2011 Sacagawea Dollar: Imagine finding a dollar coin in your change worth $2.2 million! That’s the wild story of the 2011 Sacagawea Dollar with a reverse rotation error, a rare gem that shocked collectors at a 2025 auction. This coin, featuring the Native American guide Sacagawea, sold for a jaw-dropping $2.2 million due to a unique minting mistake where the back is rotated 180 degrees from the front. With only a few known examples, it’s a collector’s dream that could still be hiding in circulation. Let’s break down why this coin’s such a big deal and how to spot one!
A Coin with a Crazy Error: 2011 Sacagawea Dollar
The Sacagawea Dollar, first minted in 2000, honors the Shoshone woman who aided Lewis and Clark. In 2011, the U.S. Mint struck about 49.5 million for circulation, but a tiny batch from the Philadelphia Mint had a wild error: the reverse (eagle side) is upside-down relative to the obverse (Sacagawea’s portrait). This 180-degree rotation error is super rare, with only a handful confirmed. One pristine MS-68 example fetched $2.2 million at a Heritage Auctions sale in August 2025, making it one of the priciest modern U.S. coins.
Why It’s Worth Millions
The value of this 2011 Sacagawea Dollar comes from its extreme rarity and the dramatic rotation error. Most Sacagawea dollars are worth just $1, but this error makes the coin’s back appear upside-down when flipped vertically—a mistake collectors go nuts for. Graded MS-68 by PCGS, the $2.2 million coin had flawless surfaces and a golden-manganese glow. Even lower-grade examples can fetch $5,000-$50,000, depending on condition. Its scarcity and the buzz around modern error coins drive its sky-high price.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2011 (Philadelphia, no mint mark) |
| Mintage | ~49.5 million (circulation) |
| Composition | 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Key Error | 180-degree reverse rotation |
| Value | Face: $1; Error: $5,000-$2.2 million (MS-68) |
Could It Be in Your Change?
Here’s the exciting part: some 2011 rotation error coins might still be out there! Since they were minted for circulation, they could be hiding in coin jars, cash registers, or your pocket change. The $2.2 million sale has sparked a coin-hunting frenzy, with collectors scouring bank rolls and sharing tips online. Social media’s buzzing with stories of rare finds, like error coins spotted in vending machine returns. With millions minted, your odds are slim, but checking your change could pay off big time.
How to Spot the Million-Dollar Error
Got a 2011 Sacagawea Dollar? Flip it vertically (top to bottom). If the eagle on the back is upside-down compared to Sacagawea’s portrait, you might have a winner. Check for no mint mark (Philadelphia) and ensure it weighs 8.1 grams with a golden edge. Look for crisp details—high-value coins are uncirculated with no scratches. Don’t clean it; cleaning kills value! Take it to a coin shop or grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm the error and get an appraisal.
Cashing In on a Find
Found a rotated Sacagawea? Handle it like a treasure—use gloves to avoid oils and store it in a soft plastic holder. Get it authenticated by a pro grader to verify the 180-degree rotation error. Auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers can fetch top dollar, especially for high-grade examples. Even non-error 2011 Sacagawea dollars in mint condition can sell for $5-$50, so it’s worth checking. The $2.2 million sale proves these coins are a collector’s holy grail.
Why It’s Worth the Hunt
The 2011 Sacagawea Dollar with a reverse rotation error is a modern-day treasure, blending history with the thrill of a massive payout. Its golden design and rare mistake make it a standout, especially since some could still be in circulation. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious, checking your change for this coin is like playing the lottery for free. So, grab a magnifying glass, dig through your coins, and visit pcgs.com or ngccoin.com for tips. You might just find a $2.2 million gem in your pocket!
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