2009 Sacagawea Dollar

Although the US Mint and authorizing legislation refer to the coin as the Native American Dollar beginning with 2009, many still refer to the coin as the Sacagawea Dollar since the obverse design of the coin was the same with some minor alterations. The 2009 Sacagawea Dollar (or Native American Dollar) was produced in larger numbers and intended to circulate along side the Presidential Dollar series.

The obverse of the coin features the same image of Sacagawea and child that was designed by Glenna Goodacre. The design underwent a slight alteration that moved the date and mint mark to the edge of the coin. These appear with the motto "E Pluribus Unum" as incused edge lettering which was introduced with the Presidential Dollar in 2007.

The reverse design features the "Three Sisters" method of planting. A Native American woman is show planting seeds in a field of beans, corn, and squash. This was designed and sculpted by Norman E. Nemeth. Each year, the reverse design will feature a different image which honors the contributions of Native Americans.

Under the authorizing legislation, 20% of all dollar coins produced by the US Mint each year must be Sacagawea Dollars. Before this change, the Sacagawea Dollar had not been produced for circulation since 2001.

The US Mint offered a few products for collectors. Special custom wrapped rolls of the Sacagawea Dollars were offered for $35.95 from either the Philadelphia or Denver Mint. The coins were also offered under the US Mint's Direct Ship Program, which allows individuals to buy $250 boxes of the coins at face value with no additional charge for shipping. Later in the year, the 2009 Sacagawea Dollars will be included in the 2009 Proof Set and 2009 Uncirculated Mint Set.