American Innovation® $1 Coin – Mississippi

American Innovation $1 Coin Program

Background

The American Innovation $1 Coin representing Mississippi honors the first human lung transplant. On June 11, 1963, Dr. James D. Hardy and his collaborators, Watts R. Webb, Martin L. Dalton, Jr., and George R. Walker, Jr., at the University of Mississippi Medical Center performed the world’s first human lung transplant.

Following the transplant, the patient lived for almost three weeks before succumbing to renal failure. The achievement, however, was undeniable. Dr. Hardy’s initial procedure opened the way for exciting developments in human lung transplantation, and began a new era of therapy for lung disease in humans.

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Characteristics

The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile. The obverse also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.

The reverse (tails) design features a pair of human lungs in the background, while a surgical assistant passes forceps to the surgeon during the first lung transplant surgery.

Obverse Inscriptions

  • IN GOD WE TRUST
  • $1

Reverse Inscriptions

  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • FIRST HUMAN LUNG TRANSPLANT
  • MISSISSIPPI

Incused (edge) Inscriptions

  • 2023
  • Mint mark
  • E PLURIBUS UNUM

Mint and Mint Mark

Specifications

Composition Weight Diameter Thickness Edge Finishes
Manganese-Brass
88.5% Cu
6% Zn
3.5% Mn
2% Ni
8.1 g
1.043 in.
26.49 mm
2.00 mm Edge-Lettering
Uncirculated
Proof

Artist Information

Obverse Reverse

Related Information

Content last reviewed December 20, 2022

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