Pueblo Chile nominated to be on state’s American Innovation Coin

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis says he has nominated the Pueblo Chile to be on the state's 2028 American Innovation Coin.

According to organizers, the U.S. Mint American Innovation Coin is a multi-year series that will issue $1 coins for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. The governor's office says a series of designs were reviewed by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts before this specific Pueblo Chile design was selected.

The design is specifically the Mosco chile, which officials say is the most common and popular strain in Pueblo and has been on the market for just over two decades. The governor's office says the Mosco chile was developed by a vegetable crop specialist at Colorado State University.

“The Pueblo Chile represents Colorado’s history, heritage, and strong agricultural roots. The Pueblo Chile is simply the very best chile that exists and a key ingredient in delicious dishes across the state and country. The flavorful modern Pueblo chile ( Mosco variety) was an innovation of Dr. Mike Bartalo and developed in 1994 through selective plant breeding. This innovation is strengthened by reflecting on the culture and history of the generations of Coloradans before us, and the central role of chile in our culture and cuisine. The Pueblo Chile is part of Colorado’s past, present and future innovation and I look forward to the final selection for Colorado’s 2028 American Innovation Coin so that all Americans can see our Pueblo chile up close in pocket change and collector’s books,” said Gov. Polis in a press release.

The U.S. Mint says four new designs are supposed to be released per year, starting in 2019 and running through 2032. The coins that have already been released can be found on the U.S. Mint's website.

The governor's office says the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee will now review the design for Colorado in early October, and a final design will be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury.

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