The Story Behind the Sacagawea Dollar: A Legacy of Innovation

The Story Behind the Sacagawea Dollar: The Sacagawea Dollar, often referred to as the “golden dollar,” made its debut in 2000. While its initial reception among the general public was lukewarm, leading to intermittent minting for circulation between 2002–2008 and again from 2012 onward, the coin holds a fascinating story worth exploring.

The $1 Coin Act of 1997

In 1997, the United States faced the need for a new dollar coin after exhausting the Susan B. Anthony coin stock. The United States $1 Coin Act of 1997 mandated the creation of a new dollar coin that would be golden in color, have a unique edge, and feature tactile and visual cues to differentiate it from the quarter, which shares a similar size.

During this transitional period, there was still demand for dollar coins. To meet this need, the Treasury Secretary authorized a temporary minting of Susan B. Anthony dollars while the new coin design was underway.

The act specified the coin must depict at least one woman but prohibited the representation of any living individual. After a nationwide consultation and public submissions, Sacagawea, the Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was selected as the subject for the coin on June 9, 1998.

Designing the Sacagawea Dollar

With the subject finalized, a competition was held, inviting 23 artists to submit their designs. The guidelines called for Sacagawea’s depiction on the obverse (front) and an eagle on the reverse (back). The designs needed to avoid portraying a European-style face with Native American attire, a mistake made with earlier coins like the Indian Head Cent.

The proposals underwent rigorous review, involving input from Native American representatives, historians, numismatists, educators, government officials, and members of Congress. Public feedback also played a significant role, with the U.S. Mint receiving nearly 90,000 emails—a groundbreaking level of engagement in the late 1990s.

Ultimately, Glenna Goodacre’s design of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, was chosen for the obverse. Goodacre’s model for Sacagawea was Randy’L He-dow Teton, a Shoshone-Bannock/Cree woman from Idaho. Teton’s portrayal symbolized dignity and represented all Native American women.

The reverse featured a soaring eagle surrounded by 17 stars, symbolizing the states at the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This design was created by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Thomas D. Rogers.

Promoting the Sacagawea Dollar

The U.S. Mint collaborated with major retailers like Walmart and Sam’s Club, distributing $100 million worth of Sacagawea dollars. General Mills also joined the campaign, including Sacagawea dollars as prizes in 10 million boxes of Cheerios. Interestingly, some of these coins were early strikes with unique features, such as more detailed tail feathers, making them highly collectible today.

The Sacagawea Dollar’s Space Adventure

In 1999, twelve Sacagawea dollars were minted in 22-karat gold to commemorate the historic flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia. These coins traveled aboard the shuttle and were later stored at Fort Knox. In 2007, they briefly emerged for display at the ANA’s World’s Fair of Money before returning to Fort Knox, where they remain.

Public Reception and Legacy

Public opinion on the Sacagawea Dollar was divided. While some criticized its resemblance to “play money,” others praised its design. Unfortunately, the coin’s similarity in size and weight to the quarter hindered its widespread use. By 2001, its mintage had dropped by 90%. From 2002 to 2008, the coin was minted exclusively for collectors and later experienced similar treatment after 2012.

FAQ

  • What is depicted on the Sacagawea Dollar?
    The Sacagawea Dollar features Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who served as an interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste.
  • When was the Sacagawea Dollar first minted?
    The Sacagawea Dollar was first minted in 2000 as part of an initiative to introduce a more durable and distinctive $1 coin.
  • Why was the Sacagawea Dollar created?
    The Sacagawea Dollar was introduced to replace the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, which was unpopular due to its resemblance to a quarter in size and color.

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