2017 Native American $1 Coin - Sequoyah (D)

Sequoyah adapted writing to the Cherokee language by devising symbols for each syllable. His achievement is one of a handful of examples in world history regarding the development of an original writing system. After 12 years of work, Sequoyah unveiled the alphabet in a demonstration with his daughter Ah-yo-ka. News spread quickly and Cherokees flocked to learn the system. In 1821, the Cherokee Nation adopted it as its own. Within months, thousands of Cherokee became literate.

The reverse design features a profile of Sequoyah writing “Sequoyah from Cherokee Nation” in syllabary along the border of the design.

The obverse design retains the central figure of the “Sacagawea” design first produced in 2000.

Obverse Inscriptions

LIBERTY

IN GOD WE TRUST

Reverse Inscriptions

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1

Sequoyah

Incused (edge) Inscriptions

2017

Mint mark - D

E PLURIBUS UNUM