Numismatic

2023-P American Innovation $1 Lung Transplant BU (Mississippi)

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The American Innovation dollar series celebrates significant technological and scientific milestones from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and United States territories. Released at a rate of four designs annually in the order of statehood, these coins circulate alongside the Native American dollar. This specific 2023 issue from the Philadelphia Mint highlights a groundbreaking medical achievement from Mississippi. On the obverse, the Statue of Liberty is depicted in a side profile. This side also displays a small privy mark shaped like a stylized gear, alongside the denomination of one dollar and the traditional motto of trust. The coin's edge is incused with the year 2023, the P mint mark, and the national motto of unity, keeping the main faces clean for the artwork. The reverse side presents a detailed tribute to the first human lung transplant. The design features a pair of lungs accompanied by gloved hands transferring surgical tools, capturing the intensity and precision of the historic operation. This side bears the inscriptions identifying the United States of America, the state of Mississippi, and the specific medical feat. Composed of a pure copper core bonded to outer layers of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel, this brilliant uncirculated coin is backed by the United States government.