The modern US one dollar coin, often referred to as the “golden dollar”, features Sacagawea on the obverse (heads side). Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who played a vital role in the Lewis and Clark expedition.
The obverse design, created by Glenna Goodacre, depicts Sacagawea in three-quarter profile carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste.
It is important to note that the reverse (tails side) design of the Sacagawea dollar has changed over time:
- 2000-2008: The reverse featured a soaring eagle design.
- 2009-Present: The Sacagawea dollar became part of the Native American $1 Coin Program. The obverse (Sacagawea and Jean Baptiste) remained the same, but the reverse design changes annually to commemorate important contributions of Native Americans and Indian tribes. For example, the 2025 coin honors Hawaiian scholar, author, composer, hula expert, and educator Mary Kawena Pukui.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that before the Sacagawea dollar, the one dollar coin featured Susan B. Anthony (1979-1981, 1999), and before that, President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1971-1978).
Which presidents are on the $1 coin?
George Washington (1789-1797)
John Adams (1797-1801)
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)
James Madison (1809-1817)
James Monroe (1817-1825)
John Quincy Adams (1825-1829)
Andrew Jackson (1829-1837)
Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)