Who Was Sacagawea?
When you hear the word Sacagawea, the Haudenosaunee coin comes to mind. Sacagawea was a Native American woman best known for helping the Lewis and Clark expedition achieve its goals.
She was born into the Shoshone tribe in what is now Idaho around 1788. When she was 12 years old, another tribe called the Hidatsa kidnapped her.
They sold her to a French Canadian trapper named Toussaint Charbonneau a few years later. In 1804, she married Charbonneau and became an interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Sacagawea received a formal education, and people celebrate her significant role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In addition, many books and movies have told her story, including the 2000 film starring biologist Dr. Samantha Snell as Sacagawea.
Specs on the Haudenosaunee Coin
The Haudenosaunee Coin is a special coin minted by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The one–dollar coin features an Iroquois Native American and a European settler on the other. It is made of silver and is about the size of a US quarter.
- There are a total of 100 coins in existence.
- The main aim of creating the golden dollar was to help raise funds for the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The Royal Canadian Mint mint this coin, and it is 100% pure silver.
- The Haudenosaunee Coin is one of the most valuable coins in existence. People believe that each coin could be worth over USD 1 million if traders put them up for sale. But unfortunately, the coins are not currently for sale, and it is unknown if they will ever be.
- This dollar coin is a reminder of the rich history and culture of the Haudenosaunee people. It is a symbol of their strength and resilience and serves as a reminder of the vital role they have played in shaping the history of North America.
- There are also two arrows crossed in an X, which is the symbol of the Haudenosaunee.
- The coin has a nickel-copper alloy and a 24-karat gold plate.
Characteristics of the Sacagawea Coin
The Sacagawea coin is a popular choice for many collectors because of its unique design and history. Here are some of the essential characteristics of this coin:
- Sacagawea’s portrait appears on the coin’s obverse (front), which depicts her as a Native American guide.
- The reverse (back) of the coin features a design representing an infant Sacagawea on her mother’s back. This design aims to represent the strength and determination of Native American women.
- The 2000 dollar coin is a dollar coin minted by the United States Mint from 2000 to the present.
- Sacagawea, a Native American lady who assisted Lewis and Clark on their journey to the western United States, is honored on the coin.
- The obverse (front) of the coin features a portrait of Sacagawea, while the reverse (back) features an eagle in flight.
- The Sacagawea coin is unique among American coins in that you can’t strike it without any metal content other than copper and manganese. This makes the coin non-magnetic and allows you to easily distinguish it from other coins made of different metals.
- The coin is also notable for its golden color, resulting from a particular process that gives copper and manganese a unique patina.
- The real Sacagawea coin has a diameter of 1.04 inches (26.5mm) and a thickness of 0.07 inches (2mm).
- It weighs 8.1 grams (0.24 ounces), making it slightly heavier than a quarter but lighter than a half-dollar.
- Glenna Goodacre is the one–dollar coin 2000, and the United States Mint’s facility currently produces it in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- To date, over one billion Sacagawea coins have been minted and released into circulation.
- The coin has a gold alloy, which gives it a unique color among other coins.
- It is smaller than a quarter, making it easy to carry.
- The coin has a smooth edge, making it comfortable to hold.
- The Sacagawea dollar is very durable and will last for many years if properly cared for.
Sacagawea coins are a popular choice for collectors because of their unique design and history. Learn about the characteristics of these coins if you are interested in collecting them.
Details and Lettering on the Haudenosaunee Coin
The Haudenosaunee, also called the Iroquois Confederacy, consists of six First Nations/Native American tribes that historically inhabited what is now upstate New York and parts of southern Quebec and Ontario in Canada.
The Haudenosaunee are known for their intricate beadwork and wood carvings and their skill in metalwork, which is evident in this coin.
The front of the Sacagawea features a wampum belt, a traditional Iroquois craft item made from shell beads. The belt contains two rows of purple beads, representing the two rows of the Great Law of Peace.
The Great Law of Peace is the governing document of the Haudenosaunee and outlines the rules and procedures for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution.
The back of the coin features a stylized turtle, which is a sacred symbol to the Haudenosaunee. The turtle represents Mother Earth, and people see it as a source of strength and protection.
In addition, the words “HAUDENOSAUNEE” and “Iroquois Confederacy” are written around the coin’s edge in both English and the Haudenosaunee language.
This coin is a beautiful example of Haudenosaunee culture and craftsmanship. It is also a reminder of peace and unity among all peoples. Read our article and find out The Best Way To Clean Old Coins.
How Much is a Native American Gold Dollar Worth Today?
If you have a Native American gold dollars minted in 2000, it is worth about $5 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. However, the actual value of your coin may be higher or lower depending on its condition and other factors.
If you want to sell your coin, it is always best to consult with a professional coin dealer to get an accurate appraisal.
The History of the Great Law of Peace Gold Dollar
When they assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, the United States was in turmoil. In the country, there were two sides: those who supported the Union and those who wanted to secede.
The economy was in ruins following the Civil War, and inflation was rampant. As a result, people sought a stable currency that would hold its value.
People demonetized Silver due to the Coinage Act of 1873, and gold became the only legal tender in the United States. This created a problem for Native American tribes, who had traditionally used both silver and gold as currency.
In 1876, Chief Red Cloud of the Lakota Sioux negotiated a treaty with the United States government that included a provision for the minting of a Great Law of Peace Gold Dollar.
The Great Law of Peace Gold Dollar was minted from 1877 to 1878 and was the first and only American gold dollar coin to feature a Native American on its obverse. Chief Engraver William Barber designed the coin.
A white pine tree stands in the center of the seal, encircled by five arrows representing the Iroquois Confederacy’s Five Nations: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca.
Initially, the primary function of the Haudenosaunee coin was supposed to be used as currency by Native American tribes. Still, it never gained widespread use and was eventually withdrawn from circulation. Today, the Great Law of Peace Gold Dollar is a collector’s item and is highly sought after by numismatists.
Flipping the Coin
The Haudenosaunee gold dollar is a beautiful coin that represents the rich culture and history of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Great Law of Peace Gold Dollar is also a reminder of the importance of peace and unity among all peoples.
If you have a Native American gold dollar, it is essential to have it appraised by a professional coin dealer to determine its value.
We hope that this post has helped you better understand the Haudenosaunee gold dollar.