Orders for the new Native American dollar coins began being accepted by the U.S. Mint Jan. 2, 2009. The cost is face value.
Though the new coins resemble the preceding Sacagawea dollar, including the Glenna Goodacre rendition of the famous Shoshone guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition 1804-1806 on the obverse, the reverse shows seed planting in a field of corn, beans and squash, representing the Three Sisters method of planting.
The reverse design replaces the flying eagle and will be used only in 2009. A new Native American theme will be used for the 2010 coins.
The U.S. Mint says consumers, financial institutions and businesses can order the 2009 Native American dollar coins through its Direct Ship Program.
This can be done via the Web site at www.usmint.gov, or by telephone at the toll-free number, (800) USA-MINT (872-6468).
“By ordering through our Direct Ship Program, businesses and consumers have the convenience and flexibility of purchasing manageable quantities of circulating $1 coins at face value,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy.
Standard quantities of the Native American dollar coins are the 25-coin rolls packaged 10 to a box with a face value of $250.
Because this is not a collector service, the coins will not be separated by mintmark, but the price is right.
Customers may order a maximum of two boxes, for a total of 500 Native American dollar coins.
The Mint pays the shipping and handling fees for orders delivered via standard shipping methods.
Shipping and handling fees on orders requiring special handling (e.g., shipping upgrades) will be billed to the customer. The Mint says it will accept no returns. All sales through the Direct Ship Program are final.
The reverse of the new coin is by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Norman E. Nemeth.
