The United States Mint opened sales for rolls and bags containing the first American Innovation $1 Coin of 2025 on January 7 at noon EST. The reverse design of the coins in these products recognizes innovation by naval engineer Raye Montague from the State of Arkansas.
“I am pleased to announce the release of the American Innovation $1 Coin for the State of Arkansas,” said the Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, Director of the Mint. “Raye Montague was an American naval engineer credited with creating the first computer-generated rough draft of a U.S. naval ship. She was the first female program manager of ships in the United States Navy. We are honored to celebrate this major achievement with this coin.”
“Arkansas is thrilled to be featured on the $1 Coin and proud that Raye Montague—a native Arkansan, groundbreaking naval engineer, and the definition of American Innovation—will be the Natural State’s representative,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The following packaging options from the Mint’s facilities at Philadelphia and Denver are now available:
Introduced in 2018, the American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series featuring distinctive reverse designs that pay homage to America’s ingenuity and celebrate the pioneering efforts of individuals or groups from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories.
The Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin reverse design features Raye Montague visualizing a United States Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, a ship she designed by computer. The grid pattern over the sea evokes the engineering and drafting techniques she digitized to accomplish her design. Included inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ARKANSAS,” AND “RAYE MONTAGUE.” United States Mint Medallic Artist Eric David Custer sculpted, and Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Elana Hagler designed the image.
The obverse design of all coins in the American Innovation $1 Coin Program features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” The design also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation. Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Justin Kunz created the design, which Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill sculpted.
Incused on the coin’s edge are “2025,” the mint mark (“P” or “D”), and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
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1. It’s great to see the Mint continuing this series. I hope they eventually offer proof versions of these innovation dollars individually, outside of the sets.
2. Montague’s contribution to naval engineering is impressive, and it’s fitting that her legacy is being honored on this coin. The grid design element is a particularly nice touch.
3. While I appreciate the innovation theme, I’m curious how many people outside of Arkansas will actually use these dollar coins in everyday transactions.
4. I wonder if the Mint will ever branch out beyond coins and create other numismatic items related to these innovators. Medals or tokens, perhaps?
5. The Statue of Liberty obverse is starting to feel a bit overused. Perhaps it’s time for a fresh take on the $1 coin’s front design.
6. It’s a shame these aren’t released into circulation more readily. A design celebrating innovation deserves a wider audience.
7. I’m always interested in seeing how the Mint incorporates symbolism into their designs. The grid pattern representing drafting techniques is a clever example.
8. I’m curious to know more about the selection process for these honorees. Is there a public nomination process, or is it decided internally?
1. It’s noteworthy how the U.S. Mint continues to highlight lesser-known but highly significant figures in American innovation. Raye Montague’s story is inspiring.
2. The grid pattern on the coin is a subtle yet effective way to represent Montague’s pioneering use of computer technology in ship design.
3. I wonder how many of these dollar coins will actually circulate. Dollar coins haven’t really caught on with the public.
4. It’s great to see Arkansas represented in this series. The choice of Raye Montague is a fitting tribute to the state’s contributions to innovation.
5. The connection between the Statue of Liberty on the obverse and the theme of innovation is somewhat tenuous, but the overall design is still pleasing.
6. While I appreciate the effort to honor innovation, I can’t help but feel that these commemorative programs are becoming a bit excessive.
7. The inclusion of both the designer and sculptor’s names adds a nice personal touch to the coin’s story.
8. I’m curious to see how the prices of these rolls and bags fluctuate in the secondary market. Will they become highly sought-after collectibles?
1. It’s great to see Raye Montague’s contributions recognized, but I wish the design incorporated more Arkansas-specific imagery beyond just the grid.
2. I’m curious to see how this dollar coin circulates. Dollar coins haven’t really caught on, have they?
3. The Statue of Liberty on the obverse feels a little disconnected thematically from the reverse design celebrating innovation.
4. While I appreciate the innovation series, I find myself more drawn to classic coin designs.
5. I wonder if they’ll ever release a proof version of these Innovation dollars with a more detailed finish. That would be something I’d be interested in.
6. It’s a shame these aren’t made of silver. A silver dollar commemorating innovation would have a certain appeal.
7. The packaging options are pretty standard. It would be nice to see some more creative packaging from the Mint.
8. I hope this release sparks renewed interest in dollar coins. They are a practical denomination.
9. It’s always exciting to see a new coin release, and this one is no exception. I’m looking forward to adding it to my collection.