2023 Native American $1 Coin
- Year of Issue: 2023
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 110-82
- Shop Now
Background
The theme of the 2023 Native American $1 Coin is: Maria Tallchief and American Indians in Ballet.
Maria Tallchief is considered America’s first major prima ballerina. She is the first Native American (Osage Nation) to hold the rank. In addition to Tallchief, four other American Indian ballerinas from Oklahoma achieved international recognition in the 20th century, including her younger sister Marjorie Tallchief, Yvonne Chouteau, Rosella Hightower, and Moscelyne Larkin. Celebrated as the “Five Moons,” their legacy of achievement and inclusion continues to influence ballet today.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads) design retains the central figure “Sacagawea” carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste.
The reverse (tails) design features Maria Tallchief in balletic pose. A nod to the “Five Moons” is presented in the lunar motif, while the four ballerinas in the background are symbolic of both Tallchief’s American Indian ballerina contemporaries and the generations of dancers they inspired.
Obverse Inscriptions
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- MARIA TALLCHIEF
- $1
- AMERICAN INDIANS IN BALLET
Incused (edge) Inscriptions
- 2023
- Mint mark
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
| Composition | Weight | Diameter | Thickness | Edge | No. of Reeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Manganese-Brass
88.5% Cu
6% Zn
3.5% Mn
2% Ni
|
8.1 g |
1.043 in.
26.49 mm
|
2.00 mm | Edge-Lettering | N/A |
Artist Information
Obverse- Designer: Glenna Goodacre
- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Benjamin Sowards, Artistic Infusion Program