WASHINGTON — The United States Mint today announced the reverse (tails side) design for the 2013 Native American $1 Coin. The theme for the design is “The Delaware Treaty (1778).” (After declaring independence, the United States signed its first formal treaty with an Indian tribe, the Delaware, at Fort Pitt, now Pittsburgh, on September 17, 1778.)
The tails side of the 2013 coin features a turkey, howling wolf and turtle – all symbols of the clans of the Delaware Tribe – and a ring of 13 stars to represent the original Colonies. The required inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and $1. United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble designed the reverse, and United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Phebe Hemphill sculpted it.
The coin’s obverse (heads side) will continue to feature the familiar “Sacagawea” design by sculptor Glenna Goodacre, which has appeared on the coin since 2000. Inscriptions are LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. The coins are minted in the distinctive golden color with the year, mint mark, and E PLURIBUS UNUM incused on the edge.
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792. This year marks the bureau’s 220th anniversary. The United States Mint is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products including proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self–sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.