The first African-American to appear on a circulating coin was York, a slave who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their "Corps of Discovery" adventures across America at the dawn of the 19th century. The 2003 Missouri quarter features the three men together in a canoe on the obverse.

Pointedly, there is not a good amount of information about the life and work of York. It has only been stated by a few historians that York was roughly the same age as Clark and lived with him throughout childhood. York has specifically been called Clark’s “body slave” (personal valet).

Brian Hall, who researched extensively the way York was treated by Clark and Lewis for his novel, I Should Be Extremely Happy in Your Company, says Clark basically treated York in a thoughtless manner. Now, Clark's “callousness toward York sits awkwardly with his [Clark's] portrayal as an American hero.”

Accordingly, the very depiction of York rowing a canoe in the shadow of Eero Saarinen’s St. Louis Gateway Arch is somehow emblematic of the cruelest aspect of his life. Eventually, at least 10 years after the expedition, Clark granted York his freedom. York then went into the freighting business in Kentucky and Tennessee, and purportedly died of cholera sometime before 1832.

Also, as a point of reference, please note that the U.S. Mint distinguishes between circulating coins, which are intended for daily use, and commemorative ones, which mark special occasions.

More Info: www.coinweek.com