2009 Native American Dollar
The 2009 Native American Dollar was the first design of the new series, which features rotating reverse designs honoring the contributions and accomplishments of Native Americans.
The design was first unveiled by the United States mint in November of 2008 to coincide with Native American Heritage Day. With the unveiling of the new design, US Mint Director Edmund Moy stated,“We are proud to produce the Native American $1 Coin. When Americans use this coin, we hope they reflect on the tremendous contributions Native Americans have made, and continue to make, to our Nation.”
The obverse design of the 2009 Native American Dollar features the portrait of Sacagawea designed by Glenna Goodacre for the Sacagawea Dollar series, issued from 2000 to 2008. The design was slightly modified by moving the date and mint mark to the edge of the coin. The motto “E Pluribus Unum” additionally appears on the edge of the coin.
On the reverse of the coin, a Native American woman is depicted planing seeds in a field. This is representative of the “Three Sisters” method of planting, which includes corn, beans, and squash. The productivity of each plant is enhanced when all three are grown together in the same mound. The reverse was designed by US Mint Sculptor-Engraver Norman E. Nemeth.
The 2009 Native American Dollar was released into circulation on January 2, 2009. A ceremony was held at the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian Institution on January 17, 2009. The festivities included a ceremonial pour of new coins by the Director of the United States Mint from an authentic hand crafted Native American basket. Newly minted coins were given to children who attended the ceremony.
In addition to circulation strike coins produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, collectible proof versions of the coin were produced at the San Francisco Mint. The Proof Native American Dollars were included in the US Mint’s annual proof and silver proof sets.
2009 Native American Dollar Specifications and Mintage
- Designers: Glenna Goodacre (obverse), Norman E. Nemeth (reverse)
- Mintage: 37,380,000 (Philadelphia), 33,880,000 (Denver)
- Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: 8.1g
- Thickness: 2.0 mm
- Edge: Lettered
