Iowa Dr. Norman Borlaug

Honor one of America’s greatest scientific pioneers with the 2026 Iowa American Innovation $1 Coin, a stunning addition to the U.S. Mint’s celebrated American Innovation series. This beautiful collectible pays tribute to Dr. Norman Borlaug, the visionary agricultural scientist whose breakthroughs transformed global food production and helped save millions from hunger. Housed within one of the most symbolically rich coin programs in modern numismatics, the 2026 release brings craftsmanship, history, and national pride together in a uniquely meaningful way.

Borlaug was awarded multiple honors for his work, including: the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He is one of only seven people to have received all three awards. Norman Borlaug remains the only agricultural scientist ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Whether you are a seasoned collector, a supporter of American innovation, or someone searching for a remarkable commemorative gift, this coin offers exceptional detail, historical depth, and enduring value.

Obverse Design: A Modern Tribute to Liberty & American Ingenuity

The obverse (heads) of the 2026 American Innovation $1 Coin features a bold and artistic profile representation of the Statue of Liberty, capturing her strength, resolve, and timeless symbolism as a guardian of freedom. This sharply rendered design embodies the spirit of American progress—exactly what the Innovation series seeks to celebrate.

Key elements on the obverse include:

•  “IN GOD WE TRUST” – A traditional motto appearing on all U.S. coinage.
•  “$1” Denomination – Clearly marking the coin’s legal tender status.
•  Industry & Innovation Gear Privy Mark – A stylized gear appears as a recurring design element within the series, symbolizing the mechanics of innovation, engineering breakthroughs, and the forward motion of American creativity.
•  2026 Semi quincentennial Privy Mark – To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the 2026 issue incorporates a special enhancement: A Liberty Bell, representing American independence and the “250”, honoring the nation’s semi quincentennial milestone   This exclusive privy mark makes every 2026 American Innovation coin a highly desirable collectible, especially for those assembling sets tied to major historic anniversaries.

Reverse Design: Dr. Norman Borlaug – Father of the Green Revolution

The reverse (tails) of the 2026 Iowa coin honors Dr. Norman Borlaug, one of the most influential agricultural scientists in world history. Born in Cresco, Iowa, Borlaug’s cutting‑edge research into wheat genetics and crop resilience sparked the Green Revolution, dramatically increasing global food production in the mid‑20th century and providing lifesaving grain to regions facing famine and food insecurity.

Through Borlaug’s innovations, billions of people benefitted from improved crop yields—an achievement widely recognized as one of the greatest humanitarian contributions of the modern era.

The reverse design features:

• Dr. Borlaug Holding a Sheaf of Wheat – Symbolizing his pioneering advancements in developing high‑yield, disease‑resistant wheat varieties.
• Detailed Wheat Stalks – Emphasizing his contributions to feeding a growing global population.
• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” & “IOWA” – Honoring both the nation and the state that shaped Borlaug’s early years and scientific inspiration.
• “NORMAN BORLAUG” & “FATHER OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION” – Clear inscriptions celebrating his title and global scientific legacy.

Edge Inscriptions & Mint Markings

Each American Innovation $1 Coin includes incused edge inscriptions, adding another layer of sophistication:

• Year of minting (2026)
• Mint mark
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM”

These markings maintain the series tradition of subtle, elegant detailing.

About the American Innovation $1 Coin Program

Launched to celebrate the creativity and achievements that shaped the United States, the American Innovation $1 Coin Program highlights innovations and innovators from:

• All 50 states
• The District of Columbia
• All U.S. territories

Each design tells a unique story of discovery, progress, and cultural advancement—from technological breakthroughs to scientific milestones, artistic achievements, and transformative ideas. The 2026 Iowa release stands out as a tribute to scientific humanitarianism and agricultural innovation at a global scale.

A Must‑Have for Collectors & History Enthusiasts

This coin is ideal for collectors interested in:

• American history
• Agricultural innovation
• Semi quincentennial commemoratives
• Iowa‑themed coinage
• The full American Innovation $1 Coin series

With its striking artwork, special anniversary privy mark, and connection to one of the most important scientific figures of the 20th century, the 2026 Iowa American Innovation $1 Coin is destined to be a standout piece in any collection.