The official kickoff of the United States Mint’s 2023 Production Schedule occurs at the tail end of the month with the first of the 2023 American Innovation $1 coins. On January 30th at 12pm EST, the new year will begin with the release of the Philadelphia and Denver minted Ohio American Innovation dollar.
Available in 25-coin rolls and 100-coin bags, the $1 coin featuring the Buckeye State will continue the multi-year series honoring innovation and innovators with $1 coins from each state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands. Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, and Mississippi are the four states being honored in the program’s fifth official year, not including 2018’s introductory coin.
The reverse of the Ohio design features the symbolism of the Underground Railroad. Two hands are strongly grasped together with the upper arm pulling the lower arm upward, representing the support and strength that took place during the events of the Underground Railroad. A chain is also seen fastened to a shackle that is wrapped around the lower arm’s wrist. The chain is depicted as snapping and revealing its fragments, showcasing hope and freedom. Inscriptions included on the design are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “UNDERGROUND RAILROAD,” and “OHIO.”
The obverse of the designs feature a representation of the Statue of Liberty with “IN GOD WE TRUST” AND “$1” inscribed. It also features a privy mark in the shape of a stylized gear representing industry and innovation. The edge of the coins are incused featuring the year, mint mark and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Source: United States Mint