The United States Mint has revealed that the theme of the 2023 Native American $1 Coin is Maria Tallchief and American Indians in Ballet. According to their website,
“Maria Tallchief is considered America’s first major prima ballerina. She is the first Native American (Osage Nation) to hold the rank. In addition to Tallchief, four other American Indian ballerinas from Oklahoma achieved international recognition in the 20th century, including her younger sister Marjorie Tallchief, Yvonne Chouteau, Rosella Hightower, and Moscelyne Larkin. Celebrated as the ‘Five Moons,’ their legacy of achievement and inclusion continues to influence ballet today.”
The five ballerinas are represented on the reverse side of the coin, with Maria Tallchief in the center. The other four dancers are in the background with a lunar motif tying them all together.
The obverse (head) side of the 2023 Native American $1 Coin shows “Sacagawea” and her infant son, Jean Baptiste.
Featured Photo of Maria Tallchief in Swan Lake by Martha Swope. Image of Maria Tallchief on the 2023 Native American $1 Coin from the United States Mint.
