2016 Native American $1 Coin: Code Talkers
Issued in 2016
2016 Native American One Dollar Uncirculated Reverse
2016 Native American One Dollar Uncirculated Obverse
Coin Description
Reverse
Features two helmets — one in the shape of the U.S. helmets used in World War I and the other in the shape of a World War II helmet. Behind the helmets are two feathers that form a “V,” symbolizing victory, unity, and the important role that the code talkers played in both world wars.
Obverse
Features an image of Sacagawea, the Shoshone who helped Lewis and Clark on their historic voyage of exploration.
The Story
The 2016 Native American $1 Coin commemorates the contributions of the Native American Code Talkers in World War I and World War II.
It is estimated that more than 12,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. military during World War I, and that more than 44,000 Native Americans, out of a total Native American population of less than 350,000, served in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II.
Of these soldiers, hundreds played a vital communications role in both world wars. Native Americans developed secret battle codes using their native languages to communicate troop movements and enemy positions. Their efforts saved many lives because America’s enemies were unable to decode their messages.
2016 Native American One Dollar Uncirculated Reverse
2016 Native American One Dollar Uncirculated Obverse