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The American Innovation 2020 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – South Carolina celebrates the introduction of the first textile mill powered entirely by electricity, an advancement that revolutionized the manufacturing industry. As part of the U.S. Mint’s American Innovation $1 Coin Program, this release honors South Carolina’s pivotal role in the early adoption of electricity in industrial settings, highlighting how a single innovation can catalyze transformation across an entire economic sector. Struck in limited quantities at the San Francisco Mint, this reverse proof coin captures the ingenuity, progress, and technological momentum that defined South Carolina’s industrial history in the late 19th century.
Authorized by Public Law 115-197, the American Innovation $1 Coin Act directs the United States Mint to issue dollar coins for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to honor notable innovations and innovators from each jurisdiction. The South Carolina entry in the 2020 series recognizes the establishment of the first mill in the United States to run completely on electricity—an event that marked a turning point in textile manufacturing and showcased the potential of electric power to replace steam and water as the primary sources of industrial energy. The innovation took place in Anderson, South Carolina, in 1897 at the Pelzer Manufacturing Company, a feat that earned the town the nickname “The Electric City.”
The reverse design of the South Carolina Innovation coin was created by artist Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. It features a stylized textile mill with electricity lines stretching outward, symbolizing the diffusion of electric power throughout the factory and beyond. The factory’s architecture is reminiscent of late 19th-century mill buildings, with brickwork and smokestacks. The inscriptions on the reverse read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “SOUTH CAROLINA,” and “FIRST TEXTILE MILL POWERED BY ELECTRICITY.” The power lines depicted in the design emphasize the transformative effect of electricity on industrial processes and the broader implications for American industry.
The obverse of the coin features the standard American Innovation series design of the Statue of Liberty, holding her torch aloft. Designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, this depiction of Liberty appears on every coin in the series. The obverse includes the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “2020,” along with the “S” mint mark for the San Francisco Mint. A gear-shaped privy mark near the edge of the coin symbolizes innovation and technological progress and is consistent across the entire series, providing a unifying emblem for the program.
The coin is struck in reverse proof finish, which differs from traditional proof coins by featuring frosted fields and mirrored design elements. This effect enhances the appearance of the textile mill and the electric lines, allowing the polished features to stand out vividly against the matte background. Reverse proofs are struck using specially prepared dies and treated planchets, giving the coin a sophisticated visual presentation that is highly prized among collectors. The finish not only adds aesthetic appeal but also highlights the symbolic nature of electricity radiating through the design.
The South Carolina Innovation dollar is composed of a manganese-brass alloy containing 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. The coin has a diameter of 26.49 millimeters and a weight of 8.1 grams. Like other coins in the American Innovation series, it features an edge-incused inscription bearing “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the year of minting “2020,” and the mint mark “S.” These incuse inscriptions allow the obverse and reverse to remain uncluttered, giving greater prominence to the thematic artwork and design elements of the coin.
The 2020 South Carolina reverse proof dollar was produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint in a limited mintage of 50,000 coins. Each coin was individually encapsulated and packaged in a clear plastic lens housed within an informational folder that provided context about the innovation being honored. The U.S. Mint issued the coin directly to collectors through its numismatic catalog, with the coin not released into circulation. The limited mintage, compelling theme, and exceptional finish have made this a highly collectible issue among enthusiasts of modern U.S. coinage.
Many examples of this coin have been graded by third-party certification services such as NGC and PCGS, where they often achieve high grades such as PF69 or PF70. A PF70 grade denotes a coin in perfect condition under magnification, with no visible post-production imperfections. Special labels such as “First Strike” or “Early Releases” further increase collector interest, indicating that the coin was received by the grading service within a specified period after its release. High-grade examples with these labels are especially desirable for collectors assembling complete Innovation dollar sets in top condition.
The historical significance of South Carolina’s innovation lies in the transition from water-powered and steam-powered textile production to fully electrified mills. This change not only increased efficiency but also revolutionized factory layouts by eliminating the need for centralized power shafts and belts. Electrification made operations safer, cleaner, and more adaptable. The Pelzer Manufacturing Company’s decision to adopt hydroelectric power generated from a dam on the Saluda River positioned South Carolina at the forefront of industrial modernization, and its success prompted similar shifts throughout the United States and the world.
Collectors appreciate the South Carolina Innovation dollar for its detailed design, technological theme, and its ability to tell a story of transformation. The spread of electricity marked the beginning of the modern industrial era, and this coin commemorates a milestone in that journey. It serves as a visual reminder of how American vision and resourcefulness redefined the workplace and laid the foundation for future technological revolutions. The coin appeals to those with an interest in industrial history, power systems, and economic development, and it offers a meaningful addition to any modern U.S. coin collection.
The American Innovation 2020 $1 Reverse Proof Coin – South Carolina stands as a tribute to the dawn of electrified industry. With its eye-catching reverse proof finish, thoughtful artwork, and limited mintage, it encapsulates a moment when a bold leap into the future took place in the heart of the American South. The coin not only celebrates a technical advancement but also honors the spirit of experimentation, adaptation, and progress that continues to drive American innovation. It is a coin of beauty and significance, worthy of both admiration and preservation.