Proposed designs for the U.S. Mint’s 2026 American Innovation dollar for Iowa recognize Dr. Norman Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and World Food Prize founder.
Borlaug, a native Iowan, was an early advocate and researcher of sustainable agriculture.
“His discoveries helped usher in the ‘Green Revolution’, a period in human agricultural history marked by innovation that increased crop yields and significantly reduced the number of people who were undernourished,” the U.S. Mint’s design narrative states.
“His groundbreaking work continues to resonate today, particularly through the World Food Prize and Borlaug Dialogues programs, serving as beacons of progress in the pursuit of global food security,” the narrative added.
The U.S. Mint’s American Innovation $1 Coin Program honors pioneering achievements from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. Introduced in 2018, the series features four unique reverse designs each year, recognizing innovations or innovators that have shaped history.
Design Recommendations for Iowa Innovation Dollar
Seven candidate designs for the Iowa Innovation dollar were presented by the U.S. Mint to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) on Feb. 18 and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) on Feb. 20.
Aligning with the preference of the Office of the Governor of Iowa and the family of Dr. Norman Borlaug, the CCAC recommended design IA-01A, which depicts Dr. Borlaug holding a sheaf of wheat alongside wheat stalks – a tribute to his groundbreaking work in developing resilient crops to sustain a growing global population.
The CFA also saw merit in this design but instead endorsed IA-07A, which portrays Dr. Borlaug standing in a wheat field gathering crop samples, reflecting his hands-on approach to agricultural science. The commission felt this design honored both the innovator and his contributions to advancing agricultural productivity.
Ultimately, the Secretary of the Treasury will make the final design selection after reviewing recommendations from advisory panels and stakeholders.
Design Images and Design Descriptions
The U.S. Mint’s line art images and design descriptions for all the candidate designs follow.
IA-01A depicts Dr. Norman Borlaug holding a sheaf of wheat and wheat stalks, highlighting his pioneering work developing resilient crops capable of feeding a growing global population. The additional inscriptions are “NORMAN BORLAUG” and “FATHER OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION.”
IA-02A shows Dr. Borlaug amid an agrarian landscape holding wheat bunches that are positioned symbolically towards the earth and sky, spotlighting the environment Borlaug studied with such dedication. This artistic style honors the golden age of illustration from the 1930s to the 1950s. The additional inscriptions are “NORMAN BORLAUG” and “FATHER OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION.”
IA-04 spotlights Dr. Borlaug in casual dress with a warm expression, framed by wheat stalks and a globe, reflecting both his humble dedication and his worldwide impact in revolutionizing agriculture. It features the additional inscription “NORMAN BORLAUG.”
IA-05 and IA-05A present Dr. Borlaug carefully examining wheat spikes, framed by stylized wheat ears, underscoring his dedication to agricultural research. The additional inscriptions are “NORMAN BORLAUG” and “FATHER OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION.”
IA-06A depicts Dr. Borlaug examining samples in a wheat field, reflecting his life’s work of developing new wheat strains and cultivation practices. The additional inscriptions are “NORMAN BORLAUG” and “FATHER OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION.”
IA-07A presents Dr. Borlaug standing in a wheat field gathering crop samples, demonstrating his practical approach to agricultural science. The additional inscriptions are “DR. NORMAN BORLAUG” and “FATHER OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION.”