Sometimes, the money we think is ordinary can turn out to be valuable treasures. Both the Sacagawea dollar coin and the $2 bill are often overlooked in daily life. But some special versions of these currencies are now worth thousands or even over $168,000. In this article, you will learn how to spot these rare bills and coins that could make you rich.
What Are Sacagawea Dollars and $2 Bills?
Sacagawea Dollar Coin:
The Sacagawea dollar was first released in 2000. It features Sacagawea, a Native American woman who helped explorers Lewis and Clark. The coin is golden-colored, made from a mix of metals, and is worth one dollar.
$2 Bill:
The $2 bill is a paper currency featuring Thomas Jefferson. Although still printed today, it is rarely seen in circulation. Many people think it is rare, but most are worth only two dollars unless they have special features.
Both are often forgotten in wallets or piggy banks, but some special versions are very valuable.
Why Are Some Sacagawea Dollars and $2 Bills So Valuable?
Several reasons can make these coins and bills worth much more than their face value:
- Printing or minting errors: Mistakes during production that make the currency unusual
- Limited production: Some versions were made in small numbers
- Special editions: Coins or bills made for collectors or special events
- Good condition: Money that looks new or unused is more valuable
- Historical importance: Older bills or coins linked to important times in history
Valuable Types of Sacagawea Dollars and $2 Bills
Here is a table summarizing some of the rare and valuable types:
| Currency Type | What Makes It Valuable | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Sacagawea Mule Coin | Front: Sacagawea, Back: Washington quarter (error) | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar | Special coin included in Cheerios boxes | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| 2000-W Gold Sacagawea Dollar | Made of real gold for collectors only | $250,000+ |
| $2 Bill Series 1928 (Star Note) | Rare “star” printed on serial number, limited print | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| $2 Bill Series 1976 (Red Seal) | Special seal, low circulation | $10,000 – $50,000 |
Values vary depending on condition and certification.
The 2000-P Sacagawea Mule Coin
One of the most famous rare coins is the 2000-P Sacagawea mule coin. It was a mistake where the front of a Sacagawea coin was combined with the back of a Washington quarter. Only about 20 of these coins are known to exist, making them extremely valuable. The last sale was nearly $200,000.
The Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar
In 2000, the U.S. Mint placed special Sacagawea coins inside boxes of Cheerios cereal as a marketing promotion. These coins have a unique design on the eagle’s tail feathers. They are rare and can sell for up to $30,000 if in perfect condition.
Valuable $2 Bills
The $2 bill has several rare versions:
- Star notes: These have a star symbol in the serial number, meaning they replaced damaged bills during printing. Star notes from 1928 are very rare and valuable.
- Red Seal bills: Older $2 bills with a red seal are limited in number and highly sought by collectors.
- Misprints: Bills with printing errors or unusual serial numbers can also be worth thousands.
How to Identify If Your Sacagawea Dollar or $2 Bill Is Valuable
Follow these steps to check your currency:
- Look for the year and mint mark (a small letter indicating where the coin was made).
- Check if the coin or bill has any printing errors or unusual designs.
- Examine the condition: new-looking or uncirculated money is worth more.
- For coins, test with a magnet: normal Sacagawea dollars are not magnetic.
- For bills, look for star symbols in the serial number or unusual seals.
- If unsure, get your money authenticated and graded by professional services like PCGS or PMG.
Tips for Collectors
- Do not clean your coins or bills, as cleaning can reduce their value.
- Store coins in holders and bills in protective sleeves to avoid damage.
- Avoid touching the surface with your fingers; hold coins by the edges.
- Consult experts before selling to understand the true value.
- Use online resources and auction results to check recent sale prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are all Sacagawea dollars worth money?
No, most are worth only one dollar. Only rare errors or special editions are valuable.
Q2: How can I tell if my $2 bill is rare?
Check for star symbols in the serial number or unusual seals, and look at the year of printing.
Q3: Where can I sell valuable coins or bills?
You can sell through coin shops, online auctions, or professional dealers. Authentication is important.
Q4: Should I clean old coins or bills to increase value?
No. Cleaning often lowers the value and can damage the currency.
Q5: Can I find these valuable coins or bills in everyday use?
It’s rare but possible. Check old collections, piggy banks, and change carefully.
Conclusion
Both the Sacagawea dollar and the $2 bill are often overlooked but can hold hidden treasures. Knowing how to spot rare versions can turn ordinary money into a fortune. Take time to examine your coins and bills—you never know if you’re holding a valuable piece of history that could be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.