2023 Native American Dollar

The reverse (tails) design features Maria Tallchief in balletic pose. A nod to the “Five Moons” is presented in the lunar motif, while the four ballerinas in the background are symbolic of both Tallchief’s American Indian ballerina contemporaries and the generations of dancers they inspired. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “MARIA TALLCHIEF,” “$1,” and “AMERICAN INDIANS IN BALLET.”

The obverse (heads) of the 2023 Native American Dollar Coin will continue to feature the central figure “Sacagawea” carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, by sculptor Glenna Goodacre. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The year, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coin.

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2023 Native American Dollar Coin – Honoring Maria Tallchief and American Indians in Ballet

The 2023 Native American $1 Coin pays tribute to Maria Tallchief, America’s first prima ballerina, and celebrates the enduring legacy of American Indians in ballet. Issued by the United States Mint as part of the Native American $1 Coin Program, this coin recognizes the groundbreaking achievements of Tallchief and her fellow Native American ballerinas who helped shape the world of classical dance.

Maria Tallchief, a proud member of the Osage Nation, was born in Fairfax, Oklahoma, in 1925. She rose to international fame as the first American ballerina to achieve the status of prima ballerina, breaking cultural and racial barriers in a field traditionally dominated by European performers. Her strength, artistry, and resilience on and off the stage made her a symbol of excellence and representation for Native Americans in the arts.

In addition to Maria Tallchief, four other Native American ballerinas from Oklahoma gained international acclaim during the 20th century. These dancers—Marjorie Tallchief (Maria’s younger sister), Yvonne Chouteau, Rosella Hightower, and Moscelyne Larkin—were collectively known as the “Five Moons.” Their contributions to ballet were not only artistic but also cultural, as they brought visibility to Native American talent and heritage in a global arena.

The Five Moons are celebrated for their pioneering roles in major ballet companies and for inspiring future generations of dancers. Their legacy continues to influence ballet today, promoting diversity, inclusion, and artistic excellence.

Design Details of the 2023 Native American $1 Coin

The reverse (tails) design of the coin features Maria Tallchief in a graceful balletic pose, spotlighting her elegance and power as a performer. Surrounding her is a lunar motif, a symbolic nod to the “Five Moons” and their shared legacy. In the background, four ballerinas represent both Tallchief’s contemporaries and the generations of Native American dancers they inspired.

The inscriptions on the reverse include:

• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
• “MARIA TALLCHIEF”
• “$1”
• “AMERICAN INDIANS IN BALLET”

This design beautifully captures the spirit of the Five Moons and honors their contributions to American culture and the performing arts.

The obverse (heads) of the 2023 Native American $1 Coin continues to feature the iconic image of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, designed by sculptor Glenna Goodacre. This enduring symbol of Native American heritage and strength has appeared on the obverse of all Native American $1 Coins since the program’s inception.

Obverse inscriptions include:

• “LIBERTY”
• “IN GOD WE TRUST”

The year of minting (2023), mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coin, maintaining the distinctive format of the Native American $1 Coin series.

Why the 2023 Native American Dollar Coin Matters

The 2023 Native American $1 Coin is more than a collectible—it’s a celebration of cultural heritage, artistic achievement, and the power of representation. By honoring Maria Tallchief and the Five Moons, the coin acknowledges the vital role that Native American women have played in shaping the arts and breaking barriers in traditionally exclusive spaces.

This coin is a meaningful addition to any collection, especially for those passionate about:

• Native American history and culture
• Ballet and performing arts
• Women’s contributions to American society
• Diversity and inclusion in the arts

Whether you’re a numismatist, a dance enthusiast, or someone who values the stories of trailblazing women, the 2023 Native American Dollar Coin offers a powerful reminder of the impact of perseverance, talent, and cultural pride.