WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) today released the design that will appear on the reverse (tails) of the Native American $1 Coin next year. The coin will honor Sequoyah of the Cherokee Nation, creator of the Cherokee language.
Designed by Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Chris Costello and sculpted by Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers, the 2017 reverse features a profiled likeness of Sequoyah writing “Sequoyah from Cherokee Nation” in syllabary along the border of the design. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$1,” and “Sequoyah” written in English in the field of the design.
The obverse (heads) of the 2017 Native American $1 Coin will continue to feature sculptor Glenna Goodacre’s “Sacagawea” design, introduced in 2000. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The year, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the coin’s edge.
Authorized by the Public Law 110-82, the Native American $1 Coin Program celebrates the important contributions made by Native American tribes and individual Native Americans to the history and development of the United States. The public law mandates a new reverse design each year celebrating the important contributions made by Indian tribes and individual Native Americans to the development and history of the United States.
About the United States Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It 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, gold, and platinum coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.