American Innovation® Introductory $1 Coin

The U.S. Mint issued a special American Innovation $1 Coin in 2018 to introduce a new $1 coin series: the American Innovation® $1 Coin Program. The coin pays homage to President George Washington who issued the first U.S. patent to Samuel Hopkins on July 31, 1790, for developing a process for making potash, an ingredient found in fertilizer. Millions of patents have been issued since then, a testament to our nation's entrepreneurial spirit, and the remarkable innovation and discovery it unleashes.

The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile.

The reverse (tails) design features George Washington’s signature. The stylized gears represent industry and innovation.

•  IN GOD WE TRUST
•  $1

• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• AMERICAN INNOVATORS
• SIGNED FIRST PATENT

• Denver
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco