Edge lettering to be discontinued? Who knows? First, edge lettering was part of the legislation, then a right wing backlash led to new legislation opposing such. However, new legislation for new reverse Sacs calls for edge lettering on those. It remains a mystery what will transpire.
The Sac reverses change beginning 2009, and will change year to year based on Native American accomplishments.
Sacs will only be issued by mint directly to collectors in 2007 and 2008, despite legislation calling for 25% of the dollar coin mintages (i.e., the Presidents) be composed of Sacs (see problem above). In 2009 legislation calls for Sacs to make up 20% of dollar mintage.
39 22-karat gold dollars were minted. The best 12 were sent on the shuttle and the others were melted. These coins were part of a US Mint booth during a recent coin show. The gold Sacs have a W mintmark, but were made in Philly, since the Mint thought they'd next sell W gold Sacs directly to the public. Same planchets as the 1/2 ounce gold bullion coins.
All your small dollar questions usually answered at:
http://www.smalldollars.com