Numismatic

2018-D American Innovation $1 - First Signed Patent BU

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In 2018, a new dollar series debuted to celebrate the spirit of American ingenuity, beginning with a tribute to the nation's very first signed patent. This Denver Mint issue, preserved in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, is composed of a pure copper core bonded to outer layers containing copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. Unlike standard coinage, these pieces were not distributed into general circulation by local banks, making them a distinctive find for curious observers. The obverse presents a striking profile of the Statue of Liberty, accompanied by the traditional national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the "$1" face value. This classic symbol of freedom sets the stage for the coin's innovative reverse design, which honors the birth of American intellectual property. On the reverse, stylized gears turn in unison to represent industry, progress, and mechanical innovation. Superimposed on this industrial backdrop is the signature of George Washington, who signed the country's inaugural patent into law. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "AMERICAN INNOVATORS" frame this historical tribute. To keep the primary faces clean and artistic, the year "2018," the "D" mint mark, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are incused directly into the edge of the coin.