U.S. Mint releases coin honoring innovation in Alabama

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WSFA) - The United States Mint has released a brand new coin honoring innovation in the state of Alabama.

The Alabama coin is the latest edition in a multi-year series of new coins known as the American Innovation $1 Coin Program.

Honoring Alabama’s critical role in the space race and landing man on the moon, the reverse (tails) design on the Alabama coin depicts the Saturn V rocket blasting off, with the moon in the background. It is inscribed with the words, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “SATURN V,” and “ALABAMA.” The coin was designed and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Craig A. Campbell.

It’s the second new American Innovation $1 Coin of 2024.

“I am pleased to announce the release of the American Innovation $1 Coin for the State of Alabama,” said the Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, Director of the Mint. “The Saturn V rocket, designed and built at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama was initially developed to support the Apollo program for human exploration of the Moon. We are honored to celebrate this major achievement with this coin.”

“Alabama is a state of innovators, and the Saturn V rocket perfectly exemplifies that. It was Alabamians who helped put man on the moon, and today, we remain committed to ensuring our country is not only on the forefront of space exploration, but innovation in all areas,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “We are proud to now see the Saturn V rocket displayed on this coin and are honored to have Alabama and her people represented in this special, commemorative way.”

Since 2018, the Mint has been steadily releasing new coin in the American Innovation coin collection. The series pays tribute to American ingenuity by recognizing a significant pioneering effort from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories. Each coin has a distinctive tails design representing innovation from that region.

The obverse (heads) side of all coins in the collection features a profile of the Statue of Liberty and a cogwheel privy mark, signifying the American Innovation $1 Coin Program. The design was created by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Justin Kunz and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill.

The Alabama coin was officially released on April 8.

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