American Innovation® $1 Coin – Ohio
- Year of Issue: 2023
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 115-197
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Background
The American Innovation $1 Coin representing Ohio honors the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a loose and decentralized network of individuals, families, friends, and churches that covertly helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. The National Park Service recognizes over a dozen routes through Ohio which stand as monuments to individuals fleeing slavery and those who helped them along their way.
Other states had active lines within the informal Underground Railroad network, but Ohio’s role was pivotal. Ohio was the southernmost free-state that bordered the northernmost slave states of Kentucky and (then) Virginia. It had an estimated 3,000 miles of trails throughout the state with safe houses, or “stations,” that aided the runaways’ flights to freedom.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile. The obverse also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.
The reverse (tails) design depicts two strong hands grasped together, the upper arm pulling the lower arm upward, representing the support and strength required by both parties on the Underground Railroad. A chain fastened to a rustic shackle around the lower arm's wrist snaps and fragments, alluding to the hope of freedom.
Obverse Inscriptions
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- $1
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
- OHIO
Incused (edge) Inscriptions
- 2023
- Mint mark
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
| Composition | Weight | Diameter | Thickness | Edge | Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Manganese-Brass
88.5% Cu
6% Zn
3.5% Mn
2% Ni
|
8.1 g |
1.043 in.
26.49 mm
|
2.00 mm | Edge-Lettering |
Uncirculated
Proof
|
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Justin Kunz, Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: Stephen Layne, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Beth Zaiken, Artistic Infusion Program