2025 Mary Kawena Pukui Native American $1 Coin: A Tribute to Hawaiian Heritage
The U.S. Mint is set to release the highly anticipated 2025 Native American $1 Coin, commemorating Mary Kawena Pukui, a revered Native Hawaiian scholar, author, composer, and cultural advocate. This coin stands as a testament to the enduring contributions of Native Americans to the fabric of U.S. history and culture. For the first time in the Native American $1 Coin Program, a Native Hawaiian will be featured, bringing much-deserved attention to Hawaii’s unique heritage and its vital place within the United States.
Design and Symbolism
The 2025 Native American $1 Coin’s design captures the essence of Mary Kawena Pukui’s life and her dedication to preserving Hawaiian culture. The reverse (tails) side, sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill, features:
- A dignified portrait of Mary Kawena Pukui, adorned with a hibiscus flower, the state flower of Hawaii.
- A kukui nut lei symbolizing enlightenment, knowledge, and the preservation of culture.
- A background of stylized water elements, reflecting Hawaii’s deep connection to the ocean and natural world.
- The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$1,” and “Nānā I Ke Kumu,” translating to “Look to the Source.”
This phrase is not only significant as the title of a series of books co-authored by Pukui but also underscores her commitment to cultural education and the transmission of knowledge.
The obverse (heads) side of the coin retains the classic image of Sacagawea, designed by Glenna Goodacre. This iconic portrait has graced the $1 coin since its inception in 2000, ensuring continuity within the series. Surrounding Sacagawea’s image are the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The coin’s edge is inscribed with the year of issue, mint mark, and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The Legacy of Mary Kawena Pukui
Mary Kawena Pukui (1895–1986) was a cultural titan whose work in preserving Hawaiian language, music, and traditions has had a lasting impact. Born in Kaū, Hawaii, she grew up steeped in the oral traditions of her elders, which inspired her lifelong commitment to safeguarding Hawaiian culture.
Pukui’s accomplishments include:
- Language Preservation: She co-authored the monumental Hawaiian Dictionary, a comprehensive resource that remains a cornerstone for Hawaiian language studies.
- Cultural Documentation: Her work at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu resulted in the publication of over 50 books and articles, many of which documented traditional Hawaiian practices, stories, and beliefs.
- Music and Oral Traditions: As a composer, Pukui wrote over 150 songs and chants, enriching Hawaiian music and ensuring that traditional oral histories were preserved for future generations.
Her efforts were instrumental in the resurgence of Hawaiian cultural pride and the revitalization of its language during the 20th century. The inclusion of Mary Kawena Pukui in the Native American $1 Coin Program recognizes her invaluable contributions and highlights the importance of cultural preservation.
Native American $1 Coin Program: A Tradition of Recognition
Established in 2009, the Native American $1 Coin Program honors the profound contributions of Native American individuals, tribes, and cultures to the history and development of the United States. Each year, a new design is introduced on the reverse side of the coin, spotlighting themes such as:
- The Iroquois Confederacy’s influence on the U.S. Constitution.
- The role of Native American code talkers during World Wars I and II.
- Contributions by notable figures like Sac and Fox athlete Jim Thorpe and Cherokee syllabary creator Sequoyah.
The 2025 coin’s focus on Mary Kawena Pukui expands the program’s scope to include the unique contributions of Native Hawaiians, further emphasizing the diversity within Native American heritage.
The Significance of “Nānā I Ke Kumu”
The phrase “Nānā I Ke Kumu,” meaning “Look to the Source,” serves as a guiding principle in Mary Kawena Pukui’s work and Hawaiian culture at large. It encourages individuals to seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding from the origins and foundations of their heritage. This concept is deeply woven into Hawaiian values, promoting respect for ancestors, traditions, and the natural world.
Release and Availability
The 2025 Mary Kawena Pukui Native American $1 Coin is set for release on January 28, 2025. The coins will be produced at the U.S. Mint’s facilities in Denver and Philadelphia, available in:
- 25-coin rolls.
- 100-coin bags.
- 250-coin boxes.
While these coins are legal tender, they are primarily intended for collectors and will not be released into general circulation. Collectors can purchase these coins directly from the U.S. Mint’s official website or through authorized dealers. Pre-sales may also be available on platforms like eBay, but buyers should ensure they purchase from reputable sources to guarantee authenticity.
Why Collect the 2025 Coin?
Collectors and history enthusiasts alike have numerous reasons to add the 2025 Mary Kawena Pukui $1 Coin to their collection:
- Cultural Significance: The coin celebrates a pivotal figure in Hawaiian history, making it a meaningful addition to any collection.
- Unique Design: The intricate details and symbolism of the reverse design reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint.
- Historical Value: As the first Native Hawaiian featured in the program, this coin represents a landmark moment in the series.
- Limited Availability: With its limited production and targeted release, the coin is likely to become a sought-after piece among numismatists.
Preserving Hawaiian Heritage
The release of the 2025 Native American $1 Coin serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Mary Kawena Pukui’s life work underscores the value of understanding and honoring one’s roots. By featuring her on this coin, the U.S. Mint not only acknowledges her contributions but also inspires future generations to embrace and protect their cultural identities.
Future of the Native American $1 Coin Program
As the Native American $1 Coin Program continues, it remains committed to celebrating the diverse and rich histories of Native American communities. Each year’s release offers an opportunity to learn about the individuals and events that have shaped the nation, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of Native American heritage.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mary Kawena Pukui Native American $1 Coin is more than just a collectible; it is a tribute to a remarkable woman whose efforts have ensured the survival and flourishing of Hawaiian culture. With its striking design and profound message, the coin stands as a symbol of cultural pride, education, and the enduring legacy of Native American contributions to the United States.
Collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to secure this historic coin upon its release, embracing the chance to own a piece of history that celebrates the life and legacy of Mary Kawena Pukui. As we look to the source of our cultural roots, may this coin inspire us all to honor and preserve the heritage that shapes our identities.
