In a story that sounds like a collector’s dream or an urban legend come to life, a rare 2000-P Mule Sacagawea Dollar—one of the most valuable and unusual U.S. coins ever minted—was recently discovered in the coin return slot of a parking meter.
With past auction prices reaching as high as $900,000, this extraordinary coin resurfaced in the most unexpected place, leaving both coin enthusiasts and everyday people amazed.
The Unique Story Behind the Mule Sacagawea Dollar
The Mule Sacagawea Dollar is a minting error so rare that it should never have existed. This coin features the obverse (heads side) of a Washington quarter combined with the reverse (tails side) of a Sacagawea dollar. Only a small number of these error coins were accidentally struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 2000.
What makes this coin truly unique is its dual nature. Although technically a dollar coin, it bears the face of George Washington, who traditionally appears only on quarters. It’s also made of golden-colored manganese-brass, unlike the silver tone of standard quarters.
From Vault to Parking Meter Coin Return
The recent find happened in downtown Denver, Colorado. A man, after inserting coins into a parking meter, checked the coin return slot and noticed a coin that looked unusual among the change. Curious, he took it to a local coin shop.
The coin dealer instantly recognized the rarity of the find. After professional authentication, it was confirmed as a genuine 2000-P Mule Sacagawea Dollar, one of only a few dozen confirmed specimens worldwide.
The fact that such a valuable coin was casually sitting in a parking meter coin return is almost unbelievable — akin to stumbling upon a priceless artwork at a garage sale.
How Did This Priceless Coin End Up There?
The exact story remains a mystery. Some experts suggest the coin may have been unknowingly spent by someone unaware of its true value, possibly inherited or mixed into a jar of old coins. Others believe it could have been an accidental oversight by a collector.
Regardless of how it got there, this incident serves as a powerful reminder that valuable coins can be hiding in plain sight.
Rare Coins: Hidden Treasures in Everyday Life
This isn’t the first time a valuable coin has been found in everyday places. Over the years, rare pennies, silver dollars, and error coins have been discovered in pockets, drawers, vending machines, and more.
What sets this story apart is the sheer rarity and astronomical value of the Mule Sacagawea Dollar, making it a true numismatic sensation.
Why Collectors Are Checking Their Change Twice
News of this discovery has sparked a wave of excitement among coin collectors nationwide. Many are now combing through their loose change, parking meters, and vending machine coin returns in hopes of finding rare coins.
Experts recommend looking for a few key features to identify the Mule Sacagawea Dollar: the unmistakable combination of George Washington’s quarter obverse with the eagle-in-flight design on the reverse, the golden color, and the edge lettering typical of dollar coins.
Final Thoughts: Treasure Could Be Closer Than You Think
The story of the $900,000 Mule Sacagawea Dollar found in a parking meter is more than just an intriguing tale — it’s a reminder that history, rarity, and incredible value might be hiding in everyday coins.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who casually collects loose change, take a moment to inspect your coins closely. You never know when your next discovery could be worth a small fortune.