American Innovation® $1 Coin
American Innovation $1 Coin Program
- Year of Issue: 2018
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 115-197
- Shop Now
Background
The U.S. Mint issued a special American Innovation $1 Coin in 2018 to introduce a new $1 coin series: the American Innovation® $1 Coin Program. The coin pays homage to President George Washington who issued the first U.S. patent to Samuel Hopkins on July 31, 1790, for developing a process for making potash, an ingredient found in fertilizer. Millions of patents have been issued since then, a testament to our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit, and the remarkable innovation and discovery it unleashes.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile.
The reverse (tails) design features George Washington’s signature. The stylized gears represent industry and innovation.
Obverse Inscriptions
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- $1
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- AMERICAN INNOVATORS
- SIGNED FIRST PATENT
Incused (edge) Inscriptions
- 2018
- Mint mark
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
| Composition | Weight | Diameter | Thickness | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Manganese-Brass
88.5% Cu
6% Zn
3.5% Mn
2% Ni
|
8.1 g |
1.043 in.
26.49 mm
|
2.00 mm | Edge-Lettering |
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Justin Kunz, Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: Renata Gordon, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Donna Weaver, Artistic Infusion Program