The 2019-P Native American Dollar featuring Mary Golda Ross is a significant addition to the U.S. Mint’s Native American Series. As the first Native American woman to become a professional engineer, Ross’s coin highlights both her groundbreaking accomplishments and the rich history of Native American contributions to society. This collector’s guide delves into the background of the coin, its design, rarity, and why it holds such value among numismatists and history enthusiasts.
Historical Context
Mary Golda Ross was a member of the Cherokee Nation and an aerospace engineer who worked for Lockheed Martin in the mid-20th century. She is best known for her pioneering role in the development of early space programs, including her work on the design of spacecraft and satellites. Ross was involved in several key projects, including the development of designs for interplanetary travel.
Coin Design and Features
The 2019-P Native American Dollar is part of the broader series created by the U.S. Mint to celebrate Native American figures and themes. The design of this coin is a tribute to Mary Golda Ross and her exceptional achievements in the field of aerospace engineering. Here are the key features of the coin:
- Obverse (Front): As with all Native American dollars, the obverse features the familiar portrait of Sacagawea, a well-known figure in Native American history. Sacagawea is shown in profile, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” along with the date “2019.”
- Reverse (Back): The reverse of the coin is where the design celebrates Mary Golda Ross. The reverse depicts an image of Ross with a space shuttle and satellite in the background, symbolizing her contributions to the space program. The coin includes the inscriptions “MARY GOLDA ROSS,” “PIONEER AEROSPACE ENGINEER,” and “CHEROKEE NATION.”
- Mint Mark: The coin is produced at the Philadelphia Mint, and the mint mark “P” appears on the reverse.
Rarity and Mintage
The 2019-P Native American Dollar was issued with a mintage of approximately 100 million coins, which is relatively high compared to some other commemorative coins. However, the coin’s value will still vary depending on its condition, with uncirculated and proof versions fetching higher prices.
While the mintage number is large, collectors may find coins with higher grades (such as MS-65 and above) in higher demand. This is especially true for collectors who focus on the overall theme of Native American history and contributions.
Value and Market Trends
Though the mintage is high, coins featuring Mary Golda Ross may increase in value over time due to several factors, including:
- Historical Significance: Mary Golda Ross’s contributions to the space industry and her status as the first Native American female aerospace engineer make this coin highly valuable for collectors interested in Native American history and the history of women in science and technology.
- Condition of the Coin: Like all coins, those in uncirculated and proof condition will hold a greater value. Coins graded MS-65 or above can command higher prices than those with wear or damage.
- Limited Release and Recognition: As the coin is part of the Native American Series, which honors specific figures, the recognition of Ross’s achievements may increase its desirability in the future.
Conclusion
The 2019-P Native American Dollar is not only an excellent addition for collectors focused on U.S. coinage but also a powerful tribute to Mary Golda Ross and her legacy. Her groundbreaking work in aerospace engineering, combined with her Cherokee heritage, makes this coin a significant piece for both collectors and history enthusiasts.
If you are interested in Native American history, aerospace engineering, or just enjoy collecting coins with cultural importance, the 2019-P Native American Dollar is a must-have for your collection.
FAQs
1. Who was Mary Golda Ross?
Mary Golda Ross was a Cherokee Nation member and the first Native American female aerospace engineer. She worked for Lockheed Martin and contributed to the development of early space programs.
2. What makes the 2019-P Native American Dollar special?
The 2019-P Native American Dollar celebrates the achievements of Mary Golda Ross, honoring her as a pioneering figure in aerospace engineering and a symbol of Native American success.
3. How much is the 2019-P Native American Dollar worth?
The value of the coin varies depending on its condition, with uncirculated and proof versions generally fetching higher prices.