2000 Sacagawea Dollar : In an extraordinary turn of events, a rare 2000 Sacagawea dollar coin featuring the elusive “Cheerios reverse” was recently discovered tucked away in an old wallet — and experts have valued it at a staggering $18,500.
A Rare Find in an Ordinary Place
The coin was part of a special promotional campaign by General Mills to launch the U.S. Mint’s new golden dollar coin in early 2000. Approximately 5,500 of these special-edition coins were inserted into boxes of Cheerios cereal to build public excitement around the new Sacagawea dollar. Most recipients had no idea they were holding onto what would become a modern numismatic treasure.
The recent discovery came when a collector in Texas was sorting through an old wallet belonging to a relative. Inside was a seemingly ordinary 2000 Sacagawea dollar — but something caught the owner’s eye. A closer inspection revealed the distinctive “enhanced tail feathers” on the eagle design, identifying it as one of the prized Cheerios dollars.
What Is the “Cheerios Reverse”?
While millions of Sacagawea dollars were minted in 2000, the Cheerios version is unique. The reverse — designed by Thomas D. Rogers — features a bald eagle in flight, but with additional detail in the tail feathers. These enhanced feather lines were only present on the early promotional strikes and differ from the final design used in regular circulation coins.
Initially, these Cheerios dollars were not known to be significantly different until years later, when collectors began comparing the coins side-by-side. Once the variation was confirmed, their value skyrocketed.
Valued at $18,500
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) authenticated and graded the newly discovered coin, confirming it as a genuine Cheerios reverse Sacagawea dollar in excellent condition. Due to its rarity, historical significance, and the excellent preservation of the coin, its value was estimated at $18,500.
Prices for Cheerios dollars can vary widely depending on condition and authentication. Some pristine examples have sold for over $20,000 at auction, while lower-grade specimens can still command several thousand dollars.
Why Are They So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high value of the Cheerios dollar:
- Limited Mintage: Only 5,500 were distributed in the Cheerios promotion.
- Unique Design: The enhanced tail feathers make it visually and historically distinct.
- Late Discovery: It wasn’t until the mid-2000s that collectors realized the design variation existed.
- Certification Scarcity: Only a small fraction of these coins have been submitted for grading, making certified examples highly sought after.
Advice for Coin Enthusiasts
Numismatists are now urging collectors and the general public to check old wallets, coin jars, and even cereal box souvenirs for this hidden gem.
“If you have a 2000 Sacagawea dollar and think it might be a Cheerios variant, look closely at the tail feathers,” advises coin expert David Camire. “Better yet, send it to a professional grading service. You could be sitting on thousands of dollars.”
A Modern-Day Treasure Hunt
The rediscovery of this rare coin more than two decades after its release is a testament to the surprises still hiding in everyday places. With values reaching five figures, the Cheerios Sacagawea dollar has become one of the most exciting modern coins in U.S. numismatics.
So next time you dig through an old drawer or wallet, don’t overlook that golden dollar — it just might be a Cheerios reverse worth a small fortune.
