WASHINGTON -- The United States Mint will launch the 2010 Native American $1 Coin in New York City on Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). United States Mint Director Ed Moy will join John Haworth, Director of the National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center, to introduce the coin. 

            For details on availability of the coin, visit the U.S. Mint website by clicking here 

            Authorized by Public Law 110-82, the United States Mint is minting and issuing $1 coins featuring reverse (tails side) designs that celebrate the important contributions made by Indian tribes and individual Native Americans to the history and development of the United States. The designs will rotate each year.

            The reverse design for the 2010 Native American $1 Coin is based on the theme "Government--the Great Tree of Peace," recognizing the Native American ideals of equality and democratic self-government that influence Western political concepts. The design depicts the Hiawatha Belt with five arrows bound together, along with the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, $1, HAUDENOSAUNEE and GREAT LAW OF PEACE.

            It was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Thomas Cleveland and executed by Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers.

            The coin's obverse (heads side) continues to feature Glenna Goodacre's "Sacagawea" design, first produced in 2000, and the inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Like the Presidential $1 Coins, the Native American $1 Coins maintain their distinctive edge and golden color, and feature edge-lettering of the year, mint mark and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

            Immediately following the event, members of the public may exchange their paper currency for newly minted 2010 Native American $1 Coins. Children 18 years old and younger will receive a free 2010 Native American $1 Coin.