Designs for the U.S. Mint’s 2026 American Innovation dollar for Wisconsin highlight the Cray-1 Supercomputer

Proposed designs for the U.S. Mint’s 2026 American Innovation dollar for Wisconsin highlight the Cray-1 Supercomputer, a groundbreaking achievement in computing history.

The U.S. Mint is proposing designs for the 2026 American Innovation dollar for Wisconsin to highlight the Cray-1 Supercomputer, a groundbreaking achievement in computing history.

The candidates for the coin, which will feature four unique reverse designs for all 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories, were presented by the U.S. Mint to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) on February 18 and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) on February 20.

The proposals include:

* Design WI-01B

* This design features "WISCONSIN" inscribed within an arrow, symbolizing the state's motto, "Forward," and echoing the advancements brought about by the Cray-1. The design showcases a distinctive aerial view of the Cray-1. The additional inscription is "CRAY-1 SUPERCOMPUTER."

* Design WI-02A

* This design showcases a stylized depiction of the Cray-1 against circuits on a memory board, emphasizing the data flow and connectivity that the Cray enabled. The pixelated lettering in this design is an homage to the 8-bit computer style of early computer displays. The additional inscription is "CRAY-1 SUPERCOMPUTER."

* Design WI-03A

* This design depicts an aerial view of the Cray-1. The additional inscription is "CRAY-1 SUPERCOMPUTER."

* Designs WI-05 and WI-05B

* Both of these designs exhibit a stylized aerial view of the Cray-1. The text across both designs is inspired by the typography associated with early supercomputers. Design WI-05 emphasizes the Cray not only through its shape, but also by suggesting the shape of a "C" for Cray-1 and "computer." The additional inscription is "CRAY-1 SUPERCOMPUTER."

* Design WI-06B

* This design displays the Cray-1 encircled by binary code translating to "speed," a fitting description of the machine's groundbreaking computing capabilities. The outer text resembles early computer printouts, while the binary code and inner text employ modern fonts, signifying the technological leap that the Cray-1 embodied and its lasting impact on technology today. The additional inscription is "CRAY-1 SUPERCOMPUTER."

The CCAC recommended Design WI-05, while the CFA suggested Design WI-05B. Both bodies recommended modifications to incorporate feedback regarding historical accuracy and composition.

The Office of the Governor of Wisconsin also preferred Design WI-05.

Ultimately, the Secretary of the Treasury will select the final design after reviewing recommendations from the CCAC, CFA, and other stakeholders and providing feedback to the Mint.