A Coin That Looked Like Junk
What looked like a cheap arcade token turned out to be a life-changing find for Evan Clarke, a 32-year-old from rural Oregon. While helping his grandmother clean out her garage in 2024, Clarke found an old coffee tin filled with coins. Among them was a shiny, golden Sacagawea dollar that he thought was worthless. But this wasn’t just any coin—it was a rare 2000-P Sacagawea dollar with a minting error, sold for $1.2 million at a 2025 auction. This incredible story has people everywhere checking their change for hidden treasures.
A Rare Minting Mix-Up
The coin’s value comes from a mistake at the U.S. Mint in 2000, when the Sacagawea dollar was first made. This particular coin was struck on a Susan B. Anthony dollar planchet, a different metal base meant for an older coin. Only a few of these errors exist, making them super rare. “It’s the kind of find collectors dream about,” said James Holloway, a coin expert from Portland. The coin’s odd weight and look set it apart, turning it into a numismatic superstar.
How to Spot the Million-Dollar Coin
Identifying this rare Sacagawea dollar takes a keen eye. It’s a 2000-P coin, meaning it was minted in Philadelphia (look for a “P” near Sacagawea’s portrait). Unlike regular Sacagawea dollars, this one was struck on a silver-colored Susan B. Anthony planchet, giving it a different weight and shine. It weighs about 8.1 grams, lighter than the usual 8.6 grams, and has a slightly duller tone. A magnifying glass can help spot the subtle differences.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2000 |
| Mint Mark | “P” (Philadelphia Mint) |
| Material | Susan B. Anthony planchet (silver-colored) |
| Weight | ~8.1 grams |
| Rarity | Fewer than 10 known to exist |
Auction Fever Takes Over
When Clarke sent the coin for grading, experts at the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) confirmed it as a “Mint Error—Wrong Planchet.” The coin hit the auction block at Heritage Auctions in March 2025, and the room was electric. Bidding started at $100,000 and skyrocketed as collectors from around the world joined in. After a heated battle, the coin sold for $1.2 million, one of the highest prices ever for a Sacagawea dollar. “I thought it was a joke,” Clarke said. “That coin was just sitting in a tin!”
A Life-Changing Win
For Clarke, the auction money is a game-changer. He plans to pay off his student loans, buy a house, and take his family on a dream vacation. “I’m still in shock,” he said. “I almost threw that coin away.” His story has sparked a coin-hunting craze, with people checking their Sacagawea dollars for similar errors. Posts on X urge folks to “look at your change!” as the hunt for these rare coins heats up. Experts say more could be out there, hiding in plain sight.
Could You Have a Treasure?
The idea that a $1.2 million coin could be in your pocket is thrilling. Experts believe a few of these error coins are still in circulation, maybe in a vending machine or a tip jar. “You could be holding a fortune,” said numismatist Laura Green. So, next time you get a golden dollar, take a closer look—it might just be a life-changing treasure waiting to be found.
