Numismatic

2019-S American Innovation $1 Polio Vaccine (Rev Proof) (PA)

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The American Innovation Dollar series celebrates the spirit of ingenuity by highlighting groundbreaking achievements from every state, territory, and the District of Columbia. Released in the sequence that states joined the Union, this multi-year initiative issues four distinct designs annually. This particular coin represents Pennsylvania, shining a spotlight on a monumental medical breakthrough that changed the world. On the reverse side, the design illustrates the battle against polio. It features a microscope alongside three distinct levels of magnification showing the polio virus, capturing the scientific journey to develop the vaccine. This side is inscribed with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'POLIO VACCINE', '1953', and 'PENNSYLVANIA'. The obverse displays a classic profile of the Statue of Liberty, accompanied by a stylized gear privy mark, the denomination '$1', and the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Struck at the San Francisco Mint with a striking Reverse Proof finish, the coin exhibits frosted fields and mirror-like raised details. Its edge is incused with the year '2019', the 'S' mint mark, and the national motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. The coin is composed of a pure copper core bonded to outer layers of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel, and is backed by the United States government.