As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Mint has selected a Revolutionary War figure for national recognition.
The United States Mint has released the design for the 2026 Native American $1 Coin, honoring Polly Cooper of the Oneida Indian Nation. Cooper helped deliver food and supplies to General George Washington’s Continental Army during the winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1777–78.
The coin appears as part of the Native American $1 Coin Program. Congress established the program in 2009 to recognize the contributions of tribal nations and Native American individuals to the United States.
Recognition During America’s Semiquincentennial
The release of the 2026 coin coincides with preparations for the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
Federal officials recognized the Oneida Indian Nation’s legacy as “America’s First Allies” on January 27, 2026, in the Nation’s homelands in New York. During the Revolutionary War, the Oneida allied with American colonists despite divisions within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
The Oneida fought alongside colonial forces at several key engagements. These included the Battles of Oriskany and Saratoga in New York and the Battle of Barren Hill in Pennsylvania.
Polly Cooper and Valley Forge
The reverse design of the 2026 Native American $1 Coin depicts Polly Cooper with George Washington. Cooper holds a basket of white corn. The image represents the food she and other Oneidas carried from their homelands to Valley Forge.
According to historical accounts cited by the Oneida Indian Nation, Cooper remained at the encampment throughout the winter. During that time, she taught soldiers how to prepare the corn. She also cooked meals for the troops. These efforts helped sustain Washington’s army during one of the most difficult periods of the war.
The Oneida Legacy as America’s First Allies
The Oneida Indian Nation paid a high cost for its alliance with the colonists. Nation leaders state that roughly one-third of the Oneida population at the time died as a result of the war.
Despite those losses, the Nation continued to support the American cause. Oneida citizens have served in every major American military conflict since the Revolutionary War.
“The Oneida people became America’s First Allies on some of the bloodiest battlefields of the Revolutionary War,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter. “One-third of our ancestors at that time were lost to these conflicts, yet their lives were given proudly for the right of all to sovereignty and self-determination.”
Congressional Leaders Mark the Coin’s Release
Several members of Congress commented on the 2026 Native American $1 Coin and Polly Cooper’s legacy.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York said Cooper led Oneida warriors to Valley Forge during a harsh winter. He stated that the new coin will help preserve her story for future generations. Schumer also noted his role in establishing the Native American $1 Coin Program.
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York emphasized New York’s central role in Revolutionary War history. She praised the Mint for highlighting the Oneida Indian Nation’s contributions to the nation’s founding.
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said the coin program helps tell a more complete story of American history. He noted that the program highlights tribal nations and individuals who supported freedom and self-determination.
Representatives Elise Stefanik and John Mannion of New York also welcomed the announcement. Both pointed to the Oneida Indian Nation’s longstanding partnership with its neighbors and its early support of American sovereignty.
Public Exhibits Highlight Polly Cooper’s Story
In addition to the coin’s release, public institutions also recognize Polly Cooper’s legacy.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia feature exhibits highlighting Polly Cooper and the Oneida Indian Nation’s role as America’s First Allies.
The United States Mint has released an image of the 2026 Native American $1 Coin and an accompanying informational video.
About the Oneida Indian Nation
The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. The Nation is a founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy.
During the Revolutionary War, the Oneida sided with American colonists. Congress and President George Washington later thanked the Nation for its loyalty and assistance.
Today, the Nation operates enterprises that employ more than 5,000 people. According to the Nation, these enterprises fund economic development and essential services. These services include housing, health care, and education programs for Nation members.
I’m so glad the US Mint is continuing to honor Native Americans on our coinage. My great grandmother was Cherokee, so it is very important to me. I am looking forward to seeing this coin and all the other 2026 issues.