Tomorrow we will get a chance to see the 2023 American Innovation $1 Coins in a Proof finish when the United States Mint releases the 4pc Proof Set beginning at 12pm EST. Available for $24.00, the set will include this year’s honorees, including Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, and Mississippi.
Struck at San Francisco, the initial household limit is set at five with the product and mintage limit set at 80,055. All four coins will be featured in a clear plastic lens and come inside beautifully designed packaging accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Kicking off in 2018 with an introductory coin and following up with four coins per year in the following year, the American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series that aims to honor innovation and innovators for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five United States territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands). Ohio was the first to be released earlier this year in rolls and bags and marks the 17th official release of the series (excluding 2018’s introductory coin) while Mississippi was the last and officially the 20th in the series to come from the Mint.
Ohio
The reverse features two hands that are strongly grasped together with the upper arm pulling the lower arm upward, representing the support and strength that took place during the events of the Underground Railroad. A chain is also seen fastened to a shackle that is wrapped around the lower arm’s wrist. The chain is depicted as snapping and revealing its fragments, showcasing hope and freedom. Inscriptions included on the design are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “UNDERGROUND RAILROAD,” and “OHIO.”
Louisiana
The reverse depicts a Higgins Boat as it would have been deployed during World War II. A landing ramp is open against the beach, something innovative at the time. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “THE HIGGINS BOAT,” and “LOUISIANA” are seen inscribed along the top and bottom.
Indiana
A series of vehicles are seen on the reverse, showcasing the innovations from yesterday and today. They include an early style gas automobile representing classic car production and a recent model of an Indy style race car today. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “INDIANA” are also seen inscribed on the design.
Mississippi
The reverse design features a pair of human lungs in the background and a surgical assistant passing forceps to the surgeon during the first lung transplant surgery. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” FIRST HUMAN LUNG TRANSPLANT,” and “MISSISSIPPI” are also inscribed.
The obverse of the designs features a representation of the Statue of Liberty with “IN GOD WE TRUST” AND “$1” inscribed. It also features a privy mark in the shape of a stylized gear representing industry and innovation. The edge of the coins is incused featuring the year, mint mark and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Source: United States Mint