Coin collectors got a big surprise when a rare Sacagawea dollar from the year 2000 sold for $25,000 at an auction earlier this year. This special coin, called the Cheerios Dollar, comes from a fun promotion back when the U.S. Mint teamed up with a cereal company. People are now checking their loose change, hoping to find one of these hidden treasures. Even though it’s been over 20 years, some of these dollars are still out there in everyday use. The sale shows how a simple dollar can turn into a lot of money if it’s the right one.
The Story Behind the Cheerios Promotion
In early 2000, the U.S. Mint wanted to get folks excited about the new Sacagawea dollar. They worked with General Mills to put 5,500 of these fresh coins into boxes of Cheerios cereal. It was like a prize inside, meant to make people notice the golden coin honoring Sacagawea, the Native American woman who helped Lewis and Clark on their trip west. Most folks who found them probably just spent them like regular money. But collectors later figured out that these coins had a special look on the back, with extra details on the eagle’s feathers. That’s what makes them stand out today.
Details of the Big Auction Sale
The coin that grabbed $25,000 was sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2025. It got a high grade of MS-68 from PCGS, which means it’s in almost perfect shape with a shiny surface. What made it even better was that it came with the original Cheerios box packaging. Bids came in from all over, pushing the price up. Past sales show these coins can go for different amounts, like $29,900 back in 2008 or $10,200 in 2020. This latest one proves the interest is still strong, especially for top-condition pieces tied to that old cereal giveaway.
Why This Coin Is Worth So Much
The big value comes from how rare it is. Only a small bunch of these Cheerios Dollars have the unique back design, called the Reverse of 1999. It’s got sharper tail feathers on the eagle compared to normal Sacagawea dollars. Experts say there might be just 60 or 70 known examples out there. Since many got spent over the years, finding one in good shape is tough. Plus, the story of it being a cereal prize adds fun to the history. Collectors love that mix of scarcity and a cool backstory, which drives up prices at sales.
How to Spot One in Your Change
You might have one without knowing it. Look for a 2000 Sacagawea dollar first. Then check the eagle on the back. The special Cheerios kind has more detail in the tail feathers, with a raised line down the middle of each feather shaft. Regular ones have a dipped-in line instead. Use a magnifying glass to see it clear. If you think you got one, don’t clean it or scratch it, as that drops the value. Take it to a coin shop or get it graded by pros like PCGS. Other rare types exist too, like ones with test metals, but the Cheerios is the star.
| Feature | Standard Sacagawea | Cheerios Version |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 2000 | 2000 |
| Tail Feathers | Recessed central line | Raised central line |
| Value Range | $1 face value | $5,000-$25,000+ |
A Reminder to Check Your Coins
Stories like this auction make people rethink their pocket change. Everyday dollars could hold big surprises, especially from promotions like the Cheerios one. With Sacagawea coins still floating around in stores or banks, anyone might stumble on a winner. It ties back to American history too, celebrating a brave woman from the past. So next time you get a golden dollar, give it a quick look. You never know, it could be your ticket to a nice payday.