Native American Dollars (2009-Date)
Native American Dollar Coins
The Native American Dollar series is one of the most meaningful modern U.S. coin programs, celebrating the history, achievements, and contributions of Native Americans throughout United States history. Introduced by the United States Mint in 2009, the Native American Dollar series continues the legacy of the Sacagawea Dollar while featuring annually changing reverse designs that honor important Native American individuals, cultural traditions, and historic accomplishments.
The obverse of every Native American Dollar features the same portrait introduced on the Sacagawea Dollar in 2000. Designed by Glenna Goodacre, the obverse depicts Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean-Baptiste. The design honors Sacagawea’s role in assisting the Lewis and Clark Expedition and remains one of the most recognizable portraits in modern American coinage.
While the obverse remains unchanged, the reverse designs of the Native American Dollar series change each year to recognize Native American contributions to the development and history of the United States. The annually changing designs make the series especially appealing to collectors interested in history, indigenous culture, and modern U.S. coinage.
History of the Native American Dollar
The Native American $1 Coin Program was authorized through the Native American $1 Coin Act, which was signed into law in 2007. The program officially began in 2009 as a continuation of the Sacagawea Dollar series. While the original Sacagawea Dollar reverse featured a soaring eagle from 2000 through 2008, the new legislation introduced changing reverse designs intended to educate the public about Native American contributions and achievements.
The designs are chosen by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the Congressional Native American Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Congress of American Indians, with additional public input provided through review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
Like the Sacagawea Dollar, Native American Dollars feature a distinctive golden appearance created from a manganese-brass clad composition layered over a copper core. Although the coins resemble gold, they contain no actual precious metal content. Their unique composition gives them a unique finish and helps distinguish them from other circulating U.S. coins.
Collecting Native American Dollars
Native American Dollars have become increasingly popular among collectors because of their changing designs, historical themes, and connection to the Sacagawea Dollar series. Many collectors pursue complete year-by-year collections to showcase the progression of reverse designs and the stories each coin represents.
Native American Dollars also pair well with other modern U.S. dollar coin series. Many collectors build sets that include Susan B. Anthony Dollars, Presidential Dollars, Eisenhower Dollars, and historic silver dollars like Morgans or Peace Dollars. Together, these series illustrate the evolution of American dollar coinage through changing artistic styles, historical themes, and advancements in minting technology.
The educational value of the Native American Dollar series also makes these coins excellent gifts for history enthusiasts, educators, and beginning collectors. Their annually changing designs encourage collectors to learn more about Native American culture and the lasting impact Native Americans have had on the history of the United States.
Why Buy Native American Dollars from APMEX?
APMEX is one of the nation’s leading precious metals and coin retailers, offering collectors a trusted source for Native American Dollars and other modern U.S. coinage. Whether you are searching for BU examples, proof issues, certified coins, or special releases to complete your collection, APMEX provides a wide selection to suit a variety of collecting goals.
With decades of experience in the precious metals industry, APMEX has earned a reputation for reliability, quality, and outstanding customer service. Whether you are an experienced numismatist or just beginning to explore Native American Dollars and Sacagawea Dollars, APMEX offers the selection and expertise needed to help you build a meaningful modern U.S. coin collection.
