NEW YORK — The 2010 Native American $1 Coin made its official debut today at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center in Manhattan’s financial district. United States Mint Director Ed Moy, joined by Heye Center Director John Haworth, introduced the Nation’s newest circulating $1 coin at the event. Following the event, Moy and Haworth presented each child 18 years old and younger with a newly minted 2010 Native American $1 Coin, and adults exchanged paper currency for rolls of the new $1 coin.
“The beautiful 2010 Native American $1 Coin reverse design honors the Iroquois Confederacy – five tribal Nations joined by a single constitution in the 1400s in upstate New York,” said Director Moy. “The design is an acknowledgement of the confederation’s influence on Western political thought, including concepts of equality and democratic self–government that existed on the North American continent long before the founding of the United States.”
The design chosen for the 2010 coin’s reverse (tails side) is based on the theme, “Government–the Great Tree of Peace.” This year’s design depicts the Hiawatha Belt with five arrows bound together, and includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, $1, HAUDENOSAUNEE and GREAT LAW OF PEACE. The reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Thomas Cleveland and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Charles L. Vickers. The obverse (heads side) features the image of Sacagawea, with the inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
The United States Mint released the 2010 Native American $1 Coin for sale on January 22, packaged in two–roll sets (25 coins per roll) and 200–coin bags. Both options contain coins struck at the United States Mint facilities at Denver and Philadelphia. The Native American $1 Coin also is available through the United States Mint’s Direct Ship Program in quantities of 10 rolls per box. For pricing information and/or program details, visit www.usmint.gov/catalog.
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.
Information about the Native American $1 Coin Program is available at: /learn/coin-and-medal-programs/native-american-dollar-coins.