The United States Mint will kick off their official 2026 production schedule tomorrow with the first American Innovation $1 coin of the year. Honoring the state of Iowa, the $1 coin will be available in bags and rolls beginning at 12pm EST.
Heading into the ninth year of the program, it began in 2018 with an introductory coin and is following up with four coins per year. The multi-year series aims to honor innovation and innovators for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five United States territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands). The year 2026 will honor the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, California, and Minnesota. Up first is Iowa.
Showcasing his groundbreaking work developing crops capable of feeding a growing population, Dr. Norman Borlaug is the honoree on this design. He is depicted holding wheat stalks with the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IOWA, NORMAN BORLAUG, and FATHER OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION surrounding him. Artistic Infusion Program Designer (AIP) Don Everhart designed the reverse while Mint Medallic Artist Eric David Custer sculpted it.
A dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty is seen on the obverse, remaining the constant design throughout the series. “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “$1” are inscribed per usual as the stylized gear privy mark representing industry and innovation has an added component special for the 2026-dated coins. In keeping with the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the Mint has also incorporated a Liberty Bell with the inscription 250 atop the gear. Mintage year, mint mark and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coins depending on the strike.
The 25-coin rolls will be available for $36.25 from both Philadelphia and Denver. The 100-coin bags will retail at $123.50 from both mints.
Source: United States Mint