The United States Mint recently unveiled the 2020 designs for the next four in the American Innovation $1 Coin program to be released. The designs honor innovators and innovations from the great states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and South Carolina. The first American Innovation $1 coin to be released this year will feature Connecticut and be released in a Reverse Proof finish.
Connecticut’s design on the reverse of the coin features the Gerber Variable Scale. The scale is being depicted in use, increasing a geometric shape by 200 percent which also happens to be simulating the shape of the State of Connecticut itself. Inscriptions on the design read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top left of the arc of the coin as “GERBER VARIABLE SCALE” and “CONNECTICUT” are seen towards the bottom of the design.
The Gerber Variable Scale was invented in 1945 by Heinz Joseph Gerber. Gerber, at the time, was studying aeronautical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Before the invention of the scale existed, scientists were in desperate need of a simple solution to solve problems of scale. The Gerber Variable Scale was that solution. After its invention, scientists found it easy to use and quick to get solutions. It quickly became a major success and was eventually the universally accepted tool for engineers and architects by the 1950s.
The obverse design of the coin will feature the Statue of Liberty design that will remain constant throughout the multi-year series. “IN GOD WE TRUST” can be seen on the design as well as the denomination of “$1”. A privy mark can be seen in the form of a gear representing the series as a whole in its attempt to honor and represent industry and innovation. The edge of the Reverse Proof design will be incused and inscribed with “2020,” the “S” mintmark representing San Francisco, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The mintage for the release today, July 21st, is set to 50,000 and the household limit is set at five. The reverse proof coin will feature the standard inverted proof finish with the background frosted and the remainder of the design elements polished in a mirror-like (proof) finish. The coin will come in an envelope style packaging with the Certificate of Authenticity featured on the inside and an outer sleeve.
