The sacagawea dollar coin is the very first to be made in 2000. This is a special and integral part of American currency, thereby greatly holding cultural and historical relevance. This coin made in the image of Sacagawea, a Native American woman who had a part to play in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, stands out to signify the history of the United States besides being input by indigenous peoples.
The article proceeds with highlighting history, design, impact, and further heritage left behind from the introduction of the Sacagawea dollar coin.
Origin of the Sacagawea Dollar Coin
The United States Mint began producing the Sacagawea dollar coin in the year 2000 with much experimentation since then to find the proper design for the dollar coin.
Introduction of the dollar coin in 1970, for instance, when the Eisenhower dollar was introduced in the 1970s, and then again, in the 1980s, when the Susan B. Anthony dollar came into existence did not make any place in circulation.
People hated the dollar coins because they look like the quarter and therefore the paper bill took precedence.
The U.S. Mint introduced the Sacagawea dollar to create an attractive and culturally important coin. However, this could easily stand out amidst other coins that were then printed.
Part of the reasoning for such a decision regarding the minting of the Sacagawea dollar was that the U.S. Mint wanted to observe the history of the nation because a circulating dollar could be created aside from the bill.
Design and Symbolism
The most distinctive characteristic of the Sacagawea dollar coin is its design. On the obverse or front, the coin bears a portrait of Sacagawea-the work of Glenna Goodacre, in whose favor a national competition was held.
She is introduced as a young woman carrying a child on her back, two characteristics-the Lewis and Clark Expedition and parenthood. This was a recognition of her strength, resilience, and contribution toward one of the great journeys in the history of American society.
It was revolutionary in its attempt to portray a Native American woman, something that was accomplished very few times on U.S. currency. Although Sacagawea played an integral part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, her face had never been on any U.S. coins or paper money before. Goodacre’s design put a face on the Native American experience and tried to celebrate the contributions of the indigenous to American history.
On the back, the Sacagawea dollar features an eagle in flight as designed by artist Thomas D. Rogers, symbolizing freedom and strength for the United States of America. The coin also contains the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” and “United States of America,” reinforcing all the ideas the nation represents – a unified, democratic state.
The Sacagawea dollar has a unique color. This coin is made from a manganese-brass alloy, and therefore it has a golden color that is intended to make the dollar easily distinguishable among the circulating coins.
The intention behind this color was that it was supposed to make it distinguishable from the previously issued Susan B. Anthony dollar and the commonly found copper and silver coins.
Role of Sacagawea in the Lewis and Clark Expedition
It was not arbitrary for the U.S. to select Sacagawea to be featured on the dollar coin; her story represents something very central to the United States’ history. Sacagawea was a Shoshone Native American woman who played an instrumental role in the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an expedition in 1804-1806 to the western frontier.
She was around 16 years old when she joined the expedition with her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, who was employed as an interpreter.
Sacagawea had the elements of geography knowledge, ability to speak many languages, and experience in wilderness navigation, which were critical for the journey to be successful. As a guide and translator for the explorers, she could facilitate passage across the vast, unknown American West areas that most people were not familiar with and were perilous for their expedition party.
Apart from her skills, the very presence of Sacagawea on this expedition was symbolic as well. She embodied a very peaceful figure because she soothed the uneasiness that surrounded the expedition and its interaction with different Native American groups that they encountered at various stages of their journey across America.
Her function exemplified an instance of cooperation amongst Native Americans towards European settlers living in America through this period in US history.
Despite her invaluable contributions, the legend of Sacagawea was not well known until much later in American history. Including her on the dollar coin helped to promote greater understanding and recognition of the indispensable role of Native Americans to the founding of the United States.
Public and Social Impact
The new Sacagawea dollar coin generated both excitement and skepticism upon its release. The U.S. Mint anticipated that the distinctive design and imagery would bring the people close together to welcome the coin, but the majority of American citizens continued opposing dollar coins.
Additionally, the task of the U.S. Mint was to launch the coin in a currency system of paper bills. Americans used nearly all the dollars as paper for decades, and the majority were not prepared to make a switch to a coin.
The Sacagawea dollar had a beautiful design and historic importance but never really gained widespread usage as many had hoped. Still, it was certainly used in vending machines and transactions involving government services. Moreover, it sparked further interest in the broader historical role women and Native Americans played in the United States, as well as cultural awareness.
The U.S. Mint continued to mint Sacagawea dollars throughout the years and, in 2009, a new design was added in the form of a series of Native American $1 coins.
These new coins retained Sacagawea on the obverse but featured a new reverse design that showed important contributions by Native Americans, such as the Erie Canal’s construction and the development of the Iroquois Confederacy.
The Sacagawea Dollar Today
Although the Sacagawea dollar coin never became as commonly distributed as the U.S. Mint had hoped for, it is now an iconic part of American coinage. The coin has become highly collectible and certain issues and varieties command high prices. Special editions, including the 2000 coin with the “edge lettering” variety, have been highly sought after by collectors.
This coin is not only significant in culture and history but also the symbol of struggle and transformation. It represents an important role as a contribution for women and people of native birth in building and shaping the historical past of America.
Sacagawea continues to inspire each new generation that learns more about the vast and diversified historical past of America.
Conclusion
The Sacagawea dollar coin is more than just currency; it symbolizes the strength of diverseness in American people, and the representation honors the legacy of a great woman whose contributions to the country had been overlooked for so long.
The Sacagawea dollar, with its unique design and the story it tells, has become a living testament to the strength of both Native American and women’s contributions to the shaping of the United States.
It did not replace paper dollars as hoped by the U.S. Mint; it is believed that the Sacagawea dollar coin was meant to be a reminder of an important chapter of American history for generations to come.
FAQS:
What is the Sacagawea Dollar Coin?
The coin was created to honor her contributions to American history and is notable for its unique design and golden color.
Who was Sacagawea, and why is she on the dollar coin?
The U.S. Mint decided to put her on the coin to pay homage to her immense contributions to the exploration and expansion of the United States.
What does the Sacagawea Dollar Coin look like?
The coin is made of a manganese-brass alloy, giving it a golden appearance.