1 US dollar 2017 Native American – Tribe leader Sequoyah

Sequoyah, aka George Hess, was the leader of the Cherokee Indian tribe, the inventor of the Cherokee syllabary (1826).
Sequoyah adapted the script to the Cherokee language, creating symbols for each syllable. His achievement is one of the few examples in world history of the development of an original writing system. After 12 years of work, Sequoia presented the alphabet at a demonstration with his daughter A-yo-ka. News spread quickly and Cherokees flocked to study the system. In 1821, the Cherokee Nation recognized it as theirs. Within months, thousands of Cherokees became literate.
The Cherokee syllabary gave birth to Native American journalism. The first American Indian newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix, included editorials reflecting the Cherokee’s determination to maintain their lands, news about the activities of the Cherokee government, and relations with the federal and state governments. This written language helped establish dialogue between the Cherokee Nation and the United States government, and helped preserve the interests, hopes, and struggles of the people during a unique time in our history.

Obverse: Sequoyah’s profile with the inscription “Sequoyah of the Cherokee Nation” in syllabic inscription.
Reverse: portrait of Sacagawea with her young son Jean-Baptiste.

Series: Native American
Face value: 1 USD
Weight: 8.1g
Diameter: 26.5mm