Louisiana Higgins Boat

Louisiana Higgins Boat coins. The reverse (tails) design depicts a Higgins Boat as it would have been deployed during World War II with its innovative landing ramp open against a beach.

The edge-incused inscriptions are “2023,” mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

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Louisiana Higgins Boat – American Innovation $1 Coin – Honoring a WWII Game-Changer

The American Innovation $1 Coin for Louisiana pays tribute to one of the most pivotal inventions in military history: the Higgins Boat, officially known as the Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP). This commemorative coin honors the ingenuity of Andrew Jackson Higgins, whose revolutionary boat design played a crucial role in the Allied victory during World War II.

Historical Significance – The Higgins Boat and WWII

In the late 1930s, the U.S. military was in search of a vessel capable of landing troops and equipment directly onto hostile shores. In 1938, Andrew Higgins, founder of Higgins Industries in New Orleans, Louisiana, presented a solution inspired by boats used to navigate the shallow marshes and swamps of Louisiana. His design featured a flat-bottom hull, allowing it to operate in just 10 inches of water, and a front-mounted ramp that enabled rapid deployment of soldiers, vehicles, and supplies.

Constructed from a combination of plywood and steel, the Higgins Boat was both cost-effective and highly functional. Its ability to deliver troops directly onto beaches without the need for docks or piers made it indispensable during amphibious assaults. The most famous use of the Higgins Boat was during the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, where thousands of Allied troops stormed the beaches of France to begin the liberation of Western Europe.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower once said that Andrew Higgins “won the war for us”, emphasizing the boat’s critical role in the success of Allied operations. Over the course of the war, Higgins Industries produced more than 23,000 LCVPs, making it one of the most mass-produced military vessels of the era.

Coin Design – A Tribute to Innovation

The reverse (tails) side of the Louisiana American Innovation $1 Coin features a detailed depiction of a Higgins Boat as it would have appeared during World War II. The boat is shown with its landing ramp lowered, positioned against a beach, ready to deploy troops and equipment. This design captures the essence of the boat’s functionality and its importance in amphibious warfare.

The obverse (heads) side of the coin features the standard Statue of Liberty design, used across the American Innovation series, symbolizing freedom and the spirit of progress.

Edge Inscriptions

The coin includes edge-incused inscriptions, which are unique to the American Innovation series:

• “2023” – The year of issue
• Mint mark – Identifying the U.S. Mint facility where the coin was produced
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” – Latin for “Out of many, one,” a traditional motto of the United States

Specifications

• Denomination: $1 (commemorative, not intended for general circulation)
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Composition: Manganese-brass alloy
• Finish: Available in uncirculated and proof versions
• Mint: United States Mint
• Series: American Innovation $1 Coin Program
• State Honored: Louisiana

Collectible Appeal

The Louisiana Higgins Boat coin is part of the American Innovation $1 Coin Program, which began in 2018 and celebrates significant innovations and innovators from each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. This coin is especially appealing to collectors of:

• Military memorabilia
• World War II history
• American innovation and engineering
• State-themed coin collections

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a history enthusiast, this coin offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of American ingenuity. It’s a tangible reminder of how innovation can shape the course of history and reflects the spirit of Louisiana’s contribution to national defense.

Why This Coin Matters

The Louisiana Higgins Boat American Innovation $1 Coin is more than just a collectible—it’s a tribute to a transformative invention that helped shape the outcome of World War II. Andrew Higgins’ design revolutionized amphibious warfare and demonstrated how American ingenuity could meet the demands of global conflict.

This coin honors not only the innovation itself but also the legacy of Louisiana’s industrial contribution to the war effort. It’s a perfect addition to any collection focused on military history, American innovation, or state-specific achievements.