Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar: In an unexpected and exciting discovery, a rare 2000 Sacagawea dollar coin featuring the coveted “Cheerios reverse” was recently found in an old wallet. Numismatic experts have appraised the coin at an impressive $18,500, making it a remarkable find for any collector.
A Hidden Treasure in an Everyday Item
The coin’s origins trace back to a promotional campaign by General Mills in early 2000, when the U.S. Mint introduced the new golden dollar. To generate public interest, around 5,500 specially struck Sacagawea dollars were placed inside boxes of Cheerios cereal. At the time, most people who received them had no idea they were holding a future numismatic rarity. The recent discovery occurred when a collector in Texas was going through a relative’s old wallet and noticed a 2000 Sacagawea dollar that looked slightly different. Upon closer inspection, the coin displayed the telltale “enhanced tail feathers” on the eagle design—a key identifier of the rare Cheerios version.
What Makes the Cheerios Reverse Special?
While millions of Sacagawea dollars were minted in 2000, the Cheerios variant stands out due to a subtle but significant design difference. The reverse side, designed by Thomas D. Rogers, depicts a bald eagle in flight with extra detailing in the tail feathers. This enhanced design was only used in the early promotional coins and was later modified for the standard circulation pieces. For years, collectors were unaware of this variation until side-by-side comparisons revealed the unique features of the Cheerios dollars. Once confirmed, their value surged in the numismatic community.
Why Is This Coin Worth $18,500?
The newly discovered coin was authenticated and graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), confirming its status as a genuine Cheerios reverse dollar in outstanding condition. Several factors contribute to its high value:
- Extremely Low Mintage: Only 5,500 were distributed in Cheerios boxes.
- Unique Design: The enhanced tail feathers distinguish it from regular-issue coins.
- Delayed Recognition: The variation wasn’t widely known until years later.
- Certified Rarity: Fewer than 100 have been professionally graded, making authenticated examples highly desirable.
Prices for Cheerios dollars vary based on condition, with pristine specimens sometimes selling for over $20,000 at auction. Even well-worn examples can fetch thousands due to their scarcity.
Could You Have One?
Coin experts encourage collectors and the general public to check their old piggy banks, coin jars, and childhood keepsakes for this rare treasure. “If you come across a 2000 Sacagawea dollar, take a close look at the eagle’s tail feathers,” advises numismatist David Camire. “If they appear more detailed than usual, you might have a Cheerios dollar. Getting it certified could turn an ordinary find into a major windfall.”
A Modern Numismatic Phenomenon
The fact that such a valuable coin remained hidden in a wallet for over two decades highlights how rare treasures can still be found in everyday places. The Cheerios Sacagawea dollar has become one of the most sought-after modern U.S. coins, proving that numismatic surprises can surface when least expected. So before you dismiss that golden dollar in your spare change, take a second look—it might just be worth a small fortune.
