Native American Dollar Coins Go Into Circulation January 2009
New from the United States Mint in 2009 is the Native American dollar coin.
Designed for regular circulation, the 2009 Native American dollar coin is a program that features various images of Native American culture, people, events, and history.
The Native American dollar coin will feature an image of the famous Shoshone Native American woman named Sacagawea; she has been gracing the front of the "golden dollar" since 2000.
The reverse will feature one new design each year. 2009's reverse design will honor the "three sisters" planting method. The three sisters planting method includes corn, bean, and squash and will be part of the reverse design element which features a Native American woman planting seeds in an agricultural field.
Native American dollar coins will include edge lettering. "E Pluribus Unum," the year, and mint mark will all be incised on the edge of the coin.
The Native American dollar coin program is slated to continue through at least 2016; that means the Native American dollar coin program will run concurrently with the remainder of the Presidential dollar program, which began in 2007.
What designs will be featured on the Native American dollar coins?
According to NativeAmericanDollars.com, there were several ideas proposed in H.R. 2358 (the bill called the Native American $1 Coin Act).
The design ideas include:
- Creation of the Cherokee written language
- Existence of the Iroquois Confederacy
- Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag
- The Pueblo Revolt
- Olympic Champion Jim Thorpe
- Head of Indian Affairs General Ely S. Parker
- Navajo Code Talkers
Where To Get Native American Dollars
Native American dollars are being released to the public for regular circulation. It is usual for the U.S. Mint to include circulating coins in both mint sets and proof sets. For now though, the U.S. Mint is offering Native American dollar coins in large quantities for face value.
According to a press release from the U.S. Mint, the new Native American dollar coins will go on sale through their Direct Ship Program at noon eastern on January 2, 2009. Through the Direct Ship Program, orders of up to $500 in face value will be accepted.
Here's more about the Native American dollar coin Direct Ship Program.
Because the Native American dollar coins are being distributed for regular circulation, banks will have the new coins on hand. It may be wise to call ahead to be sure the bank has the quantity you want.
How Much Are Native American Dollar Coins Worth?
As of this writing, there have been no significant errors reported. Most new, regularly circulating U.S. coins are worth only face value if worn, and a very small premium in uncirculated grades.
If the proposed amount of coins is actually struck (at least 20% of the number of all dollar coins made in a single year), there should be many millions of Native American dollar coins available and, therefore, no rarities.
Any rarities that may eventually belong to the Native American dollar coin would come in the form of errors or low-mintage varieties. Again though, none exist at this time.
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