Rare Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar Found In Circulation—Some Valued At $2.5 Million
Few coin collectibles ignite as much excitement as the elusive Cheerios Sacagawea dollar. Minted as a promotional tie-in, these coins can be worth thousands—and in rare cases, potentially millions—thanks to their distinct design and scarcity. Here’s the full scoop.
Table: Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar Highlights
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Promotion Year | 2000—distributed in Cheerios boxes as part of a U.S. Mint marketing campaign |
| Estimated Mintage | Approximately 5,500 coins inserted into 10 million cereal boxes |
| Key Variation | Enhanced diagonal tail feathers (“Reverse of 1999”) vs. parallel lines |
| Typical Market Value | Around $2,000–$5,000 depending on condition and grade |
| High-End Auction Value | Reports suggest up to $2.2–$3 million for certain related certificates |
What Makes the Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar So Rare?
1. Unusual Promotional Distribution
To launch the Sacagawea dollar in 2000, the U.S. Mint partnered with General Mills. They inserted one Sacagawea dollar into every 2,000 boxes of Cheerios cereal, as part of a broader marketing push alongside other retailers. Only about 5,500 of these coins were distributed—an exceptionally small subset of all Sacagawea dollars created.
2. Distinct Tail Feather Design
What distinguishes the Cheerios variety is the diagonal tail feather pattern on the reverse eagle—dubbed the “Reverse of 1999.” Later regular-issue coins feature parallel tail lines. This subtle but distinctive trait makes spotting authentic Cheerios coins possible .
3. Market Prices and Collector Demand
Common Cheerios dollars in moderately good condition typically fetch $2,000–$5,000 depending on grading. A high-grade MS67 specimen even sold for about $11,500 in 2007 .
In exceptional cases, related promotional items (like certificates for 100 coins) have been estimated at $2.2 to $3 million, though such claims refer to bundled historical items rather than individual coins .
How to Identify a Real Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar
- Check the date (2000) and the mint mark “P” for Philadelphia origin.
- Examine the eagle’s tail feathers—only the Cheerios version shows intricate diagonal feather detail.
- Verify grade and condition—coins graded MS66 or higher command significantly more value.
- For certainty, seek professional authentication and grading.
Finding a Cheerios Sacagawea dollar today is like winning a miniature lottery. Though most trade in the thousands, their rarity and collector interest occasionally boost valuations into the seven figures—especially for complete promotional sets or certified high grades.
If one of these ever crosses your hand or jar, it’s worth a second look from a professional.