The CFA believes focusing on a single-vehicle is important in honoring Indiana’s automotive heritage.
Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler are generally the first companies that come to mind when American car buyers think of American cars. However, many automakers established themselves in the early part of the 20th century, including here in Indiana. The Hoosiers produced both high-end, luxury models and more affordable, equally appealing versions. They were also among the first electric vehicle manufacturers in Indianapolis.
Every manufacturer in Indiana was constantly pushing internal combustion engines to their limits: The Apperson Automobile Company of Kokomo produced the Anniversary Eight model, known for its comfort. The Inter-State Automobile Company of Muncie had cars that remain beautiful even today. And the Auburn Automobile Company produced the first rear-wheel-drive car in the country.
A steady expansion of the Indiana automotive industry occurred until the Great Depression hit, leading to the closure of numerous companies or the sale of their manufacturing infrastructure to larger companies. Even though this era of Indiana history has come to an end, its influence can still be felt to this day.
Indiana’s Automobile Industry
Ford’s industrial revolution benefited from steel’s cheap and easy production by creating factory assembly lines and interchangeable parts. Without the invention of the automobile, life would be very different, and Indiana dominated the industry during the automobile era.
Car designer Elwood Haynes created the first successful model and tested his first car in Kokomo on July 4, 1894. One and a half miles later, he was driving his vehicle at a speed of seven miles per hour on Pumkinvine Pike in Kokomo. As a result, the Apperson brothers teamed up with Haynes and built some of the first American cars. They sold more than 7,000 cars by 1916 until Detroit went bankrupt in 1924.
Over 40 automobile factories were located in Indiana, including the following:
Characteristics of the American Innovation Dollar
Indiana’s increasing interest in racing is reflected in the design of the start line, which features an old-fashioned race car. The automobile required numerous improvements due to racing, such as a rearview mirror.
The dollar coins design reads, United States of America, Automobile Industry, and Indiana at the bottom of the coin.
2023 Indiana Automobile Industry – American Innovation Dollars
Authorizing Legislation: H.R. 770, American Innovation $1 Coin Act
Click here to buy the 2023 Indiana Innovation Dollar on eBay
Dollar Obverse Inscriptions
In God We Trust
$1
Dollar Reverse Inscriptions
United States of America
Automobile Industry
Indiana
Incused Edge Inscriptions
2023
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
© Rick’s Innovation Dollars, LLC
©Copyright 2022 Rick’s Innovation Dollars, LLC. All rights reserved.