Most people think a $1 coin is only worth one dollar-but that’s not always true. In fact, some Sacagawea and Susan B. Anthony dollar coins are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Certain versions have sold for hundreds, thousands, and even more. Before you spend that $1 coin in your pocket, this guide will help you identify which ones could be worth serious money.
What if that crumpled dollar coin in your pocket was actually worth thousands? In this article, we’re counting down the top five most valuable and ultra rare $1 coins that could turn your spare change into serious cash. From shocking mint errors to hidden historical gems, these coins are hiding in plain sight, and collectors are paying a fortune to get their hands on them. Stay locked in because one of these could be your golden ticket.
1. The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar “Mule Error” Coin
Have you ever wondered if a simple golden-colored coin in your pocket change could be worth nearly $200,000? Yes, you heard that right. A single 2000-P Sacagawea dollar, a coin most people overlook as ordinary, has shocked the world with auction prices climbing as high as $194,062.
Auction Record: On January 21, 2024, a mule error graded PCGS MS66 sold for an incredible $194,062 at Great Collections auction.
The Sacagawea dollar was first released in the year 2000 as part of an effort to replace the small-sized Susan B. Anthony dollar. To make it stand out in circulation, the US Mint gave it a golden appearance by striking it in a manganese brass alloy.
The “Mule Error” That Creates Extreme Value
The most famous of all is the mule error coin. Instead of the normal obverse portrait of Sacagawea, the mint accidentally paired the Sacagawea reverse with the obverse of a Washington state quarter. That means one side shows George Washington and the other side shows the soaring eagle mint for Sacagawea. These coins slipped through the mint undetected and only a small number have ever been found.
How to Hunt for This Treasure:
Check your Sacagawea dollars carefully, especially those from the year 2000 with the P mint mark
Look for any unusual features – if one side looks like a quarter and the other side shows Sacagawea
Coins in top condition (certified MS67 or higher) can sell for hundreds or thousands
Check pocket change, coin jars, and bank rolls
Use a magnifying glass to study edges, weight, and design details
2. The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony “Wide Rim” Dollar
Imagine holding a coin so ordinary in appearance that most people mistake it for a quarter. Yet in reality, it can be worth thousands of dollars in today’s market. That’s the story of the ultra rare and most valuable 1979 Susan B. Anthony $1 coin with the Philadelphia mint mark.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced in 1979 as a brand new chapter in American coinage. It was the very first circulating US coin to feature a real woman, honoring Susan B. Anthony, the fearless suffragist who dedicated her life to women’s rights and equality.
The “Wide Rim” Variety That’s Worth a Fortune
The “Wide Rim” Variety That’s Worth a Fortune
One of the most famous varieties is the 1979-P Wide Rim, also called the “Near Date” variety. On this coin, the rim around the date is thicker, pushing the numbers closer to the edge compared to the more common narrow rim variety. This subtle difference makes all the difference in value.
Auction Record: At a Heritage auction sale in 2019, a 1979-P Wide Rim dollar graded MS67 sold for over $6,000.
3. The 2010-D Sacagawea Native American Dollar
Have you ever held a modern dollar coin in your hand and wondered if it could secretly be worth thousands of dollars? Well, you might want to take a closer look at your change because the 2010 Sacagawea $1 coin with the Denver mint mark has surprised collectors with its rarity, unique features, and jaw-dropping values at auction.
The 2010 reverse design by Thomas Cleveland shows a stunning image of a Native American woman planting corn, beans, and squash – the traditional “Three Sisters” crops that symbolize survival, agriculture, and community. This was a powerful design that set the 2010 issue apart.
Auction Record: A 2010-D Native American dollar graded MS69 crossed the block at Stacks Bowers in 2020 and realized more than $5,000.
4. The 2007-P James Madison Presidential Dollar
You’re about to discover the shocking truth behind a seemingly ordinary coin that could be sitting in your pocket or tucked away in an old drawer. We’re talking about the ultra rare and insanely valuable 2007
James Madison $1 presidential coin with the coveted P mint mark.
Edge Lettering Errors Create Massive Value
One of the biggest reasons collectors go wild over the 2007 Madison dollar is due to edge lettering errors. Some coins were accidentally released without the required edge inscriptions which should include “E Pluribus Unum,” “In God We Trust,” the year, and the mint mark. Finding a Madison dollar with no edge lettering or a double strike on the edge instantly turns a $1 coin into a high-value collector’s prize.
Auction Record: In 2023, a 2007-P James Madison dollar with a double-edge lettering error graded MS67 by PCGS sold at a Stacks Bowers auction for a staggering $3,760.
5. The 2009-D William Henry Harrison Presidential Dollar
What if I told you there’s a $1 coin out there minted in 2009 that collectors are willing to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for today? This is the 2009 William Henry Harrison Presidential Dollar with the rare D mint mark. And if you’ve got one, you might be sitting on a modern-day treasure worth way more than a buck.
William Henry Harrison may have served the shortest presidency in US history (only 31 days), but the legacy of this coin is turning into one of the longest chases in modern numismatics.
Auction Record: In March 2021, Heritage Auction sold a 2009-D William Henry Harrison dollar coin with a missing edge lettering error, graded MS67 by NGC for a jaw-dropping $1,880.
Pro Tips for Coin Hunters:
1. Check the edges of all presidential and Sacagawea dollars for missing or double lettering
2. Look for coins with no visible wear and original mint luster
3. Pay attention to mint marks – “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver
4. Use magnification to examine details closely
5. Never clean coins – it destroys their value
6. Consider professional grading for potentially valuable coins
7. Search in pocket change, bank rolls, estate sales, and coin jars
The Bottom Line
These five rare $1 coins prove that even modern coins from recent decades can hold incredible value.
From the nearly $200,000 Sacagawea “mule error” to the $6,000+ Susan B. Anthony wide rim variety, treasures are hiding in plain sight. The key is knowing what to look for: mint errors, exceptional condition, and rare varieties.
Start checking your change today – you might be carrying a small fortune in your pocket without even knowing it!
Found an interesting coin? Share your discoveries in the comments below!
Happy coin hunting!
Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, collector demand, and certification. Always have valuable
coins authenticated and graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC
