2026 Native American Dollar

Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman who fed starving Continental Army troops during the American Revolutionary War, will appear on the 2026 Native American dollar. The Oneida Nation supported the American cause during the Revolutionary War, with Oneida Chief Oskanondonha sending some 50 warriors and many baskets of corn to the Continental Army in Valley Forge, where General George Washington stationed his troops. Joining them was Cooper, whose cooking and medical skills provided the soldiers with much-needed relief during the bitter winter of 1777-78.

Cooper tended to ailing soldiers and taught Washington’s troops and their families how to cook corn and other regional harvests. Refusing compensation for her services, Cooper was gifted with a black shawl – possibly presented by Martha Washington. Cooper and her legacy have inspired many tributes, including her appearance on the 2026 Native American dollar. It’s the 18th entry in a coin program honoring America’s indigenous peoples and their contributions by way of annually changing reverses. The 2026 dollar’s reverse was designed by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program Artist Beth Zaiken and engraved by Medallic Artist Craig Campbell. The coin is slated for release on January 27.