Creator of written Cherokee on $1

The Presidential dollar coin series has ended. Only the Native American series will remain active in 2017 for base metal dollar coins. Next year, the creator of the written Cherokee…

In 1821 Sequoyah’s syllabary made writing possible in the language of the Cherokee Nation.

The Presidential dollar coin series has ended. Only the Native American series will remain active in 2017 for base metal dollar coins.

Next year, the creator of the written Cherokee syllabary, Sequoyah, will be honored on the reverse of the coin. His work was introduced in 1821.

A syllabary uses written symbols to represent the syllables of the words in the spoken language.

Sacagawea will continue to be on the obverse, a position she has held since the year 2000.

The United States Mint says the new reverse design was done by Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Chris Costello and sculpted by Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers.

He is shown writing “Sequoyah from Cherokee Nation” in syllabary along the border of the design.

And as has been the case since 2009, the date and mintmark will appear incused on the edge along with the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”

This article was originally printed in Numismatic News Express. >> Subscribe today

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