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The American Innovation 2019 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – New Jersey celebrates the pioneering achievements of Thomas Edison and his invention of the electric light bulb, one of the most transformative innovations in human history. As part of the American Innovation $1 Coin Program, this release honors New Jersey’s critical role in fostering technological advancements that reshaped daily life across the globe. Struck in reverse proof format exclusively for collectors, the coin showcases a blend of historical tribute, artistic detail, and minting precision that underscores the power of American ingenuity and the state’s lasting contributions to science and industry.
The American Innovation $1 Coin Program was established by the American Innovation $1 Coin Act (Public Law 115-197), enacted in 2018. The act authorized the United States Mint to produce $1 coins honoring innovation and innovators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. New Jersey’s selection as one of the four inaugural states featured in the 2019 issue highlights its association with Thomas Edison, often hailed as America’s greatest inventor. Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory in New Jersey became the birthplace of numerous inventions, none more iconic than the electric light bulb, which fundamentally changed human interaction with time and environment.
The reverse design of the New Jersey Innovation dollar was created by artist Paul C. Balan and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. It features a detailed depiction of an early-style Edison bulb, radiating beams of light against a textured background. The filaments and base are meticulously rendered, and the composition effectively conveys the essence of Edison’s innovation. Surrounding the bulb are inscriptions that read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIGHT BULB,” and “NEW JERSEY,” commemorating both the inventor and the state that supported his work. The design is both historically faithful and symbolically powerful, encapsulating the dawn of the electrical age.
The obverse design is shared by all coins in the American Innovation series and depicts the Statue of Liberty holding her torch high in her right hand. This representation of Liberty, designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, serves as the unifying face for the entire coin series. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the year of issue “2019” appear to the right, with the mint mark “S” indicating production at the San Francisco Mint. A gear-shaped privy mark near the base of Liberty symbolizes progress and invention—key themes of the series—and provides a unique emblematic touch exclusive to this program.
The coin was struck in reverse proof format, which means the raised design elements are mirror-like and the background fields are frosted—opposite of traditional proof finishes. This dramatic visual effect enhances the clarity of the design, particularly the radiating light effect of the Edison bulb, which gleams vividly against the matte surface. The reverse proof finish elevates the coin’s presentation, making it a standout issue among modern commemorative pieces. These coins were never released into circulation and were sold exclusively through the U.S. Mint to collectors in protective packaging with certificates of authenticity.
Composed of a manganese-brass alloy, the coin contains 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. It measures 26.49 mm in diameter, weighs 8.1 grams, and features an inscribed edge that includes the year “2019,” the mint mark “S,” and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The edge-lettering not only adds a security feature but also allows for more space on the faces of the coin to showcase the designs without overcrowding. This practice aligns with previous U.S. dollar coin programs such as the Presidential and Sacagawea dollars.
The 2019 New Jersey Reverse Proof coin was produced in limited quantities at the San Francisco Mint and made available as part of the U.S. Mint’s American Innovation Reverse Proof Coin series. The Mint capped the mintage at 75,000 units, ensuring scarcity and increased demand among collectors. Each coin was individually encapsulated and accompanied by packaging that included educational information about the invention and its broader significance, thereby enhancing both the collectible and educational appeal of the issue.
Many examples of the coin have been submitted to third-party grading services like PCGS and NGC, where they often receive high grades such as PF69 or PF70 due to the Mint’s rigorous quality control for collector editions. Coins that attain a PF70 grade are considered flawless and are particularly desirable, especially when combined with pedigree labels such as “First Strike” or “Early Releases.” These designations further distinguish the coin’s place in the marketplace and affirm its authenticity and premium condition.
The significance of the New Jersey Innovation dollar extends well beyond numismatics. It honors Thomas Edison’s practical light bulb, which not only revolutionized the way people live and work but also laid the groundwork for the electrical infrastructure that defines modern civilization. By choosing to celebrate this innovation, the U.S. Mint underscores how American inventiveness has shaped global progress. Edison’s Menlo Park lab, often called the world’s first industrial research facility, also symbolizes the systematic pursuit of knowledge and its practical application—an enduring legacy born in New Jersey.
Collectors view the 2019 New Jersey Reverse Proof coin as a foundational piece within the American Innovation series. As one of the first state-specific issues, it establishes both the tone and standard for subsequent releases. The subject matter resonates universally—everyone understands the significance of electric light—and the design execution captures that resonance with clarity and elegance. It is equally appealing to science enthusiasts, history buffs, and coin collectors, making it a versatile and widely appreciated modern collectible.
The American Innovation 2019 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – New Jersey combines numismatic excellence with rich historical content. It honors a transformative moment in human history, celebrates one of America’s greatest inventors, and highlights a state that helped spark a global revolution in energy and technology. With its high-quality finish, limited mintage, and compelling theme, the coin remains a standout issue in the ongoing Innovation series and a testament to the spirit of American creativity and perseverance. It is a brilliant homage to New Jersey’s enduring legacy of invention and a worthy addition to any modern U.S. coin collection.