In the fascinating world of coin collecting, rare discoveries often make headlines. Recently, a remarkable find has captured the attention of both collectors and casual Americans alike: a mule error coin combining the Sacagawea dollar obverse with the reverse of a Washington quarter. This extraordinary coin, discovered in a routine bank roll, is now valued at an astounding $3.2 million.
What Is a Mule Error Coin?
A mule error happens when two mismatched dies—used for the front and back of a coin—are accidentally paired during minting. In this rare case, the obverse side features Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who famously guided the Lewis and Clark expedition. However, the reverse side shows the design of a Washington quarter, a combination that was never meant to exist.
Only a very limited number of these coins are known, making them some of the most legendary and sought-after error coins in the numismatic community.
How Did This Error Occur?
Despite strict quality controls at the U.S. Mint, human errors can happen. Experts believe that during the early production of the Sacagawea dollar in 2000, a quarter reverse die was mistakenly paired with a Sacagawea obverse die at the Philadelphia Mint.
This error is especially intriguing because it pairs two coins made from different metals and with different edge treatments. Sacagawea dollars are made of golden manganese-brass, while quarters use a cupronickel-clad composition. How such a pairing slipped through inspection remains a mystery.
A $3.2 Million Coin Discovery
The Sacagawea-quarter mule error is among the rarest U.S. coin errors. While the first known examples sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, demand and attention have pushed recent valuations into the multimillions.
The newly discovered coin, authenticated and graded MS-66 by a major coin grading service, was found by an amateur collector in Pennsylvania who was casually searching through rolls of dollar coins. This stunning find has now been valued at $3.2 million.
Could There Be More Still in Circulation?
What makes this discovery even more exciting is that the coin was found in general circulation. It may have passed through countless hands, from vending machines to cash registers, without anyone realizing its true value.
This suggests there might still be other rare error coins hidden in everyday change. For collectors and the general public, it’s a good reminder to take a closer look at coins before spending or discarding them.
FAQs About the Sacagawea-Quarter Mule Error Coin
Q1: What exactly is a mule error coin?
A mule error occurs when two mismatched dies—one for the coin’s front and one for its back—are mistakenly used together during the minting process, producing a coin that was never intended to exist.
Q2: How many Sacagawea-quarter mule errors are known?
Fewer than 20 confirmed specimens have been discovered, making this error one of the rarest and most valuable in U.S. coin collecting.
Q3: How can I identify a Sacagawea mule coin?
Look for the golden Sacagawea dollar front and the Washington quarter’s eagle design on the back. The coin will have a smooth edge like a dollar coin, not the reeded edge of a quarter.
Q4: Where was the latest $3.2 million mule error found?
It was discovered in a roll of dollar coins from a Pennsylvania bank by a hobbyist collector.
Q5: Is it possible to find one of these coins still in circulation?
While very rare, it is not impossible. Some have surfaced unexpectedly in coin rolls or loose change, so it’s worth checking your coins carefully.
Final Thoughts
This incredible find reminds us that coin collecting is full of surprises. What started as a simple search through bank rolls turned into a once-in-a-lifetime discovery worth millions. Next time you receive change, take a moment to inspect your coins—you might just hold a valuable piece of history.