This year’s first American Innovation $1 Dollar coin is set to release from both Philadelphia and Denver tomorrow. Dated 2020 in an Uncirculated finish, the next state to be honored is Connecticut. Being released in rolls and bags, this is the fifth state to be released as part of the multi-year series that started with an introductory coin in 2018 and followed with the first four releases in 2019 (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia). 2020’s designs will honor Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and South Carolina. The goal of the United States Mint’s American Innovation $1 Coin Program is to honor innovation and innovators from each State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands.
Connecticut’s design on the reverse of the coin features the Gerber Variable Scale. The scale is being depicted in use, increasing a geometric shape by 200 percent which also happens to be simulating the shape of the State of Connecticut itself. Inscriptions on the design read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top left of the arc of the coin as “GERBER VARIABLE SCALE” and “CONNECTICUT” are seen towards the bottom of the design.
The Gerber Variable Scale was invented in 1945 by Heinz Joseph Gerber. Gerber, at the time, was studying aeronautical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Before the invention of the scale existed, scientists were in desperate need of a simple solution to solve problems of scale. The Gerber Variable Scale was that solution. After its invention, scientists found it easy to use and quick to get solutions. It quickly became a major success and was eventually the universally accepted tool for engineers and architects by the 1950s.
The obverse design of the coin will feature the Statue of Liberty design that will remain constant throughout the multi-year series. “IN GOD WE TRUST” can be seen on the design as well as the denomination of “$1”. A privy mark can be seen in the form of a gear representing the series as a whole in its attempt to honor and represent industry and innovation. The edge of the Uncirculated design will be incused and inscribed with “2020,” the “P” or “D” mintmark representing either Philadelphia or Denver, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”