2017 Native American $1 Coin

Native American $1 Coin Program

Background

The 2017 Native American $1 Coin commemorates Sequoyah, inventor of the Cherokee Syllabary.

Sequoyah adapted writing to the Cherokee language by devising symbols for each syllable. His achievement is one of a handful of examples in world history regarding the development of an original writing system. After 12 years of work, Sequoyah unveiled the alphabet in a demonstration with his daughter Ah-yo-ka. News spread quickly and Cherokees flocked to learn the system. In 1821, the Cherokee Nation adopted it as its own. Within months, thousands of Cherokee became literate.

The Cherokee Syllabary gave birth to Native American journalism. The first American Indian newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix, included editorials which embodied the Cherokees’ determination to retain their lands, news on activities of the Cherokee government, as well as relations with the federal and state governments. This written language helped create a dialogue between the Cherokee Nation and the United States Government, and assisted in the preservation of interests, hopes and struggles of individuals during a unique time in our history.

The Philadelphia and Denver Mints produced the coin in an uncirculated finish. The San Francisco Mint made the coin in a proof finish.

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Characteristics

The obverse design retains the central figure of the “Sacagawea” design first produced in 2000. It features Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste.

The reverse design features a profile of Sequoyah writing “Sequoyah from Cherokee Nation” in syllabary along the border of the design.

Obverse Inscriptions

  • LIBERTY
  • IN GOD WE TRUST

Reverse Inscriptions

  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • $1
  • Sequoyah

Incused (edge) Inscriptions

  • 2017
  • Mint mark
  • E PLURIBUS UNUM

Mint and Mint Mark

Specifications

Composition Weight Diameter Thickness Edge No. of Reeds
Manganese-Brass
88.5% Cu
6% Zn
3.5% Mn
2% Ni
8.1 g
1.043 in.
26.49 mm
2.00 mm Edge-Lettering N/A

Artist Information

Obverse
  • Designer: Glenna Goodacre
Reverse
  • Sculptor: Charles L. Vickers
  • Designer: Chris Costello, Artistic Infusion Program
Content last reviewed November 19, 2021

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