In 2009, the U.S. Mint introduced the “Native American $1 Coin Program.” The program honors significant contributions made to the history of the United States by Native American tribes and individuals through coins. All of these coins feature an image of Sacagawea on the obverse, which was first produced in 2000.
The reverse design of these coins changes every year, making this a collectible series of coins. Let’s take a look at some of the important Native American dollar coins so far.
2009
The theme of the first coin was “Agriculture.” It is believed that early European colonists would not have survived if they had not learned the crops and farming methods shared by Native American tribes. Native Americans shared knowledge of the “three sisters” (corn, beans, and pumpkins). The practice of growing corn, beans, and pumpkins in the same location began in Mexico and spread throughout North America. Growing all three crops together resulted in higher production.
2010
The “Great Tree of Peace” was a giant white pine whose clusters of five needles symbolized the five Native Nations (Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca). In the early 1400s, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Iroquois Confederacy) made a peace treaty by burying weapons under this tree. This peace inspired European colonists and laid the foundation for modern democracy.
2011
Like the 1621 treaty of peace and mutual protection used by Plymouth colonists–whom we now call Pilgrims (Members of a Puritan sect)–and Massasoit, Pokonoket Wampanoag Chief.
2012
Even before Europeans arrived, pre-colonial North American nations had healthy exchange trade routes that spanned the continent. Colonists initially followed Native American trade routes when they began to explore the New World. These paths of trade were the first facsimile for what would one day be known as the modern Interstate Highway System.
2013
The Delaware Treaty of 1778 was the first formal treaty between the United States and a Native American nation. The treaty allowed the US Army to attack a British fort from the lands of the Delaware tribe. The treaty recognized the sovereignty of the Delaware Nation.
2014
This coin honors the hospitality shown by Native Americans to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The expedition relied heavily on the friendship, supplies, and support of the Native tribes.
2015
The bravery of Native American warriors has contributed significantly to dangerous modern-day construction jobs such as building skyscrapers. Their contribution to the construction of buildings and bridges in modern America is unforgettable.
2016
During World War I and World War II, code talkers created secret codes using their native languages. Because of their efforts, the enemy was never able to decode the messages, saving many Allied lives.
2017
The Cherokee syllabary was invented by Sequoyah, allowing thousands of Cherokee to become literate and starting the first Native American newspaper. This promoted dialogue between the Cherokee and the U.S. government.
2018
James Francis “Jim” Thorpe was one of the most versatile athletes of the early 20th century. In 1912, Thorpe represented the United States at the Olympics held in Sweden and placed first in 8 of the 15 events he competed in.
2019
This coin honors the contributions made by Native Americans to space exploration.
2020
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The 2020 coin was dedicated to Elizabeth Peratrovich, who was instrumental in passing America’s first anti-discrimination law in 1945. Peratrovich’s efforts led to the passing of a law in Alaska prohibiting discrimination in public places.
2021
This coin honors Native Americans who have served in the U.S. military. Starting with the Revolutionary War, Native Americans have a proportionally higher rate of serving in the military than any other ethnic group.
2022
The 2022 Native American dollar depicts Ely Samuel Parker. He was a U.S. Army officer, engineer, and tribal diplomat and served as military secretary under Ulysses S. Grant.
2023
Maria Tallchief was America’s first prima ballerina and the first Native American to hold that title. Her coin was issued under the “American Women Quarters Program.”
2024
This year’s theme is the “Indian Citizenship Act of 1924,” which was enacted into law on June 2, 1924. It granted citizenship to all non-citizen Native Americans born in the United States. This law gave Native Americans the rights and protections of U.S. citizens while maintaining their identity.
