The Sacagawea Golden Dollars were jingling in the pockets of the Sea Lion explorers today thanks to change received with purchases after our Fort Clatsop National Historic Site Tour near the mouth of the Columbia River.
A year ago, the new golden coin dollar went into circulation, replacing the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which has been circulated since 1979. The Sacagawea coin uses a gold-colored alloy, a smooth edge and wider border than any other US circulating coins. The U.S. Mint had requested input from a wide range of Americans in the process of selecting the Golden Dollar Coin. The process included public hearings, coin design exhibitions and requests for comments.
Sculptor and painter Glenna Goodacre's design depicts Sacagawea, the young Lemhi Shoshone woman who traveled and assisted the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the 1804-1806 journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back, and her baby Jean Baptiste.
From the early 20th century, dead presidents were honored on our coins and since that time, it's been difficult to change the designs. In this instance, the coin selection committee took the opportunity to examine a broad cross-section of women who have made major contributions to history. The honor of being placed on a coin, normally reserved for Kings and Queens and Presidents, is one of the highest honors any nation gives. Featuring Sacagawea and her baby boy is an opportunity to present a beautiful image of her and know that the stories surrounding her and the expedition will be told for thousands of years. Images from coins that are 3,000 years old are on display in museums today and the stories of those people are still told.
On the reverse side of the Golden Dollar is a soaring American Bald Eagle. At the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, there were 17 states in the Union, so on the coin, the Bald Eagle is surrounded by 17 stars. Thomas Rogers of the U.S. Mint crafted the wonderful design.
The Sacagawea Golden Dollar will remind all Americans of a brave young woman's role in one of the greatest explorations in our rich history. Our expedition, "In the Wake of Lewis and Clark," is a testament of this special time.
