United States Mint Announces 2022 American Innovation® $1 Coin Program Designs
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) today officially announced the designs for the 2022 American Innovation $1 Coin Program. This multi-year series that started in 2018 honors innovation and innovators by issuing $1 coins for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. The Mint works with the Governor’s offices of each state, along with subject matter experts, to determine design concepts emblematic of innovation significant and meaningful to their jurisdiction and/or its role in the nation. Once the Secretary of the Treasury approves the design concepts, the designs are developed and reviewed. The Secretary of the Treasury selects the final design for each coin. The 2022 designs honor innovations and/or innovators from Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
“From the birthplace of the industrial revolution to the first working offshore wind farm in America—innovation thrives in the Ocean State,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. “I’m proud that Rhode Island’s $1 coin pays tribute to our state’s manufacturing roots and sailing heritage.”
“I am proud to have snowboarding representing Vermont in the Innovation $1 program,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “In many ways, Vermont is the birthplace of modern snowboarding, and this coin represents Vermont’s contributions to the sport, from physical innovations in boards and bindings to the creativity and athleticism showcased by Vermonters—and others who train in the Green Mountains—in competition on the world stage.”
“Bluegrass music is renowned worldwide as a deeply American—and thoroughly Kentuckian—art form. Arising in the 1940s from Appalachia on the fleet fingers and high, lonesome harmonies of icons like Bill Monroe and many others, bluegrass has come to represent the soul of our commonwealth,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said. “The American Innovation $1 Coin Program honors the trailblazers and accomplishments that continue to keep our great nation at the vanguard in industry and culture. Kentuckians long have been leaders and innovators across a wide spectrum of arts, thought, and commerce. As a state born of the pioneer spirit, we are proud to see our commonwealth celebrated and represented in this exciting program from the U.S. Mint.”
“The Tennessee Valley Authority’s innovation has sparked growth and economic development across our rural communities,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “I thank the U.S. Mint for highlighting the efforts of Tennessee trailblazers and look forward to the coin’s release.”
United States Mint Director David J. Ryder believes that the symbols of innovation chosen by the states and territories will have unifying and educational value. “The very nature of this program provides us an opportunity to learn about the many contributions Americans have made that have propelled this country forward,” he said. “As we celebrate the innovations of the past, we look forward to those yet to come.”
American Innovation – Rhode Island
Designer: Dennis Friel, Artistic Infusion Program
Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
The Rhode Island $1 Coin design depicts Nathanael Herreshoff’s famous Reliance yacht at full speed in the waters surrounding Rhode Island. The design is bordered by a rope evoking the nautical scene. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “RHODE ISLAND.”
American Innovation – Vermont
Designer: Justin Kunz, Artistic Infusion Program
Sculptor: Craig Campbell, Medallic Artist
The Vermont $1 Coin features a young female snowboarder in the air performing a trick called a “melon grab,” set against a mountainous winter skyline inspired by the landscape of Vermont. The aim of the design is to capture a sense of the energy and exuberance of snowboarding through movement implied by diagonal lines and curved shapes. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “VERMONT.”
American Innovation – Kentucky
Designer: Christina Hess, Artistic Infusion Program
Sculptor: Renata Gordon, Medallic Artist
The Kentucky $1 Coin pays homage to the home of bluegrass music. This design features a banjo, an important bluegrass instrument, tilted to one side, alluding to the rhythm and movement of the music. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “BLUEGRASS,” and “KENTUCKY.”
American Innovation – Tennessee
Designer: Matt Swaim, Artistic Infusion Program
Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Chief Engraver
The Tennessee $1 Coin design depicts a Tennessee farm with newly installed power lines lining the road. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY,” and “TENNESSEE.”
The obverse (tails) design of American Innovation $1 Coins 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.
The edge-incused inscriptions are “2022,” the mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Images are available at https://www.usmint.gov/news/image-library/american-innovation-dollar. On-sale dates for products containing the 2022 American Innovation $1 Coins will be published on the Mint’s Product Schedule here. When available, the Mint will accept orders at catalog.usmint.gov/. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
World’s Most Valuable Numismatic Item, $48 Million Gold 1,000 Bitcoin Physical Coin, Submitted by GreatCollections to PCGS
Described as “a new Goliath,” the “Gold Cas” was purchased in 2011 for only $4,905, but its value today is staggering
(Irvine, California) October 4, 2021 — Not seen for a decade, a one-ounce gold coin with a denomination of 1,000 Bitcoins (BTC) is the world’s most valuable numismatic item. Purchased in December 2011 for $4,905, it is now worth $48 million at the BTC value as of Monday morning, October 4, 2021.
On behalf of its anonymous owner, GreatCollections Coin Auctions of Irvine, California (www.GreatCollections.com) submitted the gold 1,000 Bitcoin physical coin under armed guard for certification to Professional Coin Grading Service. It has been certified PCGS Proof-70 DCAM.

Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections in Irvine, California, holds the gold-plated 25 Bitcoins physical coin (on the left) and the one-ounce gold 1,000 Bitcoins “Gold Cas” coin (on the right) that is the world’s most valuable numismatic item worth $48 million. (Photo courtesy of GreatCollections.)
“This is the greatest return on investment for any numismatic item, a staggering 9,786 times the purchase price in just ten years. It may be the world’s greatest investment in that time span,” stated Ian Russell, President of GreatCollections.
“Its value eclipses classic coins, such as the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle recently auctioned by Sotheby’s for $18,872,250 or the Sultan of Muscat 1804 Draped Bust dollar GreatCollections recently purchased at auction for $7,680,000 on behalf of a client,” he said.
The gold 1,000 BTC is not for sale, but Russell announced that a gold-plated 25 BTC coin, now certified PCGS MS-67, will be offered without reserve by GreatCollections in an auction that closes on November 14.
“Bidding will start at $1, although I anticipate this 25 BTC will sell for more than $1 million,” predicted Russell.
The cryptocurrency community refers to the 1,000 BTC coin as “the Gold Cas.” That is a reference to “Casascius”, the brand of BTC coins produced from 2011 to 2013. The company was created by Mike Caldwell to create physical “Casascius coins” in increments of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25, 100 and 1,000 BTC units. Caldwell also produced some BTC ingots.
PCGS Interim President Stephanie Sabin stated: “PCGS sets the standard for grading and authenticating rare coins, tokens, medals, and paper currency. As such, we have been entrusted with the encapsulation of the majority of auction-topping items year after year. This coin is set apart in its cultural significance in merging the worlds of cryptocurrency and traditional numismatics. Combine this with the staggering value of the Bitcoins it contains and we have a new Goliath.”
Only six 1,000 gold BTC Casascius coins were made and four of them have not been redeemed including the one owned by Russell’s client.
The gold coin is dated “2012 CASASCIUS.” The legend on the obverse includes “1 TROY OZ .999 FINE GOLD” and the motto, “VIRES IN NUMERIS,” Latin for STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. There is a multi-color, tamper-resistant hologram design on the reverse. It was in fact the first produced by Casascius.

Forgotten in a desk drawer for years, this 1,000 Bitcoins denomination “Gold Cas” physical coin purchased in December 2011 for $4,905 is now worth over $48 million. Graded PCGS Proof-70 DCAM, it is the world’s most valuable numismatic item. (Photo courtesy of GreatCollections.)
Russell said the current owner of this 1,000 gold BTC is not the presumed founder of the digital currency Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto. There have been suggestions that the founder of Bitcoin owns iconic Bitcoin items such as the “Gold Cas”.
“The Gold Cas owner wanted to have his fortune encapsulated and graded by PCGS. GreatCollections arranged the process from start-to-finish, including an armed guard escort to take it to PCGS headquarters in Santa Ana, California,” said Russell.
“It’s the ultimate 21st century collectible, merging gold with crypto-currency; a cultural phenomenon considering the vast numbers of people under 30 who own some cryptocurrency as investments,” he stated.
“The $48 million coin now resides in an overseas bank vault, and it’s unlikely to ever be redeemed or spent as Bitcoin, but you may be able to see it in person someday. GreatCollections is in talks with the owner to publicly display it at an upcoming coin convention,” Russell explained.
For additional information, contact GreatCollections at 949-679-4180 or visit online at www.GreatCollections.com.
About GreatCollections
GreatCollections is an auction house for certified coins and banknotes, handling transactions from start to finish. Since its founding in 2010, GreatCollections has successfully auctioned over 950,000 certified coins, making it one of the leading certified coin companies in the United States. Ian Russell, owner/president of GreatCollections, is a member of the prestigious Professional Numismatists Guild and member of the National Auctioneers Association. For more information about GreatCollections, visit www.GreatCollections.com or call (800) 442-6467.
The Royal Mint’s latest research shows new interest in childhood character coins
As well as minting the coins found in our pockets, The Royal Mint makes collectable coins celebrating key themes and milestones and featuring some of Britain’s most-loved childhood characters on UK coin.
The new findings mark the launch of the latest coin in the collection inspired by Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, which features Pooh’s trusted friend Owl on a 50p at The Royal Mint.
According to the new research, more than half of 35–44-year-olds said that childhood character coins were the main reason for starting a collection. The childhood character coins also inspired almost three quarters of Royal Mint’s collectors aged 18-24.
- 51% of 35- to 44-year-olds state childhood character coins as the main reason for collecting
- 74% of 18- to 24-year-olds consider character coins as one of the reasons for collecting
The research also found that the timeless hobby of treasuring Britain’s favourite collectable item remains an interest which is passed down through generations – 45% started collecting because a grandparent or older relative introduced a collection to them, according to the survey results.
Mum of two, Januarie Braganza, from London, is a keen childhood character coin collector, on behalf of her 75-year-old mother Sunny Hall and children; 2-year-old Blaise and 1-year-old Winnie. She said:
Speaking of the launch of the latest Owl 50p which celebrates 95 years of Winnie the Pooh with a design based on the original E.H Shepard decorations, she added:
Earlier this month, The Royal Mint revealed that coins are officially the most popular collectable item in the UK, with over a third of collectors having a passion for coins (36%). Stamps (30%) and books (26%) came in second and third most popular. The Royal Mint’s Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin Clare Maclennan said:
The collectable Owl 50p is the latest release in Winnie the Pooh series, marking the 95th anniversary of the lovable bear. Inspired by the original watercolour decorations of E.H. Shepard, and available in a vibrant special colour edition, the coin is itself a beautiful work of art for collectors of all ages, and we’re so thrilled to see these pieces are inspiring new and younger collectors to get involved.
- Owl 2021 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated bu pack front (standard) reverse – UK21OWBU
- Owl 2021 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated (standard) reverse on edge – UK21OWBU
- Owl 2021 UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated reverse (Coloured) – UK21OWBC
- Owl 2021 UK 50p Gold Proof Coin reverse edge – UK21OWGP
The Owl 2021 UK 50p is the fifth release in the nine-coin Winnie the Pooh and Friends collection. See the full Winnie the Pooh commemorative collection, and others, at The Royal Mint.
New Appointee Joins Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee

Harcourt Fuller
(Image from his profile page at GSU)
Currently an Associate Professor of African and African Diaspora History in the Department of History at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Dr. Fuller has taught at Connecticut College, Florida International University, and Emmanuel College. He was also a Visiting Scholar and Researcher at Boston University.
A coin and currency collector since his childhood years, Dr. Fuller is a member of the American Numismatic Association and the International Bank Note Society. His numismatic research has been highlighted in Coin World and the IBNS Journal, and in 2021, he spoke at the Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta, and his “Money Talks” presentation was featured at the American Numismatic Society. He is also the creator of the traveling museum exhibition, Black Money Exhibit: World Currencies Featuring African and African Diasporic History and Cultures; the Black Money Exhibit soundtrack; and the forthcoming documentary film, Black Women on Money.
Dr. Fuller holds a Ph.D. in International History and an M.Sc. (with Merit) in History of International Relations from the London School of Economics. He also holds a B.A. in International Studies, an M.A. in History, and a Certificate in Latin American Studies from the City College of New York. His notable awards include a Fulbright Global Scholar Award, a Whiting Public Humanities Fellowship, and an Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society Grant. During his graduate studies, he held the position of Research Assistant in the Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum in London.
Dr. Fuller is also the producer of the award-winning documentary film Queen Nanny: Legendary Maroon Chieftainess (2015), which chronicles the history and legacy of the 18th century African-Jamaican anti-slavery leader, Nanny of the Maroons.
About the CCAC
The CCAC was established by an Act of Congress in 2003. It advises the Secretary of the Treasury on theme or design proposals relating to circulating coinage, bullion coinage, Congressional Gold Medals, and other medals produced by the United States Mint. The CCAC also makes commemorative coin recommendations to the Secretary and advises on the events, persons, or places to be commemorated, as well as on the mintage levels and proposed designs. The CCAC is subject to the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury. The United States Mint is responsible for providing necessary and appropriate administrative support, technical services, and advice.
The CCAC submits an annual report to Congress and the Secretary of the Treasury, describing its activities and providing recommendations.
Important news about American Innovation® Program Enrollments
Please note: 2021 American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coins will no longer be available for individual sale.
The following coins will only be available in the 2021 American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Set (21GC):
- 2021 American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coin – New Hampshire (21GE)
- 2021 American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coin – Virginia (21GF)
- 2021 American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coin – North Carolina (21GG)
- 2021 American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coin – New York (21GH)
Those enrolled to receive the American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coin™ will be automatically enrolled to receive the 2021 American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Set™, scheduled for release on November 8, 2021.
If you do not wish to receive the Reverse Proof Set, you may visit your Account Enrollments page and opt out of receiving the set 30 days prior to its release.
We appreciate your continuing support for this program and we hope you continue to collect the American Innovation Reverse Proof coins.
Have questions about managing enrollment orders? Check out our Self-Service FAQ.




