Dollar · 2018–2026
American Innovation Dollar
The Statue of Liberty in profile on a golden-colored coin, with a privy mark that changes by year. A new design for each state and territory celebrating a famous American innovation or innovator.
Designer
Justin Kunz (obverse); various artists (reverses)
Diameter
26.5 mm
Edge
Lettered (date, mint mark, and E PLURIBUS UNUM on the edge)
Mint mark
On the edge of the coin, alongside the date
Composition
2018–2026: Manganese-brass clad ('golden dollar') · 8.1 g
Did you know? The very first coin of the program honors George Washington signing the first U.S. patent — a coin about the idea of ideas.
Beginner tip: You will never find these in change: they're sold only in Mint bags, rolls, and sets, so uncirculated examples with original packaging are the way to collect them.
Key dates to look for
2018-P Innovation
$3+ uncirculatedOne-year introductory design that kicked off the program
2019-S Innovation
$10+ eachFirst reverse proofs of the series, sold individually by the Mint
Error types found on this series
Improperly Annealed Planchet
A heat-treatment mistake turned the blank's surface an unusual color — most famously the coppery-red 'sintered' state quarters and dollars.
Die Crack
A crack in the die fills with metal during the strike, leaving a thin raised line on the coin.
Machine Doubling
The die bounced or chattered at the moment of striking, smearing a flat shelf-like second edge onto the design.
Real photos where available (credits); others are illustrations.