American Innovation $1 MS [Type]

Designers: Obverse: Justin Kunz; Reverse: See image captions for reverse designers. Weight: 8.1 grams. Composition: Pure copper core with outer layers of manganese brass (.770 copper, .120 zinc, .070 manganese, and .040 nickel). Diameter: 26.5 mm. Edge: Lettered. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: In 2018 the U.S. Mint issued the first coin in a new, 15-year series: the American Innovation $1 Coin Program. Authorized by Public Law 115-197, each of the golden dollars in the program features a reverse design that “symbolizes quintessentially American traits—the willingness to explore, to discover, and to create one’s own destiny.” Four new designs, in Uncirculated and Proof finishes, are issued each year from 2019 through 2032—one for each state, in the order in which the states ratified the Constitution or were admitted to the Union, and then for the District of Columbia and each of the five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands). Like all dollar coins minted after 2011, they are issued for numismatic sales only; none are distributed for circulation.

The reverse designs are selected by processes similar to those the Mint has followed for other recent coin programs. Each state, district, or territory is involved in the selection of its coin’s potential themes, with the secretary of the Treasury having final decision-making authority. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee review designs and advise the Mint’s artists and the Treasury secretary.

The American Innovation dollars bear the following required inscriptions: on the obverse, IN GOD WE TRUST and the denomination; on the reverse, the name of the state, district, or territory (as appropriate), along with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; and incused into the edge, the date, the mintmark, and the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM. The obverse common to all coins in the series depicts a left-facing profile of the Statue of Liberty, as designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.

While each issue from 2019 through 2032 represents an individual state, district, or territory, the 2018 inaugural issue (designed by Donna Weaver and sculpted by Renata Gordon) represents the American Innovations program in general. A pattern of gears and cogs represents American industry; below, a facsimile of George Washington’s signature with SIGNED FIRST PATENT beneath it together represent the presidential signature on the first-ever U.S. patent, issued July 31, 1790. On a cartouche at the right, an eagle crouches on an angled shield, its wings spread behind it, with tools representing innovation (hammer, plow, wheel, etc.) below it.

American Innovation dollars are common in high grades, and are typically collected in Mint State and Proof.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: These coins are well struck and visually attractive.

Proof Coins: Proofs are made each year and are readily available directly from the Mint and from secondary-market coin dealers.