The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) recently held a teleconference meeting to discuss special coin designs. These designs include a unique reverse (back side) for the 2026 Native American dollar and both sides of a congressional gold medal to honor Americans held hostage in Iran from 1979 to 1981. Each design aims to tell an important story from U.S. history, recognizing bravery, unity, and the American spirit.
| Coin | Design Theme | Key Elements | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Native American Dollar | Oneida Nation’s Support During the Revolution | Polly Cooper holding a basket of corn, Washington accepting the gift | Honors the Oneida Nation for aiding George Washington and his troops at Valley Forge. Polly Cooper helped prepare food for starving soldiers, symbolizing generosity and bravery. |
| Congressional Gold Medal | Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981) | Blindfolded hostages in the shape of the number 444, 53 stars around it | Commemorates the 53 American hostages taken during the Iran Hostage Crisis, their 444 days in captivity, and their resilience during a difficult period in U.S. history. |
Native American Dollar Reverse Design
The CCAC reviewed nine design ideas for the reverse side of the 2026 Native American dollar. Each design focused on the role of the Oneida people, who helped General George Washington and his troops during the American Revolutionary War. The Oneidas were early allies of the American cause, providing soldiers, scouts, and essential supplies.
Oneida Contribution at Valley Forge
Oneida warriors traveled long distances to join American troops at Valley Forge. They brought vital supplies, including dried white corn, organized by Oneida Chief Shenandoah, which was used to feed the starving soldiers. An Oneida woman named Polly Cooper is credited with showing the soldiers how to prepare and cook the corn, an important task as the corn required special preparation to be safe and edible. Cooper’s commitment to helping the troops, even when others returned home, is remembered as a symbol of generosity and courage.
Recommended Design
The proposed design recommended by the CCAC features Polly Cooper holding a basket of corn, with General Washington accepting an ear of corn from her. This scene emphasizes the Oneidas’ gift and support for the American cause. The committee suggested moving the $1 denomination to the lower right of the design and placing Cooper’s name, “POLLY COOPER,” below the main inscription.
Congressional Gold Medal for Iran Hostages
The CCAC also reviewed designs for a congressional gold medal to honor Americans taken hostage during the Iran Hostage Crisis. This medal is meant to commemorate their resilience, the national unity they inspired, and their sacrifice for the United States. A single gold medal will be presented by Congress to recognize the former hostages.
Background of the Iran Hostage Crisis
On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants took over the U.S. embassy in Tehran, capturing 53 American diplomats, military personnel, and civilians. This event, which lasted 444 days, became known as the Iran Hostage Crisis. The hostages were eventually released on January 20, 1981. The event left a lasting impact on U.S.-Iran relations and is remembered as a time of national struggle and resilience.
Recommended Design for the Medal
The CCAC considered multiple design ideas for both sides of the medal. The preferred obverse design shows a group of blindfolded individuals, symbolizing the hostages, captured within the number 444. Surrounding this image are 53 stars representing each hostage, along with inscriptions marking the date of capture, “NOVEMBER 4, 1979,” and the location, “U.S. EMBASSY, TEHRAN, IRAN.” The committee proposed replacing “AMERICAN EMBASSY” with “U.S. EMBASSY” for clarity.
Conclusion
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee’s recent recommendations are a thoughtful nod to U.S. history, paying tribute to both the Oneida Nation’s contributions to the Revolutionary War and the courage of Americans during the Iran Hostage Crisis. The proposed designs honor these significant moments, blending artistry with history, and preserving these stories for future generations.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Polly Cooper in the Native American dollar design?
Polly Cooper was an Oneida woman who helped prepare and teach soldiers at Valley Forge how to cook dried corn, which was a crucial food source for General George Washington’s troops. The design highlights her contribution by showing her with a basket of corn, sharing the Oneidas’ gift of food with Washington.
2. Why is the 2026 Native American dollar focusing on the Oneida Nation?
The Oneida Nation played a vital role during the American Revolutionary War. They supported the Continental Army by providing scouts, soldiers, and important supplies. The design honors their contribution, which is often overlooked in history.
3. What happened during the Iran Hostage Crisis?
In 1979, Iranian militants took control of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, capturing 53 Americans. The hostages were held for 444 days before being released in January 1981. This gold medal honors their courage and resilience during this challenging time.
4. What does the number “444” represent on the Congressional Gold Medal?
The number 444 represents the 444 days the 53 American hostages were held in captivity during the Iran Hostage Crisis. It is a symbol of the long and painful ordeal the hostages endured.
5. Why was the design of the Congressional Gold Medal chosen?
The design for the Congressional Gold Medal was carefully considered by the CCAC and features a group of blindfolded people arranged in the shape of the number “444” to represent the hostages. The design also includes 53 stars, one for each hostage, and the date of their capture, November 4, 1979.