Viva La Tecnología: The American Innovation Coin

Being jaded with numerous opportunities arising all around us is a typical feeling that indicates how fastidious and exhausted we became due to the overall availability of technologies, free resources, fast entertainment, and the like. Nevertheless, praising those who have laid such a foundation is crucial, and the US is one of those countries that celebrates any discoveries and inventions via culture and even routine things.

The American Innovation Coin series is a tribute to the nation’s most groundbreaking achievements and their founders/creators that aim to glorify those who have made our lives easier, less dependent, and more vivid. Let us together explore what the American innovators 1 dollar coin is, what it looks like, and what the future of numismatics has to offer.

Briefly About the Origin of the American Innovation Coin Program  

The American Innovation Coin Program is a strategy aimed at the promotion of the nation’s rich history of technological breakthroughs and digital dominance. As such, this program was launched in 2018, a year that defined the upcoming 14 years of coinage in the United States. The program presupposes that each year there should be released a few coins from different states or territories that praise advancements performed in their cultural space. It can be compared with the 1999-2009 50 State Quarters Program.

Although the program is indeed a celebration of the past, it is no longer possible to neglect the future and ongoing pursuit of innovation. 

Design Features of the American Innovators $1 Coin

In general, these coins should be minted in the same pattern, which serves as a distinctive feature of the program. This means that every coin in the series shares a common obverse design with the Statue of Liberty, the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “1$”. The reverse design, in turn, is the surface where they express their unique identities and put pictures of specific innovations from the region they are offered by. Nevertheless, American innovators 1 dollar coin is a piece of art anyway.

2018-2024 American Innovation Coins List

How Do They Select and Approve Designs? 

Since the choice of the American innovation $1 coin design is a crucial point of the whole program, the selection and approval process refers to a well-detailed and collaborative effort involving several levels and responsibilities, too. So, what do authorities do so as to select the design appropriately? 

1. Territorial Contributions 

While each coin reflects the innovations of a specific place or region, the US Mint should carefully identify the key advancements to represent the region’s unique contributions to American progress as a whole. 

2. Design Explorations

As soon as the idea is defined, one should navigate the numismatic landscape so as to avoid creating the same coin. Though it may be difficult to generate the same ideas, it is always better to rest assured you are making unique products only. To do so, the US Mint’s team is free to rely on apps like Coin ID Scanner with extensive databases to explore similar numismatic opportunities, check value of coins​, find inspiration, and develop their own design in the end. 

3. Design Proposals 

Once the market is explored and the innovation is selected, the US Mint’s team begins drafting design concepts for the new $1 coins. These are typically presented in the form of sketches or digital renderings that capture the essence of the innovation (without unnecessary details). Hence, creators along with stakeholders and the general public may review each proposal and select the most suitable one for approval. 

4. Production and Release 

When the design is finally approved, the final image is engraved onto the coin dies, and there begins the production. Each year, the US Mint produces 4 different types of the American innovators coin for people to remember, respect, and enjoy innovation from their local settings. And coin graders and dealers are glad to have one. A great way to develop national self-awareness and love towards each other as well.

American Innovation Coin Program demonstrates how important it is to praise what has been raised and cherished where you come from. Visually stunning coins may be equally significant in terms of culture and history, too. So, explore the world through its attributes, even the smallest ones, compile a collection, and never forget about respecting what we are lucky to have these days. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/american-innovation-dollar-coins 

2. https://coinsofamerica.com/american-innovation/