In one of the most exciting discoveries for numismatists and everyday collectors, a 2000 Sacagawea Dollar with the rare “Cheerios reverse” was recently found in pocket change. What makes this coin stand out isn’t just its unique design—it’s the jaw-dropping $2.5 million valuation it received after authentication.
Originally part of a promotional campaign by General Mills and the U.S. Mint, this coin has become a symbol of how modern coins, even those less than 30 years old, can achieve legendary status in the world of collectibles.
What Is the “Cheerios” Sacagawea Dollar?
Back in 2000, the U.S. Mint introduced the golden Sacagawea Dollar to encourage wider public use. To generate interest, 5,500 coins were distributed in boxes of Cheerios cereal as a marketing campaign. While most were regular 2000-P Sacagawea Dollars, a small number featured a prototype reverse design—with enhanced tail feathers on the eagle.
This rare variety later became known as the “Cheerios reverse” and is visibly more detailed compared to the standard design.
Why Is This Coin Worth $2.5 Million?
A combination of scarcity, unique design elements, and grading certification have propelled this coin’s value to astronomical heights.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Issued | 2000 |
| Design Variant | Cheerios reverse (enhanced eagle tail feathers) |
| Number Originally Issued | 5,500 |
| Estimated Survivors | Less than 100 known |
| Grading Certification | SP-69 by top-tier grading service |
| Current Market Value (2025) | $2.5 million |
| How It Was Found | In everyday pocket change |
One of the biggest value drivers is that the coin was graded SP-69, nearly perfect on the grading scale. The origin from a cereal box makes it a legendary find among collectors.
Found in Change — A Modern Treasure Hunt
Unlike rare coins locked away in vaults or museums, the Cheerios Sacagawea dollar has surfaced in regular circulation. People have stumbled upon them in:
- Old change jars
- Estate sales
- Unopened cereal boxes from 2000
- Local shops and flea markets
The most recent $2.5 million coin was discovered by a collector who casually checked his change. Experts believe dozens more could still be in circulation.
How to Identify a Cheerios Reverse Sacagawea Dollar
To verify if you’re holding one of these valuable coins, look for:
- Mint mark “P” under the year 2000 on the front (obverse).
- Reverse design with sharply defined eagle tail feathers—raised, detailed, and unlike the flatter regular issue.
- Cheerios plastic sleeve or packaging increases value further.
- Submission to PCGS or NGC for authentication is essential to verify and grade the coin.
The discovery of a Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar valued at $2.5 million reminds us all that rare treasures can still be found in everyday life. These coins prove that even modern currency holds the potential for life-changing value—if you know what to look for.
So before you drop your change into a vending machine, take a closer look. You just might hold a piece of numismatic history born from a cereal box, forgotten over time, and rediscovered in a moment of awe.
FAQs
How many Cheerios Sacagawea Dollars are known to exist?
Fewer than 100 verified examples are believed to still exist today, making them incredibly rare.
Where can I get my coin verified?
Trusted third-party grading services like PCGS and NGC offer authentication and grading services for modern and rare coins.
Does the coin have to be in a Cheerios package to be valuable?
While original packaging boosts value, the design detail on the reverse is what defines the “Cheerios dollar.” Packaging is not required for authentication.
