could be huge.
A Reminder to Check Your Change
The recent $14,000 auction is a wake-up call for anyone with old coins lying around. The Sacagawea Cheerios dollar proves that treasures can hide in plain sight, maybe even in your pocket right now. As collectors continue to hunt for these rare coins, their value is likely to stay high. So, next time you get change or find an old coin collection, take a moment to check for that special eagle design. You might just stumble across a small fortune.