Who Is the Figure on the Gold Dollar Coin?

The United States dollar coin represents a unique part of American currency, often sparking interest in its depicted figures. While less common in daily transactions than paper currency, these coins hold a distinct place in coinage history. Many people are curious about the identity of the individual whose likeness appears on this widely recognized coin. Understanding its history and characteristics provides insight into American heritage and monetary design.

The Figure on the Coin

The person featured prominently on the United States dollar coin is Sacagawea. Her image on the obverse side depicts her carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 to 1806. Her knowledge of the varied terrain, indigenous languages, and local customs was invaluable to the expedition’s success in exploring the Louisiana Purchase lands.

She served as an interpreter and guide, facilitating peaceful interactions with Native American tribes. Her presence, particularly with her child, often signaled peaceful intentions to the tribes encountered by the expedition. Sacagawea was chosen for the dollar coin to honor her contributions to American history and recognize the significant role of Native Americans in the nation’s development. Her inclusion symbolizes courage, perseverance, and cultural exchange.

Physical Attributes and Composition

Despite its golden appearance, the dollar coin is not composed of gold. Its characteristic golden hue stems from a metallic composition, primarily a manganese brass cladding over a pure copper core. The coin consists of three layers: an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel, surrounding an inner core of 100% copper. This specific alloy combination gives the coin its distinctive color and distinguishes it from other denominations.

The dollar coin has a diameter of 26.5 millimeters and weighs 8.1 grams, making it slightly larger and heavier than a quarter. Its reeded edge includes incused lettering, rather than traditional raised or flat edges. This edge lettering typically displays the year of minting, the mint mark, and the inscriptions “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust.” The design and composition provide durability and prevent counterfeiting.

The Native American Dollar Coin Series

The dollar coin featuring Sacagawea is part of the Native American Dollar Coin Program. This series, authorized by the Native American $1 Coin Act of 2007, began its circulation in 2009. The program honors Native Americans’ contributions to the development and history of the United States. It recognizes their culture, heritage, and significant impact on the nation.

A distinctive feature of this series is the annually changing reverse designs, while the obverse side, featuring Sacagawea, remains constant. Each year, the reverse of the coin depicts a different theme or event related to Native American history and culture. Themes have included the Great Law of Peace, the Iroquois Confederacy, and contributions of Native Americans to various fields such as art, agriculture, and military service. This evolving design educates the public about the diverse heritage of indigenous peoples.