In a recent meeting, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) held a teleconference on June 18 to discuss two important coin designs. One proposal is for the 2026 Native American dollar, while the other focuses on a congressional gold medal to honor the American hostages taken by Iranian militants in Tehran on November 4, 1979. The CCAC reviewed various design options and selected ones that best reflect the historical and cultural significance of the events they represent.
The Native American Dollar: Honoring the Oneidas’ Contribution
The CCAC considered nine possible reverse designs for the 2026 Native American dollar, each illustrating the Oneida Nation’s role in aiding General George Washington and his Continental Army troops during the American Revolutionary War. The Oneidas were crucial to Washington’s army, providing valuable resources such as troops, supplies, and intelligence.
The Oneida Warriors and Valley Forge
The Oneida tribe was among the first Native American groups to support the American cause. In a time of great need, the Oneidas helped General Washington’s troops at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, by providing food, supplies, and guidance. A group of Oneida warriors traveled hundreds of miles to deliver supplies like dried white corn, which was a vital resource for the starving soldiers. This generosity helped sustain the troops through a harsh winter.
Polly Cooper’s Heroic Contribution
Among the most notable figures in this story is Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman credited with teaching the soldiers how to prepare the corn. The corn needed special preparation to become edible, and Cooper’s guidance ensured the soldiers received proper nourishment. After the majority of her fellow Oneidas left, Cooper stayed behind to continue assisting the Continental Army.
Design Proposal for the 2026 Native American Dollar
The CCAC’s recommended design for the 2026 Native American dollar features Polly Cooper holding a basket of corn, while General Washington is shown holding up an ear of corn in his right hand. The proposed design celebrates the generosity and resilience of the Oneida people in helping the American troops during a critical time. The denomination of “$1” is suggested to be moved from the top left of the design to the lower right. Additionally, the name “POLLY COOPER” is to be repositioned in the center, below the inscription.
| Design Proposal | Description | Key Figures | Key Elements | Changes Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Native American Dollar | Design to honor the Oneida Nation’s aid to General George Washington at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. | Polly Cooper, General George Washington | Polly Cooper holding a basket of corn; Washington holding an ear of corn. Surrounding Oneida warriors depicted. | $1 denomination moved from top left to lower right; POLLY COOPER moved to the center below the top inscription. |
| Congressional Gold Medal (Iran Hostages) | Medal to honor 53 Americans held hostage during the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-1981. | 53 American Hostages | Hostages depicted in the shape of “444” (days of captivity); 53 stars around the border. Includes dates “November 4, 1979,” and “U.S. EMBASSY.” | Replacing “AMERICAN EMBASSY” with “U.S. EMBASSY.” |
The Congressional Gold Medal: Honoring the Iran Hostages
In addition to the Native American dollar, the CCAC also reviewed designs for a congressional gold medal to recognize the American hostages taken by Iranian militants during the Iran Hostage Crisis. This gold medal will be awarded to honor the 53 hostages who endured 444 days of captivity in Tehran, Iran, between 1979 and 1981.
The Iran Hostage Crisis
The Iran Hostage Crisis began on November 4, 1979, when Iranian militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking diplomats, military personnel, and civilians hostage. The hostages were held for a total of 444 days before being released on January 20, 1981, just as President Ronald Reagan was sworn into office. The hostages’ resilience and the national unity that followed their ordeal have become symbols of American courage and perseverance.
Design Proposal for the Congressional Gold Medal
The CCAC reviewed 10 obverse (front) designs and nine reverse (back) designs for the gold medal. The committee favored a design that depicts a group of blindfolded hostages arranged in the shape of the number 444, which represents the days they spent in captivity. Surrounding the group are 53 stars, symbolizing each of the hostages, along with the inscription “ACT OF CONGRESS 2022.” The design also includes the significant date “November 4, 1979,” marking the day the hostages were taken. A key change recommended by the CCAC was to replace “AMERICAN EMBASSY” with “U.S. EMBASSY” on the medal.
Conclusion: Recognizing Historical Acts of Courage
Both the proposed design for the 2026 Native American dollar and the congressional gold medal serve as powerful tributes to the courage and resilience of individuals in American history. The Oneida Nation’s support of General Washington’s troops during the American Revolutionary War is a story of heroism and selflessness, and Polly Cooper’s contribution is an example of the strength and generosity of Native American women. Similarly, the gold medal for the Iran hostages will remind future generations of the bravery shown by the Americans who endured captivity for 444 days. Both coins are important cultural and historical markers that help to preserve these significant moments in American history.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the proposed 2026 Native American dollar design?
The 2026 Native American dollar design aims to honor the Oneida Nation’s crucial support during the American Revolution. It focuses on their role in aiding General George Washington and his Continental Army, particularly at Valley Forge.
2. Who was Polly Cooper, and why is she featured in the coin design?
Polly Cooper was an Oneida woman who played a key role in helping the Continental Army during the harsh winter at Valley Forge. She taught soldiers how to prepare corn, a vital food source for the starving troops, and stayed with them to offer further assistance. The coin design showcases her as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
3. What does the design of the congressional gold medal for the Iran Hostages represent?
The congressional gold medal design honors the 53 Americans held hostage during the Iran Hostage Crisis from 1979 to 1981. The design features the hostages arranged in the shape of “444,” the number of days they were held captive. It also includes stars representing the hostages and dates related to the crisis.
4. How many hostages were involved in the Iran Hostage Crisis?
A total of 53 Americans were taken hostage during the Iran Hostage Crisis after militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. They were held for 444 days before being released in 1981.
5. Why is the number “444” significant in the gold medal design?
The number “444” represents the 444 days that the American hostages were held captive. This is a central element of the congressional gold medal design, symbolizing the resilience and endurance of the hostages during their ordeal.