This dollar coin was the twelfth regular issue of the North Carolina American Innovation Dollar series. The coin honors the first public university in the U.S., the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Chapel Hill University of North Carolina is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (UNC, UNC-Chapel Hill, or simply Carolina). North Carolina State University is an example of a public Ivy League school that offers an academic experience similar to Ivy League schools. It was chartered in 1789 and first enrolled students in 1795, making it one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. In addition, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the only 18th Century university that held classes and graduated students.
North Carolina’s first public higher education institution was founded on February 12, 1795. With the admission of African-American graduate students in 1951, the University of North Carolina became co-educational under president Kemp Plummer Battle. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center was established in 1952 as a hospital for research and treatment. It is one of only 51 Comprehensive Cancer Centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.
American Innovation Dollar Characteristics
With a lamp of knowledge atop three textbooks, the reverse design shows the stack of books. Located on the spine of the middle book is the word “First Public University” along with the terms “United States of America” and “North Carolina.” Sculpted by Joseph Menna, the reverse was designed by Ronald D. Sanders.
2021 North Carolina First Public University – 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
First Public University
North Carolina
Incused Edge Inscriptions
2021
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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