In the year 2000, a popular breakfast cereal unknowingly became the gateway to one of the most exciting modern coin promotions in U.S. history. General Mills, the maker of Cheerios, teamed up with the U.S. Mint to distribute free 2000-dated coins inside cereal boxes as part of a millennium celebration campaign. Among these coins was a special edition of the 2000 Sacagawea Dollar, now famously called the “Cheerios Dollar.” At first glance, it seemed like just another dollar coin giveaway. But collectors soon discovered that some of these coins had a unique and rare reverse design—and that’s where the real treasure lies. Today, a Cheerios Dollar can fetch thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and whether it has that all-important design difference.
Coin Name Explained: 2000 Cheerios Dollar
The 2000 Cheerios Dollar refers to a special version of the 2000 Sacagawea Dollar coin that was distributed in promotional packs by Cheerios cereal.
How it Got the Name
In 1999, General Mills included 10 million Lincoln cents (2000-dated) and 5,500 2000 Sacagawea Dollars in boxes of Cheerios. These dollar coins were meant to promote the launch of the Sacagawea series, but a small number were different from the regular issues.
What Makes It Rare?
These Cheerios Dollars had a prototype reverse design with extra tail feather details on the eagle, which were later removed from the final circulation design. This makes the Cheerios version a pattern coin or die variety, and very rare.
Identification
The rare version is identified by enhanced tail feathers on the eagle. Most people didn’t know the difference until coin experts spotted it, making these rare coins a hidden treasure in a cereal box!
The 2000 Cheerios Dollar stands as a fascinating mix of everyday marketing and numismatic rarity. What began as a simple promotional gift inside a box of cereal has turned into a highly sought-after collector’s item. With only around 5,500 of these coins ever distributed and far fewer known to exist today with the enhanced reverse, their value has skyrocketed—some selling for $5,000 to $10,000 or more, especially in high grades. This coin is a reminder that sometimes, real treasures can come from the most unexpected places—even your breakfast table!
FAQ’s:
Q1: How many Cheerios Dollars were made?
A: Only about 5,500 Cheerios Dollars were distributed in 2000 cereal boxes.
Q2: What makes the Cheerios Dollar different from a regular 2000 Sacagawea Dollar?
A: The Cheerios Dollar has extra detail in the eagle’s tail feathers on the reverse, a design that was changed before the regular minting began.
Q3: How can I tell if I have a real Cheerios Dollar?
A: You’ll need to inspect the reverse of the coin carefully. Look for enhanced, detailed tail feathers. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can also authenticate it.
Q4: How much is a Cheerios Dollar worth today?
A: Depending on the condition and verification of the reverse detail, it can be worth $3,000 to over $10,000.
Q5: Are all Cheerios Dollar coins rare?
A: No. Only the ones with the prototype reverse design (with the extra tail feather details) are rare and valuable. The rest are standard Sacagawea Dollars.