Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin: The United States Mint kicked off 2025 with a tribute to one of America’s most inspiring innovators, Raye Montague, by releasing the Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin on January 7. This coin not only celebrates the ingenuity and groundbreaking achievements of Montague but also shines a spotlight on Arkansas’s rich contributions to American progress.
As the first coin of the year in the American Innovation $1 Coin Program, it represents a blend of artistry, history, and innovation. Montague’s pioneering efforts in naval engineering, coupled with Arkansas’s pride in its native daughter, make this coin a must-have for collectors and admirers alike.
Overview of the Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin
| Details | Description |
| Coin Name | Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin |
| Honoree | Raye Montague – Naval engineer and innovator |
| Release Date | January 7, 2025 |
| Reverse Design Features | Depicts Montague envisioning a U.S. Navy frigate with a grid pattern overlay |
| Obverse Design Features | Statue of Liberty profile, inscriptions: “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “$1” |
| Edge Inscriptions | Year of issue (2025), mint mark (P or D), and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” |
| Packaging Options | Rolls (25 coins) and Bags (100 coins) |
| Price | Rolls: $36.25; Bags: $123.50 |
| Mint Facilities | Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) |
Raye Montague: A Legacy of Innovation
The Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin honors Raye Montague, an unsung hero who transformed naval engineering. A native Arkansan, Montague shattered barriers in a predominantly male-dominated field, becoming the first person to create a computer-generated rough draft of a naval ship. Her groundbreaking contributions not only revolutionized ship design but also set a precedent for integrating technology into engineering processes.
Her achievements earned her recognition as the first female program manager of ships in the United States Navy, a role that underscored her resilience and innovation. With this coin, her story is immortalized, ensuring her contributions are celebrated for generations to come.
Artistic and Symbolic Design
The design of the Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin beautifully captures Montague’s contributions.
Reverse Design
The reverse side of the coin, crafted by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Elana Hagler and sculpted by Eric David Custer, showcases Montague envisioning a Navy frigate—a ship she helped design. A grid pattern overlays the sea, symbolizing the computer-aided engineering techniques she introduced. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ARKANSAS,” and “RAYE MONTAGUE” complete this tribute.
Obverse Design
On the obverse, a dramatic profile of the Statue of Liberty takes center stage. This design is a hallmark of the American Innovation $1 Coin Program, emphasizing the values of liberty and progress. Key inscriptions include “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.”
Packaging Options for Collectors
The Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin is available in multiple collector-friendly formats:
- 25-Coin Rolls:
- Philadelphia Mint (Product Code: 25GRA): $36.25
- Denver Mint (Product Code: 25GRE): $36.25
- 100-Coin Bags:
- Philadelphia Mint (Product Code: 25GBA): $123.50
- Denver Mint (Product Code: 25GBE): $123.50
To ensure equitable access, purchases are limited to 10 items per household for the first 24 hours after release.
The American Innovation $1 Coin Program
The American Innovation $1 Coin Program, launched in 2018, is a tribute to the ingenuity and creativity that defines the United States. Each year, the series highlights innovations from different states, territories, and the District of Columbia, honoring the visionaries who have shaped America’s history.
This multi-year series features:
- Unique Reverse Designs: Each coin spotlights an innovator or innovation from a specific state or territory.
- Privy Mark: A stylized gear symbolizing industry and invention is included on every coin.
- Edge Inscriptions: Each coin includes “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the mint mark, and the year of issue engraved on its edge.
Where to Buy the Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin
Collectors and enthusiasts can purchase the Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin through the following channels:
- Online Store: The U.S. Mint’s official website offers the most convenient way to order coins and related products.
- Mint Sales Centers:
- Philadelphia Mint: 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA.
- Denver Mint: 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO.
- Washington, D.C., Headquarters Coin Store: 801 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Significance of the Coin
The Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin is more than just a collectible. It stands as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and progress. By honoring Raye Montague, it also highlights the importance of breaking barriers and embracing technology to drive innovation. This coin is a fitting tribute to Montague’s remarkable legacy and Arkansas’s contribution to America’s rich history of innovation.
FAQs
What is the Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin?
The Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin honors Raye Montague, a naval engineer from Arkansas who revolutionized ship design using computer technology.
What packaging options are available for this coin?
The coin is available in 25-coin rolls and 100-coin bags from the Philadelphia and Denver Mint facilities.
How much does the Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin cost?
The rolls are priced at $36.25 each, while the bags are $123.50 each.
Where can I purchase the coin?
You can buy it online from the U.S. Mint’s official website or at their sales centers in Philadelphia, Denver, and Washington, D.C.
What makes this coin special?
It celebrates Raye Montague’s groundbreaking contributions to naval engineering and Arkansas’s innovative spirit, making it a valuable collector’s item.
Final Thoughts
The Arkansas American Innovation $1 Coin is a fitting tribute to a woman who changed the course of naval engineering history. By capturing Raye Montague’s achievements, the coin celebrates the power of innovation and determination.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates inspiring stories, this coin is a must-have addition to your collection. Don’t wait—secure your piece of history today. Share your thoughts in the comments below and explore the American Innovation $1 Coin Program to discover more stories of ingenuity!
