The United States Mint will honor civil rights activist and Tlingit Nation member Elizabeth Peratrovich, who becomes the first Alaskan Native to appear on United States money. Peratrovich, who served as Grand President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, helped pass Alaska’s Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 prohibiting race-based discrimination in the nation’s northernmost state.
Her likeness will appear on the reverse of the Native American dollar coin. At least 5 million examples of the 2020 Native American dollar coin will be released in mint sets, proof sets, and other U.S. Mint products. However, none of the 2020 Native American dollars are slated to for direct release into general circulation. “The coin will be a lasting tribute to Elizabeth Peratrovich and her relentless efforts to tear down the wall of discrimination against Alaskan Natives” remarked United States Mint Chief Administrative Office Patrick Hernandez to the press. “We will proudly produce this coin that honors her bravery and determination.”
The new 2020 Native American dollar will mark the 12th issue for the series, which began in 2009 and has been released at a rate of one new design per year. The series commemorates individuals, groups of individuals, events, and vital contributions within the Native American community. Meanwhile, the obverse bears the likeness of young Shoshone woman Sacagawea, who guided Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their expedition across the territory acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase in 1804-05.
