A $900,000 2000-P Mule Sacagawea Dollar Appeared in a Parking Meter Return: In a twist that sounds like something out of a collector’s dream—or a numismatic urban legend—a 2000-P Mule Sacagawea Dollar, one of the rarest U.S. coins ever minted, was recently discovered in the coin return of a parking meter.
The coin, which has fetched up to $900,000 at auction, has resurfaced in the most unexpected way, leaving both coin enthusiasts and everyday Americans in awe.
The Mule Sacagawea Dollar is a coin that never should have existed. It’s a minting error that combines the obverse (heads side) of a Washington quarter with the reverse (tails side) of a Sacagawea dollar. Only a small number of these were accidentally struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the year 2000. At the time, no one noticed the mistake—until a few slipped into circulation.
The coin is unique because of its dual-denomination nature. It’s technically a dollar but has the face of George Washington, which should only appear on a 25-cent piece. It’s also struck in golden-colored manganese-brass, unlike the silver tone of quarters.
From Vaults to a Coin Return Slot
This recent discovery reportedly occurred in the downtown area of Denver, Colorado, when a man inserted coins into a parking meter and later checked the return slot for change. Among a few common coins was one that “looked off,” according to the man who found it. He took it to a local coin shop out of curiosity. After initial inspection, the coin dealer immediately realized the gravity of what had just walked in.
Further authentication confirmed it was indeed an original 2000-P Mule Sacagawea Dollar—one of only a few dozen confirmed to exist. What makes this story more astounding is that this coin, in past years, has sold for as much as $900,000 through high-profile auctions. For it to be casually sitting in a meter return slot is as unlikely as finding a Picasso in a garage sale.
How Did It End Up There?
There’s no clear answer. Some believe the coin may have been unknowingly spent by someone unaware of its value—perhaps part of an inherited coin collection, or mistakenly taken from a jar of old change. Others speculate it could have been a collector’s oversight. Regardless of the backstory, this incident is a wake-up call about the hidden value of coins in circulation.
It’s not the first time a valuable coin has been found in everyday life. Over the years, rare pennies, silver dollars, and misprinted coins have been discovered in pockets, drawers, and yes—even vending machines. But the sheer rarity and price tag attached to the Mule Sacagawea Dollar make this case truly stand out.
The Collector Craze Reignites
Since the news broke, coin collectors across the country are once again checking their change jars, parking meter slots, and vending machine returns with renewed enthusiasm. Online communities have lit up with stories of people combing through their loose coins, hoping lightning might strike twice.
Numismatic experts recommend checking for certain key indicators to identify this rare coin. The most obvious sign is the combination of the George Washington quarter front with the eagle-in-flight design from the Sacagawea dollar on the back. Also, the golden tone and edge lettering unique to dollar coins can be a giveaway.
Final Thoughts
The tale of the $900,000 Mule Dollar popping up in a parking meter is more than just a quirky news story—it’s a powerful reminder that history, mistakes, and incredible value can hide in plain sight. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who dumps their change in a jar, this is proof that you might be holding a small fortune without even realizing it.
So the next time you pay for parking or check your change, take a second look. You never know what overlooked treasure might be staring back at you.
FAQs
Q1: What is a 2000-P Mule Sacagawea Dollar?
A: It’s a rare error coin featuring the obverse (heads) of a Washington quarter and the reverse (tails) of a Sacagawea dollar, both struck on a golden dollar planchet.
Q2: Why is it called a “mule” coin?
A: In numismatics, a “mule” is a coin struck with mismatched dies—designs not meant to be paired together—like in this case, a quarter front and a dollar back.
Q3: Why is this coin worth $900,000?
A: Its extreme rarity (only about 20 known to exist), the unusual minting error, and collector demand drive its high value.
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