U.S. Mint cuts dollar deals with Wal-Mart, General Mills

In one of the more unusual public-private partnerships in the federal government, the U.S. Mint has entered in to marketing arrangements with Wal-Mart and General Mills to distribute its new dollar coin to the public.

The Mint is leaving nothing to chance with the debut of the Sacagawea coin, which bears the likeness of the Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark explore the American West.

Everything about the new coin, from its design to the way it is being marketed is based on lessons learned from the Susan B. Anthony coin, according to Mint officials. That coin, introduced in 1979, didn't catch on with consumers in part because it too closely resembled the quarter. But the new coin is gold and has a smooth edge, making it easily distinguishable from other coins by touch alone, the Mint said.

"This agreement with Wal-Mart makes it clear that the new Golden Dollar will enter the mainstream of commerce in a way no previous dollar coin has done," said Mint Director Philip Diehl. The idea, he added, is to get the new coin "into the hands of as many consumers as possible, as soon as possible."

Under the arrangement, Wal-Mart is the first retailer to offer the new coin. Throughout the month of February, the company will give out the dollar coin as change unless customers request dollar bills.

At the same time, General Mills is promoting the coin through its Cheerios brand cereals. Every 2,000th box in the Cheerios line will include one of the new coins.

In March the Mint will launch a six-month nationwide advertising campaign to promote the Golden Dollar.

The Mint's Website, www.usmint.gov is also selling the coins online.