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The American Innovation 2020 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – Connecticut honors a transformative advancement in modern communication: the invention of the portable typewriter. This entry in the U.S. Mint’s American Innovation $1 Coin Program recognizes the pioneering work of Christopher Latham Sholes and the later improvements made in Connecticut that led to the development of compact, transportable typewriting devices. Struck in reverse proof format exclusively at the San Francisco Mint, the Connecticut Innovation dollar showcases the state’s legacy of ingenuity in the realm of information technology, paying homage to a tool that revolutionized business, government, journalism, and personal communication.
The American Innovation $1 Coin Program was authorized by the American Innovation $1 Coin Act (Public Law 115-197), passed in 2018. It directs the U.S. Mint to issue a coin for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories, recognizing their unique contributions to American innovation and progress. Connecticut’s role in refining and producing the portable typewriter made it a fitting subject for the 2020 issue. The typewriter, although originally invented elsewhere, was further developed and manufactured in Connecticut, where industrial capabilities and inventive minds made this once-bulky technology compact and commercially viable.
The reverse design of the Connecticut Innovation dollar was created by artist Christina Hess and sculpted by Renata Gordon. It features a stylized depiction of an antique typewriter with a sheet of paper emerging from it. The text on the paper reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and below the typewriter is the inscription “PORTABLE TYPEWRITER” along with “CONNECTICUT.” The design is both elegant and symbolic, illustrating the moment of human expression and mechanical function. The classic typewriter form evokes a sense of nostalgia while paying tribute to a tool that democratized writing and empowered countless individuals to share their ideas efficiently and legibly.
The obverse of the coin is consistent across the entire American Innovation series and features a striking image of the Statue of Liberty with her torch held high. Designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, this depiction of Liberty is accompanied by the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the year “2020.” The mint mark “S” for the San Francisco Mint appears near the base. A gear-shaped privy mark near the rim symbolizes industry and innovation and appears on all coins in this series, visually linking them across different years and state-specific themes.
The reverse proof finish gives this coin a distinctive appearance. In this format, the fields are frosted and the raised design elements—such as the typewriter and the lettering—are rendered in a mirrored, reflective surface. This effect not only makes the fine details of the design stand out but also enhances visual depth, adding a refined, premium aesthetic to the coin. Reverse proof coins are struck using specially prepared dies and polished planchets to ensure maximum clarity and contrast, making them highly collectible and visually appealing to numismatists.
The Connecticut Innovation coin is made of a manganese-brass clad composition, consisting of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. The coin has a diameter of 26.49 mm and a weight of 8.1 grams. Its edge is inscribed with “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the mint mark “S,” and the year “2020,” all of which are engraved incusely rather than on the faces, preserving the artistic integrity of the coin’s designs. This edge lettering is consistent with other U.S. $1 coin series such as the Presidential and Sacagawea dollars, and it provides a seamless continuity across different coin programs.
Only 50,000 of the Connecticut reverse proof coins were minted, making it one of the more limited releases in the series. The U.S. Mint offered the coin individually, housed in a clear protective lens and accompanied by a full-color presentation card with educational background, a certificate of authenticity, and design details. As with other Innovation issues, the coin was not released into general circulation and was made available only through the Mint’s numismatic catalog. The low mintage and compelling subject matter have made the coin especially popular among series collectors and enthusiasts of communication technology history.
Coins in reverse proof format are generally handled with care and are often submitted for third-party certification. High-quality examples typically receive grades of PF69 or PF70 from services like NGC or PCGS. A PF70 grade denotes a flawless specimen under 5x magnification, and coins receiving this grade are especially valuable in the collector marketplace. Special pedigree labels, such as “First Day of Issue” or “Early Release,” further enhance desirability and denote the coin’s status as one of the first off the press.
The story of the portable typewriter begins with early prototypes and designs developed in the 19th century, but its practical, widely-used versions were refined and produced in Connecticut by companies such as Remington and later Royal. These manufacturers helped miniaturize and streamline the typewriter’s form factor, turning it into a mobile tool for businesspeople, journalists, and soldiers. By making the typewriter portable, Connecticut inventors and manufacturers extended its influence far beyond office walls, allowing it to become an essential instrument for communication, especially during wartime and in fieldwork scenarios.
The Connecticut Innovation coin holds appeal not just for numismatists but also for historians, educators, and those with an appreciation for the written word. The typewriter was one of the first mechanical devices to allow individuals to produce uniform, readable text at speed. It helped shape modern journalism, office work, literature, and education. Its presence on a U.S. dollar coin speaks to the cultural and intellectual impact of this humble but powerful machine. The coin stands as a visual reminder of the enduring importance of communication, literacy, and technological progress.
The American Innovation 2020 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – Connecticut exemplifies the spirit of American creativity and problem-solving. Through its detailed and thoughtful design, limited mintage, and high-quality finish, the coin honors a legacy that touches every written page produced in the past century. It acknowledges how Connecticut helped give voice to millions, empowering people to write letters, compose stories, draft legislation, and document history. As part of the broader American Innovation series, this coin remains a tribute to an invention that shaped the world and a state that helped it reach its full potential.