It seems as if the state of Alaska will finally see circulation-quality 2020 Native American $1 Coins circulating via banks and financial institutions. Back in May, we mentioned that the initial request of 5 million from the United States Mint for circulation from the state was highly unlikely, but that banks would instead need to participate in the distribution of the coins by placing orders and receiving them at face value. That is exactly what is now happening.
According to Coin World, Alaska is now allowed to order the $1 coins for circulation directly from the Mint at face value under a designated program created by the Mint themselves. The program stipulated that Alaska banks and financial institutions will be provided the coins at face value with the responsibility of shipping costs also landing on them. For everyone else outside of the program, the coins are available with a premium above face value in addition to shipping costs.
Back on January 22nd, a joint resolution (HJR 9) was passed by both the Houses of State Legislature and was presented to the Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy, on February 11th. The resolution was signed by the governor and handed to the Mint to be moved forward. The resolution requested the 5 million $1 coins to be provided by the United States Mint and then later put into general circulation in Alaska. It would be the first time in eight years as a moratorium was placed on the circulation and distribution of both the Presidential and Native American $1 Coins back in December of 2011 by then-Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithne.
The state of Alaska takes this year’s design extra personal. In its 20th year, the Native American $1 coin pays tribute to the contributions made by anti-discrimination advocate Elizabeth Peratrovich. The coin features the portrait of Peratrovich on the reverse with a symbol of the Tlingit Raven moiety in the foreground as she was a member. Peratrovich’s advocacy and persistence were considered a major factor in the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Law by the Alaskan territorial government in 1945. 2020 also marks the 75th Anniversary of Peratrovich’s testimony.
Source: Coin World