2017 Georgia 1 Dollar 1-oz Silver Cherokee Otter Proof

Honoring a Matrifocal Tribe

While men did the fighting over centuries of frequent war in the wake of European colonization in what is today the Southeastern part of the United States, the Cherokee were largely a matrifocal culture. In fact, children were considered part of the tribe of which their mother was a part regardless of whether their father came from the same tribe. Children who had a father who was a Cherokee and a mother of European descent were not considered part of any tribe at all. Even decisions about ascension to leadership posts were subject to the tribe’s women elders, not the men. As such, even though a man features on the obverse of the coin, this is a great option for collectors who honor the important roles of women in society.

On the reverse is an animal that is a consistent favorite at zoos. The playful otter is shown resting upon a rock with its tail sticking into the water. Fans of flipping around in and diving into the water, the amphibious creatures are commonly found in Georgia and other parts of the South. They enjoy eating fish but also eat animals like turtles and crayfish.

• THIRD YEAR OF THE SERIES – The Cherokee Otter is part of the third year of issue of the Silver Native American Dollar, which honors Indian tribes that have lived in various states, as well as animals commonly found in those states.

• HONORING THE PLACE OF WOMEN – Although the obverse features a Cherokee man in ceremonial dress, the tribe was matrilineal. It is difficult to overstate the importance that the Cherokee placed on women in their culture.

• STUNNING 99.9% SILVER PROOF – Struck from 1-oz of 99.9% fine silver at the Native American Mint, this coin matches the standards of many government bullion coins.

• FACE VALUE BUT NOT LEGAL TENDER – Native American Dollars all have face values of “One Dollar,” but they are not considered legal tender because they were not produced by the U.S. Mint or backed by the U.S. government.

• COINS WITH A CAUSE – Proceeds from the sale of Native American Dollars go to support efforts to raise awareness of American Indian tribes.

Much of the history that is taught in schools about Native Americans focuses on wars and treaties, which involve mostly men. In Cherokee culture, though, women played vital roles in the governance of the tribes, and their roles in daily life were particularly prized and celebrated. Those who wish to honor that history, as well as celebrate the playful creature that is on the reverse, will love this Silver Cherokee Otter. Get yours today, though, as this unique coin will not be available for long!