Diagnostic Controls & Presets Famous $10,000 Cereal Box Rarity
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
In early 2000, the United States Mint partnered with General Mills in a nationwide promotional campaign, inserting 5,500 newly minted 2000 Sacagawea golden dollars into boxes of Cheerios cereal. Unbeknownst to the public until discovered by numismatist Tom DeLorey in 2005, the coins placed in Cheerios boxes were struck from prototype master dies (FS-101) with highly sculpted, raised tail feathers that were modified and smoothed out prior to regular mass circulation.
• Cheerios Prototype (FS-101): Features bold, razor-sharp raised central quill shafts with 4 to 6 microscopic diagonal feather barbs projecting across every individual tail feather.
• Standard Circulation Strike: The Mint intentionally polished and softened the reverse master hub to extend die life, leaving the central shafts recessed or completely flat with zero diagonal barbs.
• Core = 100% Pure Copper (Cu)
• Cladding = 77% Cu, 12% Zinc (Zn), 7% Manganese (Mn), 4% Nickel (Ni)
• Weight = 8.100 grams | Diameter = 26.50 mm (Electromagnetically tailored to match Susan B. Anthony vending machine signatures).
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Tied for finest certified at PCGS. Discovered in an unopened original 2000 Cheerios cereal blister pack with pristine golden bloom.
Choice gem with CAC verification. Extraordinary sharpness in the soaring eagle's plumage with glowing satin fields.
Amazing wild find plucked from a bank roll by a cashier. Light friction across the cheek, but full enhanced tail feathers clearly preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2000 'Cheerios Dollar'?
The 'Cheerios Dollar' is a rare variety of the 2000 Sacagawea golden dollar. As part of a promotional partnership, 5,500 of the coins were inserted into cereal boxes in early 2000. These were struck from early prototype dies with detailed, enhanced eagle tail feathers that were redesigned before general circulation strikes began.
How can I tell if my 2000 Sacagawea dollar is a Cheerios Dollar?
Examine the eagle's tail feathers on the reverse under a magnifying glass. An authentic Cheerios Dollar (FS-101) exhibits distinct raised central quill shafts with crisp diagonal feather lines. On regular 2000-P dollars, the tail feathers are completely smooth and flat.
How many Cheerios Dollars exist today?
Only 5,500 were originally packaged in cereal boxes, and numismatists estimate that fewer than 150 specimens have been certified to date, as many were spent as ordinary $1 coins by unsuspecting breakfast eaters.
Are all Sacagawea dollars from cereal boxes Cheerios Dollars?
Yes, all 2000 Sacagawea dollars that originally came sealed in the General Mills cardboard blister pack alongside a 2000 Lincoln Cent are authentic Cheerios pattern strikes.
How much is a 2000 Cheerios Dollar worth?
Even in circulated condition (AU-55 to AU-58), a genuine Cheerios Dollar is worth $2,000 to $2,500. In pristine Mint State (MS-66 to MS-68), they regularly command between $5,000 and over $10,000 at public auction.
How can you detect a fake Cheerios Dollar?
Scammers often take common 2000-P dollars and use sharp graver tools to hand-carve lines into the eagle's tail. Authenticity checks look for RAISED quill lines rather than scratched-in incuse gouges and check for specific die polish lines unique to the prototype die.
Can Cheerios Dollars still be found in pocket change or bank rolls?
Yes! Several documented examples have been discovered in bank rolls and change drawers by alert collectors who knew to inspect the tail feathers.