As most weight-loss programs will advise, one of the first things a person should do to reduce the caloric intake of sweets and junk food is remove/eliminate any such temptation. After all, if it isn’t there to consume, it can’t be eaten.
In a fashion, a quarter-century ago right now, the US government endeavored to do something almost as radical. But, not quite. In 2000, the Mint issued a golden dollar coin. It was meant to replace our paper dollars which wear out after about five years. Conversely, the life span of a metal coin can be countless decades. If implemented properly, it could save substantial printing and minting costs.
The idea wasn’t unique to the US. Canada had successfully switched from a paper dollar to a dollar coin featuring a Loon on it. Canadians affectionately called it “the Loonie.” They embraced it. It became wildly popular and is still in widespread use up north....
The US version of the golden dollar coin showcased a portrait of the American Indian Sacagawea. It followed on the heels of the disastrous Susan B. Anthony copper/nickel dollar coin the US tried out in 1979. The Anthony was so close to the quarter in appearance and size people shunned it immediately. While the golden Canadian Loon coin was a hit, the larger and also golden-colored Sacagawea also languished. Patrons said it was too heavy. It was eventually eliminated from circulation in 2008.
The success of the Loonie was simple. Canada followed the weight-loss model. As they introduced the dollar Loon coin, they eliminated their paper dollar. Consumers had no choice.
Now comes a current conundrum. As much as the government is slashing items to save money – notably ceasing production of our circulating penny in 2026 – golden US dollars continue to be minted, just not for circulation. Collectors can only purchase them from the Mint for a premium.
The latest version comes in the form of an ongoing run known as the “American Innovation” series. It’s a program whereby a new dollar coin is issued every three months saluting an innovation or achievement of a different US state. The most recent honors Texas by showing an astronaut floating in space. It’s reflective of the Mission Control Center in Houston which coordinates all government space flights. Golden dollars for other states have recognized everything from lung transplants, automobiles and bluegrass music to electric lights, snowboarding and much more.
Another version of a continuing golden dollar issued each year memorializes Native Americans. A new coin showcasing contributions of American Indians in the US is also struck annually.
Yet one more series of golden dollars was released a few years back to salute each one of our past presidents. The last to be struck honored George Bush. Jimmy Carter, who passed away last December, will have a golden dollar coin minted for him in the coming months.
Again, none of the American Innovation; US President; or Native American golden dollar coins are available at banks or retail institutions – only directly from the Mint, perhaps from a coin dealer or, occasionally, as change in the turnstiles of some mass transit platforms.
Naturally, it costs money to create, strike and package these coins. Even though they sell for a hefty premium, how many are being purchased? Moreover, does that really offset the cost? Pennies are being eliminated and paper dollars continue to be printed while golden dollar coins are mass produced but rarely seen or used. As could be apropos of a famous phrase related to the newest Texas golden dollar coin, “Houston, we have a problem.”
Though they did not follow the lead of Canada’s successful program, I give the government and Mint credit for fixing the Susan B. Anthony dollar debacle and giving the Sacagawea golden dollar coin a shot. Not a great one, but a shot.
Again, that all began 25 years ago right now. In honor of that milestone, the Mint has created yet another coin – this time a smaller duplicate of the original Sacagawea golden dollar. The significant difference is that this new coin is struck from actual .9999 24K gold.
The gold coin features the familiar image of Sacagawea carrying her infant child on the front. On the reverse is a soaring eagle. Only 7,500 of the 2025 gold coins in proof condition have been struck. Each weighs one-half-ounce and is priced at $2,175. They come in a special presentation case with a Mint certificate. While they last, the limited-edition gold coins are only on sale at www.USMint.gov.
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