The U.S. Mint is honoring Native American figures, history, and culture with a special Native American Dollar Coin Program.
The program, which began in 2009, runs concurrently with the remainder of the Presidential dollar program.
The Native American Dollar Coin Program has sparked a lot of interest in Native Americans (or indigenous peoples), as represented in the coin collecting world.
In fact, Native Americans and Native American culture have long been honored on United States coins.
Here’s a list of Native American coins currently in circulation.
This article is your guide to Native Americans featured on U.S. coins…
American Indians On Commemorative Coins
The U.S. Mint has struck a few commemorative coins over the past several decades which recognize and honor the role of American Indians (Native Americans) in our nation’s culture and history.
Here’s a list of commemorative American Indian coins which honor and recognize Native Americans:
The Arkansas Centennial half dollar, which was struck from 1935 through 1939, commemorates the 100th anniversary of Arkansas’ membership in the Union. On the reverse of the coin is a double profile of 2 figures: a European American woman clothed in the local fashion of 1936, and a Native American chief representative of 1836. Arkansas Centennial half dollars are typically worth between $100 to $150.
The Daniel Boone Bicentennial half dollar, struck from 1934 through 1938, honors the famous American pioneer Daniel Boone. On the reverse of this half dollar is an image of Daniel Boone standing with Chief Black Fish. The Daniel Boone Bicentennial half dollar can be had for $110 to $150.
The 1936 Long Island Tercentenary half dollar celebrates the 300th anniversary of the European American settlement of Long Island. On the obverse of the coin are the profiles of a Dutch colonist and an American Indian. The Long Island Tercentenary can be purchased for $100 to $150.
The 1921 Missouri Centennial half dollar has an image of a frontiersman and an American Indian on the reverse. The coin sells for between $500 and $1,000 in typical grades.
The Oregon Trail Memorial half dollar was issued by the U.S. Mint from 1926 through 1939. The coin was struck to honor the many lives lost along the 2,000-mile trail. This half dollar was designed by James Earle Fraser (of Buffalo nickel fame) and his wife, Laura Gardin Fraser. On the reverse of the coin is a Native American (American Indian) man in feathered headdress standing proudly before a borderless map of the continental United States. This half dollar is widely considered by numismatists to be the single most beautiful coin the United States has ever produced! The Oregon Trail half dollar is valued from $150 to $200 for higher-mintage dates.
The 1936 Providence Rhode Island Tercentenary half dollar was struck to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the New England city. The 1936 coin shows an image of Roger Williams being greeted by a Native American. This half dollar can be bought for $100 to $150.
The 2001 Buffalo “Indian Head” silver dollar is another recreation of James Earle Fraser’s 1913 to 1938 Buffalo nickel. Because this 2001 commemorative was an instantaneous sell-out at the Mint, dealers heavily premium-price these today. This popular commemorative silver dollar can be had for $160 to $175.
The 2007 Jamestown 400th Anniversary silver dollar marks the occasion of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia. This coin honors the historical town with an image of 3 figures which represent 3 groups of people who helped build early America:
- European American settlers
- African American laborers
- Native Americans
The Jamestown 400th Anniversary silver dollar coin can be purchased for $60 to $75.
NOTE: The 2007 Jamestown 400th Anniversary $5 gold coin also features an American Indian.
A Note Regarding American Indians On Commemorative Coins…
It’s worth noting that the U.S. government has recognized over 150 Native American Indian Tribes who’ve been granted the tribal right of self-governance — with the ability to set their own priorities and goals for the welfare of their nations.
One of these rights is the issuance of commemorative coins.
These coins are not legal tender.
These tribal issues (often minted by groups like the Shawnee or Jamul Nation) feature stunning artwork! Just keep your eyes peeled when buying online because they are often legally classified as “non-circulating medals” or “bullion tokens” rather than official legal-tender coins struck under the authority of Congress. Third-party grading companies like PCGS and NGC generally encapsulate them as Medals or Exonumia tokens — not standard currency.
Have you ever been lucky enough to pull an early 1930s classic commemorative out of a raw estate junk box?
Let me know in the comments below!
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