To determine if you have a Cheerios Sacagawea dollar coin, you need to examine the coin’s reverse (tail) side, specifically the eagle’s tail feathers.
Here’s what to look for:
- Cheerios Sacagawea dollar: The eagle’s tail feathers will have noticeably more detail and bold diagonal lines compared to standard Sacagawea dollar coins.
- Standard Sacagawea dollar: The tail feathers will appear smoother and have less defined, more parallel lines.
- Mint Mark: The coin must have a 2000 P mint mark (indicating it was minted in Philadelphia).
- Prototype Design: The Cheerios dollar is considered a prototype because it features an earlier, more detailed design of the eagle’s tail feathers that was later softened for regular circulation coins.
Important Notes:
- Condition Matters: If the coin is heavily worn, the details in the tail feathers might be obscured, making it difficult to definitively identify as a Cheerios dollar.
- Professional Consultation: If you’re unsure about the authenticity or condition of your coin, it’s always best to consult with a professional coin dealer or a reputable grading company.
In short, pay close attention to the detail in the eagle’s tail feathers. If they are boldly detailed with distinct diagonal lines, you might have a valuable Cheerios Sacagawea dollar.
What year was the Cheerios Sacagawea?
Great question! The Story Behind the Cheerios Promotion
In early 2000, the U.S. Mint wanted to get folks excited about the new Sacagawea dollar. They worked with General Mills to put 5,500 of these fresh coins into boxes of Cheerios cereal.