Who Is On The Dollar Coin?
Who is on the U.S. dollar coin?
Sacagawea, famous Shoshone woman and explorer.
Dollar coin featuring Sacagawea. Designer: Glenna Goodacre
Sacagawea has graced the obverse of $1 coins since these smaller "golden dollars" made their debut in 2000. Her fame was secured in the early 19th century when Sacagawea served as a guide and translator on the Lewis & Clark expedition across the American West.
Previously, 34th president Dwight Eisenhower was shown on the large dollar coins minted from 1971 to 1978. Sacagawea replaced women's rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony, who briefly appeared on the small $1 coin (1979–1981, 1999). No dollar coins were made between 1982 and 1998.
Sacagawea dollar reverse designs:
- Native American series (2009–date)
- Eagle in flight (2000–2008)
DOLLAR COIN FUN FACTS:
- The last 90% silver dollars made for circulation in America were 1935 Peace dollars.
- Approximately 5,500 Sacagawea dollars were included in Cheerios boxes when the coins were first introduced, creating a rare subset for collectors to pursue.
- Sacagawea joined Susan B. Anthony as the only women to appear on circulating coins (both on the $1 coin).
- Although not widely circulated in the U.S., the Sacagawea dollar sees exceptionally popular use throughout Ecuador.
Find more information about who is on each U.S. coin by following the links below:
Everett Millman
Everett has been the head content writer and market analyst at Gainesville Coins since 2013. He has a background in History and is deeply interested in how gold and silver have historically fit into the financial system.
In addition to blogging, Everett's work has been featured in Reuters, CNN Business, Bloomberg Radio, TD Ameritrade Network, CoinWeek, and has been referenced by the Washington Post.