Coining History: The 2023 American Innovation Dollar Series

America: The land of free thinking! In honor of America’s spirit of innovation and energy, the US Mint launched a multi-year series of American Innovation Dollars in 2018. These coins honor innovation and innovators from all 50 states and territories.

This multi-year series that started in 2018 honors innovation and innovators by issuing $1 coins for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. The Mint works with the office of the Governor, or other Chief Executive for each state, territory, or city, along with subject matter experts, to determine design concepts emblematic of innovation that is significant and meaningful to its jurisdiction and/or its role in the Nation. Once the Secretary of the Treasury approves the design concepts, the designs are developed and reviewed. The Secretary of the Treasury selects the final design for each coin. The 2023 designs honor innovations and/or innovators from Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, and Mississippi.

On Jan. 30, the US Mint released their first products containing one of the four $1 coins — rolls and bags of Ohio dollars. Other Innovation products to follow in the spring, summer and fall. Introduced in 2018, the multi-year series of dollars offers reverse designs that recognize America’s ingenuity by highlighting pioneering efforts of individuals or groups from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories.

American Innovation dollars are dollar coins of a series minted by the United States Mint beginning in 2018 and scheduled to run through 2032. It is planned for each member of the series to showcase an innovation, innovator or group of innovators from a particular state or territory, while the obverse features the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World).

Coins will be issued depicting designs which symbolize "the willingness to explore, to discover, and to create one’s own destiny", according to the U.S. Mint's narrative. The program showcases an innovation, innovator or group of innovators from each State or territory in uncirculated and proof finishes.

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History of the American Innovation $1 Coin Program

The United States Mint American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series to honor innovation and innovators by issuing $1 coins for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U. S. territories – Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Four new $1 coins with distinctive reverse designs will be released each year from 2019 through 2032 in the order the states ratified the Constitution of the United States or were admitted to the Union. Once a coin is issued for each state, coins will be released for the District of Columbia and the territories.

Legislation authorizing the American Innovation $1 Coin Program was approved by the United States Senate on June 20, 2018, amending an earlier House bill, and the Senate-amended bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 27, 2018.[1][2] It was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 18, 2018.[3] The program was officially launched on December 14, 2018, with the release of a special introductory coin commemorating George Washington's signing of the first American patent into law, for a new method of making potash and pearl ash.[4] However, these coins are not being released into circulation, and are only available at a premium in bags and rolls directly from the United States Mint. Uncirculated issues bear either the "P" or "D" mint mark signifying its mintage at the Philadelphia Mint or Denver Mint respectively. Proof and reverse proof coins struck for collectors bear the "S" mint mark signifying its mintage at the San Francisco Mint.

Four new coins will be released each year "celebrating innovations and innovators" from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands).[5] All coins issued through this program will have the same obverse design showing the Statue of Liberty, and will contain the words: "In God We Trust" and "$1".[6] In 2019, a privy mark was added to the obverse of the coin under "In God We Trust".[7]

Reverse design

The reverse (tails side) design features an image or images emblematic of a significant innovation, an innovator, or group of innovators from one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the territories; the name of the state, the District of Columbia, or territory, as applicable; and the required inscription “United States of America.”

Coins in this series will display the year of minting or issuance, the mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the edge of the coins.

Ohio

American Innovation – Ohio

Designer: Beth Zaiken, Artistic Infusion Program

Sculptor: Stephen Layne, Medallic Artist

The Ohio coin is the first of 2023. This Ohio American Innovation $1 Coin reverse (tails) design is emblematic of the Underground Railroad. It depicts two strong hands grasped together, the upper arm pulling the lower arm upward, representing the support and strength of the Underground Railroad. A chain fastened to a rustic shackle around the lower arm’s wrist snaps and fragments, alluding to the hope of freedom. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “UNDERGROUND RAILROAD,” and “OHIO.”

U.S. Mint images of the reverse (tails side) of 2023 Ohio American Innovation Dollars. These images show the dollar in collector finishes of proof and uncirculated.

Designer: Beth Zaiken, Artistic Infusion Program

Sculptor: Stephen Layne, Medallic Artist

The Ohio $1 Coin design depicts two strong hands grasped together, the upper arm pulling the lower arm upward, representing the support and strength required by both parties on the Underground Railroad. A chain fastened to a rustic shackle around the lower arm’s wrist snaps and fragments, alluding to the hope of freedom. The inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "UNDERGROUND RAILROAD," and "OHIO."

Louisiana

U.S. Mint images of the reverse (tails side) of 2023 Louisiana American Innovation Dollars. These images show the dollar in collector finishes of proof and uncirculated.

Designer: Dennis Friel, Artistic Infusion Program

Sculptor: John P. McGraw, Medallic Artist

The Louisiana $1 Coin design depicts a Higgins Boat as it would have been deployed during World War II, with its innovative landing ramp open against a beach. Included inscriptions are "UNITED STATES of AMERICA," "THE HIGGINS BOAT," and "LOUISIANA."

American Innovation – Louisiana

Designer: Dennis Friel, Artistic Infusion Program

Sculptor: John P. McGraw, Medallic Artist

The Louisiana $1 Coin design depicts a Higgins Boat as it would have been deployed during World War II, with its innovative landing ramp open against a beach. Included inscriptions are “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” “THE HIGGINS BOAT,” and “LOUISIANA.”

The Louisiana coin is the second of 2023. The Louisiana American Innovation $1 Coin reverse (tails) design depicts a Higgins Boat as it would have been deployed during World War II with its innovative landing ramp open against a beach. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” “THE HIGGINS BOAT,” and “LOUISIANA.”

The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” It also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.

The year of minting, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coins.

Indiana

2023 Indiana American Innovation Dollar

U.S. Mint images of the reverse (tails side) of 2023 Indiana American Innovation Dollars. These images show the dollar in collector finishes of proof and uncirculated.

Designer: Ron Sanders, Artistic Infusion Program

Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist

The Indiana $1 Coin design features a series of vehicles that showcase Indiana innovations from yesterday and today. From top to bottom, the design includes an early style gas automobile, a representation of classic car production, and a recent model of an Indy style race car. Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "INDIANA."

American Innovation – Indiana

Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist

The Indiana $1 Coin design features a series of vehicles that showcase Indiana innovations from yesterday and today. From top to bottom, the design includes an early style gas automobile, a representation of classic car production, and a recent model of an Indy style race car. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “INDIANA.”

American Innovation $1 Coins honoring innovation in Indiana

Coins minted at the United States Mints at Philadelphia and Denver

Available in 25-coin rolls and 100-coin bags

The Indiana coin is the third of 2023. The Indiana American Innovation $1 Coin reverse (tails) design features a series of vehicles that showcase Indiana innovations from yesterday and today. From top to bottom, the design includes an early style gas automobile, a representation of classic car production, and a recent model of an Indy style race car. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “INDIANA.”

Mississippi

2023 Mississippi American Innovation Dollar

U.S. Mint images of the reverse (tails side) of 2023 Mississippi American Innovation Dollars. These images show the dollar in collector finishes of proof and uncirculated.

Designer: Katelyn Arquette, Artistic Infusion Program

Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell, Medallic Artist

The Mississippi $1 Coin design features a pair of human lungs in the background, while a surgical assistant passes forceps to the surgeon during the first lung transplant surgery.

Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "FIRST HUMAN LUNG TRANSPLANT," and "MISSISSIPPI."

American Innovation – Mississippi

Designer: Katelyn Arquette, Artistic Infusion Program

Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell, Medallic Artist

The Mississippi $1 Coin design features a pair of human lungs in the background, while a surgical assistant passes forceps to the surgeon during the first lung transplant surgery.

Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “FIRST HUMAN LUNG TRANSPLANT,” and “MISSISSIPPI.”

The Mississippi coin is the fourth of 2023. The Mississippi American Innovation $1 Coin reverse (tails) design features a pair of human lungs in the background, while a surgical assistant passes forceps to the surgeon during the first lung transplant surgery. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “FIRST HUMAN LUNG TRANSPLANT,” and “MISSISSIPPI.”

Common obverse design

Common Obverse Design with Varying Privy Marks

Designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, major obverse (heads side) elements are common across every $1 coin in the series. They offer a depiction of the Statue of Liberty in profile along with inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "$1."

U.S. Mint image of the obverse or heads side of a 2023 American Innovation $1 Coin. Each year, the gear depiction has changed slightly

Excluding the introductory 2018 dollar, obverses also bear a privy mark of a stylized gear which represents industry and innovation. The gear’s depiction changes slightly every year.

Incused Edge Inscriptions

Edges of all $1 coins are incused with their year of minting, a mint mark representing where they are produced, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."

Dollar edges include their year of minting, a mint mark, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM"

The obverse (tails) design of American Innovation $1 Coins features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” The design also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation. The edge-incused inscriptions are “2023,” the mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

The common obverse (heads side) of all the coins in this series features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty and the required inscriptions “$1,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” It also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.

The year of minting, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coins.

SPECIFICATIONS

Denomination: $1 Coin

Finish: Uncirculated

Composition: 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel, balance copper>/p>

Weight: 8.100 grams

Diameter: 1.043 inches (26.49 mm)

Edge: Lettered

Mint and Mint Mark: Philadelphia-P and Denver-D

Privy Mark: Stylized gear

Design selection process

The Mint works with the office of the Governor, or other Chief Executive for each state, territory, or city, along with subject matter experts, to determine design concepts emblematic of innovation that is significant and meaningful to its jurisdiction and/or its role in the Nation. Once the Secretary of the Treasury approves the design concepts, the designs are developed and reviewed. The Secretary of the Treasury selects the final design for each coin.

Step 1

The United States Mint (Mint) initiates the formal design process for each State, District, or Territory by contacting the Office of the Governor, or other Chief Executive, to request appointment of an official liaison with whom the Mint can work in developing the American Innovation $1 Coins.

Step 2

The official liaison, after consultation with relevant subject matter experts, and on behalf of the Governor or chief executive, identifies 1-3 design concepts emblematic of innovation significant and meaningful to their jurisdiction and/or its role in the nation.

Step 3

The Secretary of the Treasury (or his/her designee) selects design concepts appropriate for use in developing $1 coin candidate designs.

Step 4

The Mint presents the design concepts to the artists in a design brief, soliciting input from historical and technical experts for Mint artists to consider as they begin composing candidate designs.

Step 5

The Mint reviews design submissions for coinability, accuracy, appropriateness, and any legal issues, and artists modify the designs as necessary. The Mint provides the portfolio of designs to the liaison for review.

Step 6

Utilizing subject matter expertise as necessary, the liaison reviews the portfolio of designs for technical and historical accuracy and appropriateness. The Mint consults with the liaison to identify necessary modifications to the portfolio. The Mint artists revise designs as needed.

Step 7

The Mint presents the candidate designs to the official liaison and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) for consultation and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) for review. The Mint may make changes to the designs to address any concerns or recommendations resulting from these presentations.>/p>

Step 8

The Mint provides candidate designs (as well as the associated comments/recommendations of the official liaison, the CCAC and the CFA) to the Secretary of the Treasury.

Step 9

The Secretary of the Treasury selects the final design.

Introductory 2018 Coin

A special American Innovation $1 Coin was minted and issued in 2018 to introduce this new series. The obverse of the coin features the same common obverse design as all the other coins in the series. The reverse design features a representation of President George Washington’s signature on the first-ever U.S. patent issued on July 31, 1790.

We have the special Chicago ANA release Introductory coins available certified perfect RP70 by ANACS and individually numbered to only #1790 (year of the first patent). CLICK HERE to get yours

History of the designs

2019

Delaware - Classifying the stars

Pennsylvania - Polio vaccine

New Jersey - Light bulb

Georgia - Trustees' Garden

2020

Connecticut - Gerber variable scale

Massachusetts - Telephone

Maryland - Hubble Space Telescope

South Carolina - Septima Clark

2021

New Hampshire - Home video game system

Virginia - Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

New York - Erie Canal

North Carolina - First public university

2022

Rhode Island - Reliance yacht naval innovation

Vermont - Snowboarding

Kentucky - Bluegrass music

Tennessee - Tennessee Valley Authority and rural electrification

2023

Ohio - Underground Railroad

Louisiana - Higgins Boat

Indiana - Automobile industry

Mississippi - First human lung transplant

The program is expected to end in 2032.

While it is already determined which states will be honored in the coming years, and in what order, the design feature and elements are to be decided.

Dollar coins have not been issued into circulation since 2011. The U.S. Mint manufactures them solely for numismatic products.