Numismatic

2019-P American Innovation $1 Classifying Stars BU (DE)

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This modern dollar coin represents a celebration of American ingenuity, originating from a multi-year series that highlights groundbreaking creators and their inventions. Issued in 2019, this specific piece pays tribute to Delaware, following the chronological sequence of when states joined the Union. The overall program mirrors the structure of the earlier state quarters, introducing four distinct designs annually to celebrate different regions and their contributions. The front of the coin displays a side-profile view of the Statue of Liberty, accompanied by a small decorative gear symbol. Legible inscriptions on this side include the national motto and the face value of one dollar. The reverse side shifts focus to the cosmos, showcasing the silhouette of astronomer Annie Jump Cannon set against a star-filled sky. Her name is clearly inscribed alongside the state name of Delaware and the phrase describing her monumental task of organizing the stellar heavens. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin carries the P mint mark incused on its edge, alongside the year of production and the traditional Latin motto. Rather than precious metal, this brilliant uncirculated issue is composed of a copper core bonded to outer layers of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel, giving it a distinctive golden appearance.