American Innovation 2020 $1 Reverse Proof Coin - Maryland

  • Inventory:
    OUT OF STOCK
  • Product ID: 42623
As low as: $17.50
Qty Wire/Check Bitcoin CC/PayPal
Any $17.50 $17.68 $18.20
Notify Me!
  • Description:

    The American Innovation 2020 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – Maryland is part of a distinctive numismatic series issued by the United States Mint to honor American ingenuity and significant contributions from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The 2020 Maryland release commemorates the Hubble Space Telescope, a groundbreaking scientific achievement with deep connections to the state through NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Struck in a stunning reverse proof finish, this collectible coin highlights both technical precision and symbolic depth, celebrating Maryland’s role in expanding humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.

    The American Innovation $1 Coin Program was authorized by the American Innovation $1 Coin Act (Public Law 115–197), which called for a multi-year series beginning in 2018 and running through 2032. Each coin in the series showcases a significant innovation or innovator associated with a particular state or territory. The reverse proof coins, like this Maryland issue, were sold exclusively by the U.S. Mint in special packaging and struck at the San Francisco Mint, featuring a brilliant frosted field and polished, mirror-like devices—opposite of a traditional proof coin. This finish enhances contrast and elevates the visual detail, appealing to both collectors and enthusiasts of science and space history.

    The reverse design of the 2020 Maryland coin was created by artist Joseph Menna and sculpted by Renata Gordon. It features a representation of the Hubble Space Telescope orbiting the Earth, with a backdrop of stars and distant galaxies. The telescope is rendered in fine detail, showing its solar panels, cylindrical body, and instrument compartments. A stylized depiction of space swirls around the Earth below, symbolizing the telescope’s far-reaching observational power. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs around the top, while “THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE” is placed just beneath the spacecraft. The overall composition celebrates Maryland’s pivotal contribution to astronomical research and innovation.

    The obverse design, common to all American Innovation $1 Coins, was created by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. It features a dramatic rendition of the Statue of Liberty in profile, holding the torch aloft. The word “INNOVATION” appears prominently along the top rim, with “2020” and the “S” mintmark placed discreetly along the lower right. The elegant presentation of Liberty reflects the series’ theme of forward-thinking and national progress, while tying each coin to a unifying visual identity. The reverse proof version’s frosted fields and mirrored Liberty further enhance the obverse’s depth and dimensionality.

    The edge of the coin is inscribed with incuse lettering, reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “$1,” and the year “2020.” This edge-lettering style is a hallmark of modern $1 coins and adds a layer of security, complexity, and elegance. Unlike circulating $1 coins, which are composed of manganese-brass clad metal, the reverse proof version is struck on a similar composition but with a specialized finish and careful handling to ensure pristine surfaces. These coins measure 26.49 millimeters in diameter and weigh 8.1 grams, consistent with all coins in the American Innovation series.

    The 2020 Maryland Reverse Proof coin was sold individually in a clear protective capsule and housed in a black matte-finish U.S. Mint presentation box. Each coin came with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Mint’s Director, affirming its reverse proof strike, limited mintage, and commemorative purpose. The coin was released to the public on December 30, 2020, as the final Innovation release of that calendar year. Its late release and narrow ordering window contributed to relatively low distribution figures, which has increased its desirability on the secondary market.

    The mintage of the 2020 Maryland Reverse Proof $1 Coin was capped at 50,000 pieces, and the Mint reported that most were sold within a short period. This limited mintage, combined with the popularity of space-themed coins and the long-term appeal of the Hubble Space Telescope, ensures that this coin has enduring numismatic interest. The Hubble, launched in 1990 and still operational after more than three decades, has transformed astronomy and inspired public imagination around the globe. Honoring such an achievement makes the Maryland coin stand out within the broader Innovation series.

    Certified examples of the coin graded by PCGS or NGC as Reverse Proof 69 or Reverse Proof 70 are widely collected, especially by those assembling complete Innovation sets in top condition. The reverse proof finish is highly sensitive to handling, and coins that retain their original luster, with no spotting, frosting inconsistencies, or contact marks, are best candidates for certification. Coins graded RP70 (or PF70) represent the pinnacle of numismatic quality and often command a strong premium over issue price due to their perfect preservation and registry appeal.

    The thematic significance of the coin reaches beyond Maryland’s state borders. The Hubble Space Telescope, managed in part by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, has captured the deepest images of the universe ever recorded, helping scientists measure the age of the cosmos, study exoplanets, and observe distant galaxies and nebulae. By honoring Hubble, the coin also honors global scientific cooperation, the pursuit of knowledge, and the spirit of discovery—values central to the ethos of the American Innovation series.

    The 2020 American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coin – Maryland is a sophisticated, collectible tribute to one of humanity’s most important scientific instruments and the state that helped bring it to life. With its limited mintage, dazzling finish, and compelling subject, it stands as one of the highlights of the American Innovation series. Whether acquired for its space theme, artistic merit, or investment potential, this coin remains a shining example of how numismatics can reflect the best of American creativity and achievement.

  • Details:
    • Denomination: N/A
    • Year: 2020
    • Diameter: N/A
    • Mint Mark: S
    • Thickness: N/A
    • Grade: N/A

Customer reviews