American Innovation $1 coin – New Jersey

Working late, sitting up late watching a movie or reading a book is a very normal activity for us now. But these couldn’t be imagined a century or two back. Before the invention of the light bulb in 1870s, human activities were limited mainly to daytime. Factories operated based on day light availability. Though gas lamps were used predominantly in the 19th century, they were replaced by the light bulbs towards the turn of the century. The invention of the light bulb is considered one of the most important as it ushered in an era of technological advancements.

The 3rd Innovation coin in the series this year is from New Jersey and it honors the invention of the electric bulb by Thomas Edison and his team of researchers.

Every year till 2033, the U.S. mint will release 4 coins honoring the spirit of American Innovation. These will depict the ‘Statue of Liberty’ design on the obverse and a new reverse design for each coin every year to honor an innovation from each state/territory.

The Light bulb

‘The Wizard of Menlo Park’ as Edison was called is credited with the invention of the phonograph, the light bulb, the earliest motion picture cameras and nearly 1093 patents. Though many scientists before him came up with the idea of electric bulbs he was the first one to produce a cost-effective alternative for the filament made with carbonized bamboo. This revolutionized the interior home lighting system and the electrical distribution system. It also made possible the invention of home appliances like the toaster, oven, refrigerator and the television.

Edison set up the Edison Electric light company in 1881 just a year after he perfected his light bulb. His invention was showcased in the Paris lighting exhibition (1881) and Crystal Palace in London (1882). Edison’s light bulb was based on direct current and soon a competitor George Westinghouse came out with electrical distribution based on alternating current. A.C. helped reach a larger population at cheaper costs. In 1892, Edison Electric light company merged with another company to become General Electric Co.

The light bulb, though a small innovation, spurred further inventions that ran on electricity. This revolutionized the way businesses and households operated. Workplace lighting increased productivity as production could go on 24/7. It reduced crime rates and increased safety due to better street lighting. The light bulb was a great economic leveler as even the poor could afford them in their houses.

2019 American Innovation $1 coin design – New Jersey

The reverse design features an Edison bulb against an ornate background. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “NEW JERSEY.” The obverse design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” The obverse also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.

The edge-incused inscriptions are “2019,” “S” mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”