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The American Innovation 2019 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – Delaware is the first official state-specific release in the American Innovation $1 Coin Program, a multi-year initiative by the United States Mint to honor the ingenuity and accomplishments of each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. Issued in a special reverse proof finish, this coin celebrates Delaware’s pivotal contribution to early American history through the invention of the first fully automatic and mechanized method for striking coins in the United States. This achievement set the foundation for modern minting practices and underscores Delaware’s influential role in American industrial and technological development.
Delaware’s selection as the first state to be featured in the series is fitting, as it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The state has long been celebrated for its innovation, leadership in industry, and deep historical significance. The 2019 Delaware coin pays tribute to one of the most transformative advancements in early U.S. minting history—Joseph Wright’s introduction of a mechanized coining press at the Philadelphia Mint. This milestone marked a major leap in coin production efficiency, consistency, and quality, helping to standardize the nation's currency system at a critical time in its development.
The reverse design of the Delaware Innovation $1 coin was created by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Donna Weaver and sculpted by Chief Engraver Joseph Menna. It features a vivid depiction of a striking coin emerging from a coining press, symbolizing the invention’s mechanical ingenuity and real-world impact. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches across the top, while “DELWARE” appears below. “INVENTION OF THE COINING PRESS” is inscribed to the left of the central image, emphasizing the importance of this innovation. The detailed rendering of the press and the stylized depiction of a newly minted coin highlight the artistic complexity and narrative clarity of the design.
The obverse design, consistent across all American Innovation $1 coins, features a dynamic image of the Statue of Liberty in profile, holding her torch high in the air. The word “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears along the right rim, while the year “2019” and mint mark “S” (for San Francisco) are positioned near the base. Designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, this obverse provides a unifying theme for the entire series, symbolizing the enduring spirit of liberty and invention that defines the American character. The gear-shaped privy mark to the lower left of Liberty’s image underscores the program's focus on mechanical and intellectual progress.
This particular coin was produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint in reverse proof finish, meaning that the usual proof format is inverted: the background fields are frosted, and the raised devices are highly polished. The result is a visually striking contrast that accentuates the fine details of the design. The reverse proof format is especially effective in highlighting the intricate lines of the coining press and the stylized motion of the struck coin. This finish is unique to special collector editions and is not used in coins intended for general circulation, adding to the desirability and prestige of the release.
The coin is struck in a manganese-brass clad composition, consisting of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. This alloy gives the coin a warm golden tone similar to that of previous dollar coin programs such as the Sacagawea and Presidential series. It measures 26.49 mm in diameter and weighs 8.1 grams. The edge is inscribed with the year of minting “2019,” the mint mark “S,” and the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” providing a clean, elegant, and uniform presentation across the series.
The 2019 Reverse Proof Delaware coin was not released into circulation but was instead offered directly to collectors by the United States Mint. It was made available as an individual coin in a special presentation folder that includes historical context, design details, and a certificate of authenticity. The Mint placed a strict product limit on this release, with only 75,000 coins struck. This limited mintage has made the coin especially desirable for collectors, particularly those committed to assembling a complete set of reverse proof issues from the American Innovation series.
Due to its quality and presentation, most coins remain in pristine condition and are often submitted for third-party certification. Coins graded PR69 or PR70 by services like PCGS or NGC command a premium, especially those with designations like “First Strike” or “Early Release.” The reverse proof finish typically results in fewer surface imperfections, allowing these coins to achieve top-tier grades when properly handled and stored. Collectors highly value these pieces both for their flawless visual appeal and their historical importance as the program’s first official state-specific issue.
From a numismatic perspective, the 2019 Delaware reverse proof coin carries significance beyond its aesthetic qualities. It marks the official beginning of a nationwide tribute to American creativity and serves as a symbolic gateway into a multi-decade project that will chronicle the stories of innovation from every state and territory. Its subject—the invention of the coining press—is especially appropriate for a coin series, connecting the physical medium of money to the historical process of its creation. It serves as a self-referential tribute to the evolution of American minting and monetary production.
The American Innovation 2019 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – Delaware is more than a collectible; it is a tribute to a moment in American history when ingenuity reshaped the nation's economic infrastructure. As the first state-specific issue in the Innovation series, it has both chronological and symbolic significance. With its exceptional strike, limited availability, and evocative design, it stands out as a cornerstone for collectors dedicated to completing the series. It offers a compelling blend of artistic craftsmanship, historical reverence, and modern minting precision, making it a foundational piece in the landscape of contemporary American coinage.