Letter
Dear Ms. Gibson:
In its public meeting of 18 April conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed alternative reverse designs for the 2026 issue of the Native American One Dollar Coin series. Noting the Mint’s intention to develop a supplemental submission for this coin, the Commission provided the following comments for the design.
The Commission members were pleased to take into consideration the preferences and comments of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee and of the Mint’s numerous liaisons for this coin. They supported further development of alternative 26NA-03, commenting that it effectively focuses on the Oneida Nation aiding the Continental Army by providing food. They suggested simplification of the background to strengthen the design by emphasizing the interaction, observing that the more complex narrative of the Valley Forge encampment cannot be conveyed effectively at this small scale. They also suggested consideration of identifying the Oneida woman, Polly Cooper, by name if her role is supported by historical research, commenting that her likeness will not be familiar to the public in contrast to the depiction of George Washington. Finally, they agreed with the suggestion to refine the composition with a more equal placement of the two figures of Polly Cooper and George Washington to avoid depicting an inappropriate imbalance of power, and they suggested that Cooper be depicted holding the ear of corn in her gesture of offering aid to the Continental Army.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing a more developed design for this coin. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ventris C. Gibson, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220