Sacagawea Dollar Everyday objects can sometimes hide extraordinary treasures—and for one fortunate individual, an old wallet turned out to be a goldmine. Inside, they found a 2000 Sacagawea Dollar that wasn’t just any ordinary coin—it featured the elusive “Cheerios Reverse” design, a variety so rare it’s now valued at around $18,500.
Sacagawea Dollars: Often, a peek into your wallet can change lives. That’s exactly what happened when one lucky person found a 2000 Sacagawea Dollar bearing the rare “Cheerios reverse”—a coin now worth about $18,500
Why It’s Worth $18,500
It’s price is due to its extreme rarity, association with a unique marketing campaign, and the fact that many of these coins have never been discovered. In high-quality condition, certified coins have sold for over $18,000 at major coin auctions..
Previous Story: Cereal and Coins Sacagawea Dollar
In early 2000, as part of a unique marketing campaign, the U.S. Mint teamed up with General Mills to include Sacagawea Dollars in select cartons of Cheerios cereal. About 5,500 coins were distributed this way, but a small group had a unique reverse design that was different from the coins used in regular production.
The Surprising Connection Between Cheerios and Coins
Back in early 2000, the U.S. Mint joined forces with cereal giant General Mills for a one-of-a-kind promotional campaign. Selected boxes of Cheerios cereal came with a brand-new Sacagawea Dollar inside. In total, about 5,500 coins were distributed through this giveaway.
However, a handful of these coins were unlike the rest—they carried a different reverse design that would later become a collector’s dream.
What Makes the “Cheerios Reverse” So Special?
The difference lies in the eagle on the reverse side of the coin. On the rare Cheerios edition, the tail feathers are more sharply defined, with extra lines and detail that were part of the original artwork.
When production for circulation began, the U.S. Mint made slight changes, resulting in a less detailed tail feather design. This means the Cheerios Reverse coins preserve the original, more intricate pattern, making them both rare and historically significant.
The Wallet Discovery Story
The recent find happened when someone was sorting through an old wallet, assuming the gold-toned dollar coin they spotted was nothing unusual. A closer look revealed otherwise—after comparing it to online reference images, they realized the tail feather details matched the Cheerios Reverse variety.
A professional grading service later confirmed it, securing its status as one of the few surviving examples.
Why Collectors Will Pay Up to $18,500
Three main factors contribute to its high market value:
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Scarcity – Only a small portion of the 5,500 promotion coins carry this rare reverse design.
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Unique Origin – Its link to a quirky breakfast cereal promotion adds charm to its story.
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Collector Demand – Rare varieties in excellent condition spark bidding wars among numismatists.
Top-grade certified examples have been known to sell for $18,000 or more at major coin auctions.
How to Identify a Cheerios Reverse Sacagawea Dollar
If you own a 2000 Sacagawea Dollar, here’s how to check for this rare feature:
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Examine the reverse eagle’s tail feathers closely—look for extra, sharper lines and detailed feather texture.
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Assess the condition—uncirculated or near-mint coins bring in the highest values.
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Seek professional authentication—send it to a recognized grading company to confirm its variety.
Final Thoughts
What began as a routine wallet clean-out turned into a nearly $18,500 windfall. This remarkable story is a reminder that valuable treasures can be hiding in plain sight—in your wallet, change jar, or even a forgotten cereal box prize from decades ago.
Rare coins like the 2000 Sacagawea Dollar with Cheerios Reverse are still out there. The next lucky discovery could be yours.
FAQs – 2000 Sacagawea Dollar with Cheerios Reverse
1. What is the “Cheerios Reverse” Sacagawea Dollar?
It’s a rare version of the 2000 Sacagawea Dollar given away in a Cheerios cereal promotion, featuring enhanced tail feather details on the eagle design.
2. How many were made?
Around 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars were part of the Cheerios giveaway, but only a small percentage had the rare reverse design.
3. How do I know if I have one?
Check the reverse side’s tail feathers—if they have sharper, more detailed lines, you might have the Cheerios variety.
4. What’s the highest price achieved for one of these coins?
Top-quality graded examples have fetched over $18,000 at major auctions