Coin collectors and numismatic enthusiasts often hear stories of rare coins selling for millions. One such recurring claim is that a Sacagawea dollar mule error coin recently sold for $1.2 million. But upon investigation, there is no verifiable record of such a sale.
What is real are several known mule error Sacagawea dollars, their documented auction prices, rarity, and their significance. This article presents the facts, explores where the myths may have come from, and gives a clear picture for anyone interested in rare U.S. coins.
What Is the Sacagawea “Mule Error” Coin?
- A mule error is when mismatched dies are used in the minting process, resulting in a coin with an obverse (front) from one type, and a reverse (back) that was never intended to pair with it.
- The specific mule in question involves a Sacagawea dollar reverse paired with the obverse of a Washington state quarter. This error occurred in 2000 at the Philadelphia Mint.
- The coin uses the metal composition and planchet of a Sacagawea dollar (manganese-brass clad, etc.), not a quarter.
How Many Exist & Their Status
The known facts:
| Item | Number / Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of confirmed mule error coins | ~19 confirmed examples. |
| Mint mark | “P” for Philadelphia. |
| Die pairs | At least three different die-pair combinations among the discovered pieces. |
| Origin of discovery | First one found by Frank Wallis of Arkansas in 2000. |
| Status | Most are in private collections, some already bought years ago. There has been no credible public record of a $1.2 million sale. |
Auction & Price Records vs. the $1.2 Million Claim
While there is widespread interest and some sensational headlines, actual sales show very different numbers:
| Known Sale / Auction | Year | Grade / Condition | Documented Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacagawea-Quarter Mule (PCGS MS-66) to be auctioned by GreatCollections | 2024 | Top grade | Price guide ~ US$125,000 not millions. |
| Earlier mule examples | Various years | Good condition | Usually sold in the range of $50,000 to a few hundred thousand, depending on condition, provenance, etc. |
No reliable source supports the claim of a $1.2 million sale for a Sacagawea mule error coin. Such a claim appears to be unverified or part of rumor/news-site exaggeration.
Why the Myth Might Persist
- Misreporting by non-specialist outlets: Some news or hobby blogs may repeat unverified claims.
- Confusion with other rare coins: There are coins (other denominations, or different errors) that have reached high values, which may be conflated.
- Desire for sensational stories: The numismatic world loves big numbers, and headlines involving “million-dollar coin” generate clicks.
What This Really Says About Sacagawea Error Coins
- They are very rare – only ~19 known.
- Even in top condition (MS-66 etc.), prices documented are much lower than $1.2 million.
- The historical, technical, and collectible appeal is strong: the story behind the mistake, the hunt for specimens, etc.
The tale of a Sacagawea dollar mule error coin selling for $1.2 million makes for an exciting headline—but as of now, it remains unsubstantiated.
What is real is the existence of this highly unusual coin error, its extreme rarity (only about 19 known), and documented auction results in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for top specimens.
FAQs
Does a Sacagawea mule error coin exist that sold for $1.2 million?
No verifiable record currently confirms a Sacagawea mule error coin sale at $1.2 million. Verified auction results show much lower figures, commonly in the six-figure range for high grade specimens.
How many Sacagawea-quarter mule coins are known?
How can someone authenticate a mule error coin?
Use a reputable third-party grading service e.g. PCGS or NGC.
Look for the mismatched obverse (Washington quarter) and reverse (Sacagawea eagle).
Check metal composition, weight, planchet type (must be of Sacagawea dollar, not quarter).
Evaluate condition (wear, scratches), provenance, and any die-pair details.
