New Coin Design Celebrates Oneidas’ Heroic Support During Valley Forge

The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) met on June 18 via teleconference to discuss two significant topics:

1. The design for the 2026 Native American dollar coin.
2. A new Congressional Gold Medal honoring American hostages from the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979–1981.

These designs reflect important moments in American history, emphasizing contributions, resilience, and unity.

Item	Details	Design Elements
2026 Native American Dollar Coin	Honors Oneida Nation’s contributions during the American Revolutionary War.	Polly Cooper holding a basket of corn, General Washington holding an ear of corn. Inscription “POLLY COOPER” and $1 denomination repositioned.
Congressional Gold Medal	Commemorates the resilience of the 53 Americans held hostage during the Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981).	Blindfolded figures inside the number “444”, surrounded by 53 stars. Inscriptions: ACT OF CONGRESS 2022, NOVEMBER 4, 1979, U.S. EMBASSY TEHRAN.

2026 Native American Dollar Coin: Honoring the Oneidas

The CCAC reviewed nine design proposals for the reverse (back) side of the 2026 Native American dollar coin. All designs focus on the role of the Oneida Nation in supporting the American troops during the Revolutionary War.

How the Oneidas Helped:

• The Oneidas were early supporters of the American Revolution.
• They provided critical information, soldiers, scouts, and supplies to aid the Continental Army.
• During the harsh winter at Valley Forge, they carried dried white corn to feed starving troops, a contribution organized by Oneida chief Shenandoah.
• Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman, stayed with the army, cooking the corn and teaching soldiers how to prepare it safely for eating.

Chosen Design:

The CCAC recommended a design showing Polly Cooper holding a basket of corn, with General George Washington holding an ear of corn in thanks.

• The inscription “POLLY COOPER” will be moved to a more central position, and the denomination “$1” will be placed at the bottom right of the coin.

This theme aligns with the broader 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations, which commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.

Congressional Gold Medal: Honoring Iran Hostages

The CCAC also reviewed proposals for a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the 53 Americans held hostage during the Iran Hostage Crisis.

The Iran Hostage Crisis (1979–1981):

• The crisis began on November 4, 1979, when militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 53 Americans hostage.
• The hostages endured 444 days of captivity.
• On January 20, 1981, they were finally released, marking the end of a long ordeal that tested their resilience and the nation’s unity.

Medal Design:

The committee reviewed 10 obverse (front) designs and nine reverse (back) designs.

• The preferred obverse design shows blindfolded figures inside the number “444,” representing the days of captivity.
  • Surrounding the border are 53 stars, symbolizing each hostage, along with the inscriptions:
    • NOVEMBER 4, 1979
    • ACT OF CONGRESS 2022
    • U.S. EMBASSY TEHRAN, IRAN (updated from “American Embassy”).

This gold medal highlights the sacrifices and resilience of the hostages, as well as the lasting significance of this historical event.

Conclusion

These designs not only honor individuals and groups who played key roles in American history but also serve as a reminder of unity and perseverance during challenging times. The 2026 Native American dollar coin celebrates the contributions of the Oneida Nation to the Revolutionary War, while the Congressional Gold Medal recognizes the courage of American hostages during the Iran Hostage Crisis. Together, these projects reflect America’s rich history and the strength of its people.

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