For the eighth time in the series, the South Carolina American Innovation Dollar was issued in 2020 and named after educator and civil rights activist Septima Clark.
Septima Poinsette Clark was a civil rights activist and an influential figure in the 1960s, born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1898. Her influence dominated her 1960s career as a graduate of the Avery Normal Institute.
A one-room schoolhouse was Clark’s first teaching job when he was 18. Because of her desire to further the rights of African Americans, she became involved in the Charleston location of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
While segregation persisted in many southern states until the mid-1900s, black students were not allowed to attend white schools. In Charleston, Clark was not permitted to teach in the public school system because of her skin color, so she accepted jobs in rural districts instead. Clark and other African Americans protested to win the right to teach at Charleston public schools because they felt it was unfair. As a result of the campaign, Clark became convinced that social activism could better the lives of African Americans.
American Innovation Dollar Characteristics
Septima Clark is shown marching with three students carrying books and an American flag on the reverse design. To achieve empowerment and the enjoyment of civil rights, oppressed people need education and literacy. Phebe Hemphill engraved the reverse design created by Justin Kunz.
2020 South Carolina Septima Clark – American Innovation Dollars
Authorizing Legislation: H.R. 770, American Innovation $1 Coin Act
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Dollar Obverse Inscriptions
In God We Trust
$1
Dollar Reverse Inscriptions
United States of America
Septima Clark
South Carolina
Incused Edge Inscriptions
2020
Mint Mark
E Pluribus Unum
Mint & Dollar Mint Marks
Denver and Philadelphia in Business Strikes
San Francisco in Proof and Reverse Proof Strikes
Available Dollar Mint Strikes
Business, Proof & Reverse Proof
American Innovation Dollar Specifications
Composition: 88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese and 2% Nickel
Weight: 8.1 grams
Thickness: 2.0mm
Edge: Incused Letter
Diameter: 26.49mm
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