2025 Native American Dollar

2025 Native American $1 Coin – Honoring Mary Kawena Pukui and the Wisdom of Hawaiian Heritage

The 2025 Native American $1 Coin pays tribute to Mary Kawena Pukui, a revered Hawaiian scholar, translator, and cultural practitioner whose work has preserved and revitalized traditional Hawaiian knowledge. This commemorative coin is part of the Native American $1 Coin Program, which celebrates the contributions of Native peoples to the history and development of the United States. The coin’s theme, “Nānā I Ke Kumu”, meaning “Look to the Source,” reflects Pukui’s lifelong dedication to cultural preservation and education.

Who Was Mary Kawena Pukui?

Mary Kawena Pukui (1895–1986) was one of the most influential figures in Hawaiian cultural history. Fluent in both Hawaiian and English, she served as a bridge between generations, translating oral traditions, chants, and proverbs into accessible formats for modern audiences. Her work with the Queen Liliʻuokalani Children’s Center helped produce the seminal book series titled “Nānā I Ke Kumu,” which explores Hawaiian values, customs, and philosophies. These volumes remain essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the depth and nuance of Hawaiian identity.

Pukui was frequently consulted for her expertise in language, genealogy, hula, and traditional healing practices, making her a living repository of ancestral wisdom. Her legacy continues to shape Hawaiian education, cultural programming, and community development.

Reverse Design: A Portrait of Cultural Grace

The reverse (tails) of the 2025 Native American $1 Coin features a beautifully detailed image of Mary Kawena Pukui. She is depicted wearing a hibiscus flower, a kukui nut lei, and a muʻumuʻu adorned with an aloha print, symbolizing her connection to Hawaiian tradition and her graceful presence as a cultural matriarch.

In the background, stylized depictions of water evoke the fluidity and depth of Hawaiian knowledge, as well as the importance of nature in indigenous worldviews. The kukui tree, Hawaii’s state tree, is represented through its leaves and nuts—symbols of enlightenment, protection, and guidance.

Inscriptions on the reverse include:

• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
• “$1”
• “NĀNĀ I KE KUMU” – a phrase that encourages reflection, learning, and respect for ancestral wisdom

This design honors Pukui’s role as a source of cultural insight and her enduring influence on Hawaiian scholarship.

Obverse Design: Continuing the Legacy of Sacagawea

The obverse (heads) of the coin continues to feature Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Sculpted by Glenna Goodacre, Sacagawea is shown carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, symbolizing strength, guidance, and maternal leadership.

Inscriptions on the obverse include:

• “LIBERTY”
• “IN GOD WE TRUST”

The edge-incused inscriptions include:

• “2025” – the year of issue
• Mint mark – indicating the production facility
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” – Latin for “Out of many, one,” reflecting unity in diversity

This pairing of Sacagawea and Mary Kawena Pukui on a single coin underscores the importance of indigenous women in shaping American history and cultural identity.

Why This Coin Matters

The 2025 Native American $1 Coin featuring Mary Kawena Pukui is a meaningful addition to any numismatic collection, especially for those interested in indigenous heritage, Hawaiian culture, and women’s contributions to history. It serves as both a collectible and an educational artifact, offering insight into the values and traditions that continue to guide Hawaiian communities today.

Collectors, educators, and cultural institutions will appreciate the coin’s artistic detail, historical relevance, and symbolic power. It’s also a valuable resource for teaching about language preservation, intergenerational knowledge, and the role of women in cultural leadership.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Native American $1 Coin honoring Mary Kawena Pukui is more than a monetary token—it’s a tribute to the wisdom, resilience, and cultural richness of the Hawaiian people. Through its elegant design and powerful symbolism, the coin invites us to “look to the source” and recognize the enduring value of indigenous knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a cultural enthusiast, this coin offers a profound connection to heritage and history.