Celebrating American Innovation: The Dollar Coin Series

In 2018, the American Innovation $1 Coin Program was introduced by the US Mint to celebrate the inventiveness that characterizes the country. This multi-year initiative celebrates groundbreaking achievements and innovators from all 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.

Running through 2032, the program releases four unique $1 coins each year, in order that states ratified the Constitution or join the Union. Each coin’s reverse (tails side) highlights an innovation or an innovator with special relevance to that state or territory. The front side of the coin displays a uniform design featuring the Statue of Liberty, accompanied by the phrases "In God We Trust" and "$1." Starting in 2019, a privy mark has been added just below this text.

The Mint collaborates closely with state governors or their representatives and subject matter experts to select concepts that reflect local contributions to America’s legacy of innovation. Final coin designs are chosen by the Secretary of the Treasury and released in both uncirculated and proof finishes. Mint marks indicate where the coin was produced: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco.

The 2023 coins recognized Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana, and Ohio for their significant achievements. The first of these, the Ohio dollar, was released on January 30 in rolls and bags. Additional state coins are scheduled throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

The program was officially authorized in 2018 and launched with a special introductory coin commemorating George Washington’s signing of the first U.S. patent. Although these coins are not released into general circulation, they are available for purchase at a premium through the U.S. Mint.

Each coin’s reverse design includes the name of the featured state or territory and “United States of America,” while the edge is inscribed with the year of minting, the mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Kick off your collection with the first coin in the series. Grab the 2018-S American Innovation Dollar today!