2009 Native American Dollar Design Selected by CCAC
The Citizens Coin Advisory Committee (CCAC) reacted favorably to the US Mint’s intended design theme for the upcoming 2009 Native American Dollar. The proposed theme highlights agriculature as a major Native American contribution that helped European colonist survive.
A one page statement from the Mint noted the contributions of crop rotation, seed development, and irrigation methods. Also mentioned was the “symbiotic Three Sister agriculture” by which corn, beans, and squash were grown in the same mound.
The first designs using the agriculture theme are expected to be shown to the CCAC in June.
The Native American Dollar series will feature rotating reverse designs that are changed annually. The first eight reverses will depict Native American contributions in chronological order. The authorizing legislation for the program provided suggestions for themes to be included as reverse designs.
The Mint is also required to further consult withthe Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, House of Representatives Congressional Native American Caucus, Commission of Fine Arts, and National Congress of American Indians regarding design choices.