Dr. David Montague, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at UA Little Rock, shows off items his mother, the late Dr. Raye Montague, has been honored with over the years, including a new United States dollar coin released by the U.S. Mint earlier this year. Raye Montague was a naval engineer credited with creating the first computer-generated rough draft of a U.S. naval ship.
Newswise — Dr. David Montague, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at UA Little Rock, fondly recalls his childhood hobby of coin collecting, inspired by his late mother, Dr. Raye Montague.
“My mom got me into coin collecting as a child, so I find it fascinating that I ended up working with the United States Mint on a coin design in her honor,” Montague said. “She would have been blown away by this recognition. She never would have imagined something like this happening.”
Dr. Raye Montague, an internationally registered professional engineer with the U.S. Navy, made history as the creator of the first computer-generated rough draft of a U.S. naval ship. Known as the Navy’s real-life “Hidden Figure,” she was celebrated at naval events in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, and her achievements were highlighted during a live episode of “Good Morning America” on Feb. 20, 2017.
Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin that was released by the U.S. Mint in January 2025 as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida, and Texas.
A Coin to Honor Innovation
The journey to commemorate Raye Montague on the $1 coin began in 2023 when Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders nominated her for consideration in the U.S. Mint’s American Innovation $1 Coin Program.
This multi-year series, launched in 2018, celebrates innovation and innovators across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Each coin’s design reflects significant contributions to innovation within a jurisdiction. The Mint collaborates with state governors or chief executives, along with subject matter experts, to determine design concepts. Final designs are selected by the Secretary of the Treasury.
“When the U.S. Mint contacted me, they told me there was already strong interest in moving forward,” Montague said. “I was authorized to speak as her family member and share her story.”
Designing the Coin
Montague worked closely with U.S. Mint officials, providing photographs, interviews, and detailed information about his mother’s life, work habits, and accomplishments. Artists used this material to create renderings of the coin, which Montague reviewed throughout the process.
The final design, created by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Elana Hagler and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Eric David Custer, features a close-up of Raye Montague’s face alongside a visualization of a U.S. Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate—a ship she designed using computer technology. The coin’s grid-like sea background symbolizes the engineering and drafting techniques she pioneered. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ARKANSAS,” and “RAYE MONTAGUE.”
“The chosen design is the one I loved most,” Montague said. “It captures her face, the ship she designed, and a computer grid over the ocean. My mom was very patriotic, and the design shows her holding her hand over her heart. Its simplicity is beautiful.”
Montague learned of the Treasury Department’s approval of the coin during a ceremony renaming a federal building in his mother’s honor. Russell Evans, a program specialist with the Mint, attended the dedication of the newly renamed to deliver the news in person.
Montague expressed gratitude for the U.S. Mint’s professionalism and dedication throughout the process.
“I can’t say enough about how impressed I am with the Mint and their staff,” Montague said. “They stayed in touch with my family, sought our input frequently, and made the experience truly special. We even have a standing invitation for a private tour of a Mint facility, and we’re looking forward to it!”
To order the Raye Montague $1 coin, visit .
RSS