Governor Polis Announces that the Mosco Pueblo Chile Will Be on Colorado's 2028 American Innovation Coin

DENVER - Governor Polis revealed today that he has nominated the Pueblo Chile to be displayed on Colorado's 2028 American Innovation Coin. The United States Mint American Innovation Coin initiative is a multi-year series honoring American innovation and innovators by issuing $1 coins for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U. S. territories. Colorado's nominated coin designs feature the classic and iconic Pueblo Chile, a great example of agricultural innovation building on our strong tradition.

"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 Governor Polis.

Colorado's nominated designs were reviewed by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts this morning, with CO-01 being voted as the preference. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee will review the design in early October with a final design to be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Chiles have been grown in Colorado dating back to at least the early 1800s. Our warm summers and low rainfall are great weather for growing chile. After generations and generations of cultivation in the Pueblo area, a uniquely local variety began to develop, most likely through a combination of natural selection and basic horticulture by the farmers. This was the birth of the very first Pueblo green chiles. The most common and popular strain is a more recent development. The majority of the peppers you see in Pueblo cuisine are Mosco chiles, a specific variety that has been on the market for just over two decades. The Mosco chile was a labor of love by Dr. Mike Bartolo and his team at the Arkansas Valley Research Center. Dr. Bartolo is a vegetable crop specialist with Colorado State University, and his family has been in the Pueblo area for generations.

The news the Governor shared today comes just before the 32nd Annual Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival in Downtown Pueblo, from September 18-20th, where New Mexico residents escape up north to buy the superior chiles. The Pueblo Chile Fest is a growing celebration of southern Colorado, and one of the Governor's favorite events to pick up Pueblo Chiles for his salsa, omelets, and of course peanut butter, banana, honey, Pueblo Chile sandwiches.

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