The American Innovation $1 Coin representing North Carolina recognizes innovations in creating higher-education opportunities for all. The University of North Carolina became the first public university to formally open when it convened classes in 1795. It was the Nation’s only public university to confer degrees in the 18th century.
The reverse (tails) design features a stack of three textbooks with "FIRST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY" on the spine of the middle book. A lamp of knowledge is perched atop the books, and olive branches curve around the edge of the design. Additional inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "NORTH CAROLINA."
The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "$1". It also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.
The year of minting, mint mark, and inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are incused on the edge of the coins.
Mintage:
| Philadelphia | Denver | Proof | Rev Proof |
| -- | -- | -- | -- |
Cents
