Who is on the U.S. dollar coin?

Sacagawea, famous Shoshone woman and explorer.

2002 s sacagawea dollar

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:


Find more information about who is on each U.S. coin by following the links below:

Who Is On the Penny?

Who Is On the Nickel?

Who is On the Dime?

Who Is On the Quarter?

Who Is On the Half Dollar?

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Everett Millman

Everett Millman

Managing Editor | Analyst, Commodities and Finance

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.