The United States Mint announced the reverse design for the 2023 Native American $1 coin on November 9, 2022. This coin honors Maria Tallchief and other Native Americans in ballet.
Who are the Five Moons?
The Five Moons were five Native American ballerinas from Oklahoma who achieved international acclaim for their ballet performance.
Maria Tallchief Led the Way
Maria Tallchief (1925-2013) of the Osage Nation broke barriers as a Native American in ballet and was considered America’s first prima ballerina, showing strength and grit on and off the stage.
Four other Native American dancers will be featured on the 2023 Native American $1 coin alongside Maria Tallchief, including her sister Marjorie Tallchief, Yvonne Chouteau of the Shawnee Nation, Rosella Hightower of the Choctaw Nation, and Moscelyne Larkin of the Eastern Shawnee and Peoria Tribes.
The Five Moons’ legacy of inclusion and achievements influences modern ballet to this day. The 2023 Native American Commemorative Gold Dollar will be available from APMEX in 2023.
