American Innovation® $1 Coin – North Carolina
American Innovation $1 Coin Program
- Year of Issue: 2021
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 115-197
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Background
The American Innovation $1 Coin representing North Carolina recognizes the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the first public institution of higher learning in the United States. Opened in 1795, it is the only public institution to confer degrees in the 18th century.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile. The obverse also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.
The reverse (tails) design features a stack of three textbooks with “FIRST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY” on the spine of the middle book. A lamp of knowledge is perched atop the books and olive branches curve around the edge of the design.
Obverse Inscriptions
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- $1
Reverse Inscriptions
- FIRST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- NORTH CAROLINA
Incused (edge) Inscriptions
- 2021
- 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: Joseph Menna, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Ronald D. Sanders, Artistic Infusion Program