2018 Inaugural American Innovation Dollar 24K Gold Plated

In 2018, the U.S. Mint introduced the first coin in the American Innovation $1 Coin program.  This special edition of the coin is layered in 24K gold. Just a tiny fraction of all coins will receive this special treatment, and they are not available from the U.S. Mint but only through special offers like this.
The program will feature a coin representing an innovation or invention from each state, territory, and Washington, D.C.
Coins will be issued over a 14-year period at the rate of four per year, so each coin is a limited edition of only about 13 weeks.
Unlike other ongoing coin programs like State Quarters and Presidential Dollars, this is the first program to include an “introductory” coin. This coin was issued in late 2018, while the regular series starts in early 2019.
The 2018 “introductory” coin is a tribute to George Washington, who as President issued the first U.S. patent in 1790.
The reverse shows Washington’s signature as it appears on the patent, as well as stylized gears to represent industry and innovation.
Patents are tangible evidence of American innovation, and over the years since the first patent was issued in 1790, millions of patents have been issued. Patents represent America’s entrepreneurial spirit, so this is the ideal start for the coin program.
The reverse of each coin will be a unique design to highlight the featured innovation or invention.
The obverse features the Statue of Liberty; this design will appear on the obverse of all coins in the program.
The coin is struck in the same golden alloy as Native American Dollars and Presidential Dollars.
The coin is presented in a protective coin capsule and is displayed in a custom box. It is also accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity