An Extraordinary Find at a Local Stop
On Monday morning, a regular day turned remarkable for a small gas station in Tulsa, Oklahoma. An employee discovered a rare Sacagawea dollar coin while sorting through the cash register. Experts soon confirmed that it was one of the few coins that could fetch up to $1.2 million at auction.
The life-changing find has caused excitement throughout the town and has brought new attention to the world of rare coins. People now line up at the gas station, eager to see if they might get lucky with their own change.
How the Coin Was Found
It all began when Julia Carter, who has worked at the gas station for over five years, noticed something unusual among the coins she was counting. The coin looked shinier and had a different color compared to others. Out of curiosity, she searched online and realized it could be a rare Sacagawea dollar.
Carter decided to show the coin to her supervisor, who immediately contacted an expert in collectible coins. The expert arrived quickly and, after examining the coin closely, confirmed it was a rare Sacagawea dollar from a very limited mintage.
What Makes This Coin Special?
The Sacagawea dollar, first issued in 2000, features the Native American guide Sacagawea with her baby on one side. Most coins from this series are worth only a dollar, but a tiny number of them have rare features that make them highly valuable for collectors.
The $1.2 million dollar found at the gas station is special because it is believed to be one of the very first coins struck, with a unique pattern and mint error that makes it extremely rare. In the world of coin collecting, such mistakes and early editions can make a coin incredibly valuable.
Here is a table showing how coin value can change based on its rarity:
| Type of Coin | Usual Value | Value if Rare Error |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Sacagawea Dollar | $1 | $4–$10 |
| Limited Edition | $10–$50 | $1,000–$7,000 |
| Rare Error Coin | $100–$500 | $1,000,000+ |
What Happens Next?
According to Carter’s supervisor, there are already offers coming in from collectors across the country. The owner of the gas station says the coin will likely go to auction in the next few months, and any money made from the sale will be shared with Carter as a thank-you for her careful work.
Meanwhile, people have started coming to the gas station, some buying gas and snacks just to get change. There is a lot more interest in pocket change now, with many hoping to make a lucky find like Carter did.
People are excited to learn more about rare coins. Some customers now
check their coins before spending them
ask employees about special coins in the register
plan to keep any unusual coins they receive as change
A Newfound Fame for a Small Business
For this small-town gas station, the discovery has turned an ordinary day into a newsworthy event. Julia Carter, the lucky employee, says she is still in shock, but is proud of her keen eye and happy to share the experience with her community.
The story is another reminder that treasures can turn up when you least expect it. Next time you get change somewhere, you might want to double-check your coins—you never know which coin could be a million-dollar surprise.