The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) met on June 20 to review and recommend designs for two important coin and medal projects:
- The Iran Hostage Crisis Congressional Gold Medal
- The reverse of the 2026 Native American $1 Coin
These designs honor significant moments in history and were suggested to the Treasury secretary for final approval.
Iran Hostage Crisis Medal: Honoring Courage and Resilience
Background of the Iran Hostage Crisis
On November 4, 1979, 66 U.S. diplomats, military members, and civilians were taken hostage at the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, by militant supporters of Ayatollah Khomeini. Of those, 52 hostages were held captive for 444 days, a violation of international law. Their release came on January 20, 1981.
This congressional gold medal is authorized under Public Law 117-320, signed by President Joe Biden. It will be displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
| Project | Design Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Iran Hostage Crisis Congressional Gold Medal | Obverse (Front) | Liberty’s torch breaking through chains, symbolizing freedom, with inscriptions: IRAN HOSTAGES, COURAGE, SACRIFICE, RESILIENCE, A GRATEFUL NATION REMEMBERS. |
| Reverse (Back) | Sprig of oak, symbolizing strength, with inscriptions: STRENGTH UNITY LOYALTY, NOVEMBER 4, 1979, JANUARY 20, 1981, ACT OF CONGRESS 2022. | |
| 2026 Native American $1 Coin | Reverse | Polly Cooper holding a basket of corn, showing it to George Washington, with rays in the background representing the importance of the aid. Inscriptions: POLLY COOPER, $1 (possible placement adjustments). |
| Public Availability | Medals for Sale | Bronze duplicates of the medal may be produced in 1.5-inch ($20) and 3-inch ($160) sizes, made of copper and zinc. |
| Historical Context | Themes | Iran Hostage Crisis commemorates the 1979 U.S. embassy hostage situation, while the Native American coin honors the Oneida Nation’s contribution during the American Revolutionary War. |
CFA-Recommended Designs for the Medal
- Obverse (Front):
- Design: Liberty’s torch, symbolizing the burning desire for freedom, breaks through chains.
- Inscriptions:
- IRAN HOSTAGES
- COURAGE, SACRIFICE, RESILIENCE
- A GRATEFUL NATION REMEMBERS
- Reverse (Back):
- Design: A sprig of oak, symbolizing strength and stability.
- Inscriptions:
- STRENGTH UNITY LOYALTY
- NOVEMBER 4, 1979 (date of captivity)
- JANUARY 20, 1981 (date of release)
- ACT OF CONGRESS 2022
Availability for the Public
While the gold medal is a one-time award, the U.S. Mint may produce bronze duplicates in two sizes:
- 1.5-inch medal: $20
- 3-inch medal: $160
The smaller medals are made of 95% copper and 5% zinc, while the larger medals are 90% copper and 10% zinc.
2026 Native American $1 Coin: Honoring the Oneida Nation
Background of the Coin
The 2026 Native American dollar celebrates the role of the Oneida Nation during the Revolutionary War. Specifically, it highlights how the Oneidas provided food and aid to General George Washington’s starving troops at Valley Forge.
Oneida woman Polly Cooper played a key role, teaching the soldiers how to prepare donated corn and staying behind to assist them further.
This coin aligns with the U.S. Semiquincentennial themes authorized under Public Law 116-330, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States.
CFA-Recommended Reverse Design
- Design:
- Polly Cooper holds a basket of corn, symbolizing the Oneidas’ gift.
- George Washington, holding his hat, expresses respect and gratitude.
- Background rays signify the importance of the Oneida Nation’s aid.
- Inscriptions:
- POLLY COOPER
- $1 (placement suggestions under review)
CFA members recommended removing the starburst behind the figures to simplify the design.
Why These Designs Matter
Both projects reflect significant historical contributions and values:
- The Iran Hostage Crisis Medal celebrates the resilience of American hostages and the nation’s gratitude.
- The Native American $1 Coin honors the generosity and sacrifice of the Oneida Nation during a critical moment in U.S. history.
These designs ensure that history is remembered, honored, and shared with future generations.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the Iran Hostage Crisis Congressional Gold Medal?
The medal honors the 52 American hostages who were held captive in Tehran, Iran, from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981. It recognizes their courage, resilience, and sacrifice during their 444 days of captivity.
2. Who designed the proposed medal for the Iran Hostage Crisis?
The designs for the Iran Hostage Crisis Congressional Gold Medal were reviewed and recommended by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). These designs reflect the themes of strength, sacrifice, and freedom.
3. What does the design on the reverse of the Iran Hostage Crisis medal symbolize?
The reverse of the medal features a sprig of oak, which symbolizes strength and stability. This represents the strength of character shown by the hostages during their long ordeal in captivity.
4. Where will the Iran Hostage Crisis Congressional Gold Medal be displayed?
Once awarded, the medal will be sent to the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be displayed and made available for research.
5. What is the significance of the 2026 Native American $1 Coin?
The 2026 Native American dollar commemorates the Oneida Nation’s role during the American Revolutionary War. It specifically highlights Polly Cooper’s contribution, as she helped cook and teach soldiers how to prepare donated corn.