American Innovation $1 Coin 2024 Rolls and Bags - Illinois
Illinoian farmer and blacksmith John Lane changed the landscape of agriculture when he created the first steel plow out of a sawmill blade. In the 19th century, America was expanding westward, and farmer’s traditional wooden plows struggled going from the soft east coast soil to the tough and compacted midwestern plains. John Lane’s steel plow made quick work of the midwestern sod and laid the groundwork for the region that is now known as “America’s Breadbasket.” Despite the success and popularity of his invention, John Lane never patented the steel plow, but continued to make them by hand and on-demand for other farmers. Because he did not patent the invention, other blacksmiths across the country were able to produce their own steel plows which forever changed the lives of American farmers and the Nation that relied on them.
The United States Mint American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series honoring innovation and innovators with $1 coins from each State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands. The American Innovation $1 Coins in the rolls and bags were minted at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. The Illinois coin is the first of 2024.
The Illinois American innovation $1 Coin reverse (tails) design features a large steel plow blade affixed to a right-handed beam and braces. Behind the plow is a stand of Big Bluestem prairie grass and a field of soil below. Included inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “STEEL PLOW,” and “ILLINOIS.”
The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” It also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.
The year of minting, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coins.
| Denomination: | $1 Coin |
|---|---|
| Composition: | 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel, balance copper |
| Weight: | 8.100 grams |
| Diameter: | 1.043 inches (26.49 mm) |
| Edge: | Lettered |
| Mint and Mint Mark: | Philadelphia-P and Denver-D |
| Privy Mark: | Stylized gear |
Illinoian farmer and blacksmith John Lane changed the landscape of agriculture when he created the first steel plow out of a sawmill blade. In the 19th century, America was expanding westward, and farmer’s traditional wooden plows struggled going from the soft east coast soil to the tough and compacted midwestern plains. John Lane’s steel plow made quick work of the midwestern sod and laid the groundwork for the region that is now known as “America’s Breadbasket.” Despite the success and popularity of his invention, John Lane never patented the steel plow, but continued to make them by hand and on-demand for other farmers. Because he did not patent the invention, other blacksmiths across the country were able to produce their own steel plows which forever changed the lives of American farmers and the Nation that relied on them.