Obverse
ReverseSpecifications
| Country | United States |
| Years Minted | 2015 |
| Composition | Manganese brass clad copper |
| Weight | 8.1 g |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Engraved with the date and motto. |
Design
Obverse
Sacagawea (1788-1812), a Shoshone native American and a translator and guide to the Lewis and Clark expedition, with her son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau and the date to the right
Reverse
The 2015 Native American $1 Coin commemorates the contributions of the Kahnawake Mohawk and Mohawk Akwesasne communities to “high iron” construction work and the building of New York City skyscrapers. The reverse design depicts a Mohawk ironworker reaching for an I-beam that is swinging into position, rivets on the left and right side of the border, and a high elevation view of the city skyline in the background. The design includes the required inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$1,” and the additional inscription “MOHAWK IRONWORKERS.”
Catalog References
History & Notable Facts
Ever since I first laid eyes on the 2015 Native American Dollar honoring Mohawk Ironworkers, I've been reminded that even in the steel beams of New York skyscrapers, history dangles by a thread—and a pretty coin can tell that story better than most. These fearless Mohawk workers, hailing from tribes along the St. Lawrence River, became legends in the early 20th century, scaling dizzying heights to build icons like the Empire State Building during America's industrial roar. By 2015, when this United States coin was minted amid an era of economic recovery and growing cultural awareness of Native American contributions, it served as a timely nod to their enduring legacy. Think about it: while the world was debating infrastructure and urban renewal post-Great Recession, this dollar quietly celebrated indigenous ingenuity, bridging past feats with present-day respect in a way that makes numismatic history feel alive and relevant.
Artistically, the obverse sticks to the classic Sacagawea design—her profile with baby on back, a symbol of exploration and resilience that’s been a staple of U.S. dollar coins since 2000, reminding collectors of the Lewis and Clark saga. Flip it over, though, and the reverse shines with a dynamic scene of Mohawk Ironworkers balanced on a girder, tools in hand, crafted with crisp detail that captures their high-wire bravery. It's not just pretty; it's a historical artifact that highlights Native American roles in modern America, making it a favorite for those who appreciate thematic depth in coin collecting. As for the collector angle, this isn't a key date rarity like some early Morgan dollars, but it's a solid series entry with potential sleeper appeal—look for subtle die varieties in the reverse lettering that numismatists sometimes overlook, turning a common piece into a hunt-worthy gem.
When it comes to market reality, the 2015 Native American Dollar is your standard clad composition—no gold or silver to drive up coin value—so demand hinges on thematic interest rather than precious metals. Collectors of United States modern coins or Native American numismatics keep this one circulating, especially in sets, but it's not overhyped; you can snag one for a few bucks in the average dealer's bin. That said, if you're into the story behind the shine, it might be a undervalued pick for your collection—proving that even a straightforward dollar can pack a punch in the world of coin collecting.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The 1 Dollar "Native American Dollar" (Mohawk Ironworkers) has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo