Mon, 04 May 2026 12:43:34 +0000

How Sacagawea’s Dollar Has Been Out of Circulation for Decades: A Symbol of Resilience and Forgotten Legacy For decades, Sacagawea’s iconic dollar coin has circulated quietly—and seemingly out of official circulation—unseen by most Americans. While the US dollar minted after her image has rarely been seen in everyday transactions, this coins’ quiet persistence carries deep historical, cultural, and symbolic significance. This article explores why Sacagawea’s dollar remains largely out of mainstream circulation, its journey since introduction, and its enduring role as a tribute to one of Native American history’s most remarkable figures. ### The Origins and Design of the Sacagawea Dollar Introduced in 2000, the Sacagawea dollar marked a groundbreaking moment in U.S. numismatics. Designed to honor Sacagawea—a Lemhi Shoshone woman who played a pivotal role as a guide and interpreter during the Lewis and Clark Expedition—the coin stands out for its unique design: it’s the first U.S. dollar coin featuring a woman and highlights Native American heritage in a distinctive yellow metal (nickel-brass alloy), differentiating it from the standard copper-plated zinc Lincoln Cent.