May 3, 2021 Press Release (PDF)
About the Program
The United States Mint American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series to honor innovation and innovators by issuing $1 coins for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U. S. territories – Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Four new $1 coins with distinctive reverse designs will be released each year from 2019 through 2032 in the order the states ratified the Constitution of the United States or were admitted to the Union. Once a coin is issued for each state, coins will be released for the District of Columbia and the territories. Maine’s $1 Innovation Coin is scheduled for release in 2024.
Each state’s $1 coin will showcase a state-specific innovation and/or innovator in the field of science, its impact and connection to the state.
FMI about the National Program, https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/american-innovation-dollar-coins
About the Process
The creative and vetting process for the innovation concept of Maine’s coin is being managed by the Office of the State Treasurer (OST). OST will be engaging with students, educators and other interested parties across Maine to solicit ideas for this exciting project.
Following the submission of ideas, a committee composed of state officials, including the Commissioner of Education (DOE), Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), State Historian, a Representative of Maine’s Tribe and the Governor (or any of the former’s designees).will make a final determination on the Maine’s submission to the US Treasury.
The US Treasury then creates a design for Maine’s coin that is emblematic of the innovation concept approved by the committee.
FMI, contact Gregory Olson, Deputy Treasurer at gregory.olson@maine.gov or by mail to Office of the State Treasurer, Attn: Gregory Olson, 39 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0039.