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The 2009-S Sacagawea Dollar Proof Roll is a special numismatic offering from the United States Mint, consisting of twenty proof-quality coins that commemorate the life and legacy of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who assisted the Lewis and Clark Expedition. These coins represent a continuation of the Sacagawea Dollar series, which began in 2000, and reflect the transition to the Native American $1 Coin Program initiated in 2009. Each coin in the roll is struck with a mirror-like finish at the San Francisco Mint, bearing the prestigious "S" mintmark and showcasing the unique 2009 reverse design, which honors Native American agriculture with a depiction of the “Three Sisters” method of planting.
Originally introduced to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar, the Sacagawea Dollar was signed into law in 1997 and first issued in 2000. The coin's obverse was designed by Glenna Goodacre and features a profile of Sacagawea with her infant son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau on her back. The design was lauded for its dignity, cultural significance, and artistic beauty, becoming an iconic image in modern U.S. coinage. The obverse remains unchanged throughout the series, while the reverse design changes annually under the Native American $1 Coin Program, which aims to highlight significant contributions of Native Americans to the history and development of the United States.
The reverse design of the 2009 Sacagawea Dollar coin was created by U.S. Mint artist Norman E. Nemeth. It features a highly detailed image of a Native American woman planting seeds in a field where corn, beans, and squash—the “Three Sisters” crops—grow in harmony. These crops were traditionally planted together in a system that supported soil health and ensured mutual growth. The woman is shown stooping slightly as she sows, while the vegetation flourishes around her in a circular design that represents sustainability and unity. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “$1.”
The 2009 design marks the first year of the rotating reverse in the Native American $1 Coin Program, which continues to the present. This shift was legislated under the Native American $1 Coin Act of 2007, with the intent to honor Native American cultures, achievements, and individuals annually. The 2009 issue set the tone with a theme that underscores the innovation and environmental understanding of Indigenous agricultural practices, linking directly to the larger themes of stewardship and survival. The design serves as a cultural tribute as well as an educational tool, conveying both history and ecological awareness.
Each coin in the 2009-S proof roll was struck at the San Francisco Mint using specially polished dies and planchets to achieve a sharp strike and mirrored fields. The frosted details of Sacagawea, the Three Sisters crops, and the lettering stand out in contrast to the reflective background, resulting in a dramatic visual effect characteristic of proof coinage. The "S" mintmark appears on the obverse near the rim. These coins are not intended for circulation and were released only in proof sets and rolls sold directly by the U.S. Mint to collectors. As such, they remain in pristine condition when kept in their original packaging.
The proof coins measure 26.5 mm in diameter, with a weight of 8.1 grams and a smooth edge inscribed with “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the year of issue “2009,” and the mintmark “S.” This edge lettering, introduced with the Presidential Dollar series in 2007, adds an elegant touch and allows for unobstructed obverse and reverse artwork. The composition of the coin includes a core of pure copper bonded to outer layers of manganese brass (88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel), resulting in a golden appearance that mimics the look of gold without using precious metals.
As a 20-piece proof roll, this offering allows collectors to acquire multiple flawless examples of the 2009-S Sacagawea Dollar. Such rolls are popular among collectors looking to build full sets, submit coins for grading, or retain multiples for investment purposes. The coins in this roll are typically preserved in original Mint tubes or protective packaging and are expected to grade highly if submitted to third-party services such as PCGS or NGC. Coins earning grades of PR69 or PR70 are especially desirable due to their near-perfect or perfect condition.
The mintage of the 2009-S proof Sacagawea Dollar was limited to the total number produced for that year’s proof sets and rolls, as none of these coins entered circulation. While not as scarce as certain key dates, the 2009-S coin carries added significance as the inaugural issue of the Native American rotating reverse program. Its importance in marking this new direction in the series increases its collectibility, particularly when offered in full original rolls. Many collectors seek out complete rolls as a more economical way to obtain high-quality coins with greater uniformity.
The Sacagawea Dollar series stands as a unique contribution to U.S. numismatics, bridging traditional themes of liberty and identity with a much-needed representation of Indigenous culture. Sacagawea’s inclusion as the central figure of the series represents a significant shift in representation, as she is one of the few women and Native Americans to appear on U.S. coinage. The rotating reverse program furthers this inclusive legacy by highlighting varied stories of achievement, invention, leadership, and cultural practices from Native American communities across the continent.
The 2009-S Sacagawea Dollar Proof Roll offers collectors and historians alike a window into the art, history, and symbolism of a pivotal numismatic series. With its beautiful proof finish, meaningful design, and role in launching the new direction of the Native American $1 Coin Program, this roll holds both intrinsic and cultural value. It is a tribute to agricultural innovation, environmental harmony, and the enduring legacy of Native American contributions to the American story. Whether kept intact or broken for individual grading and collecting, this 20-piece roll is a shining testament to numismatic quality and national heritage.