Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom has recommended the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs as the representative figure for California’s one-dollar Innovation Commemorative Coin. This Innovation Commemorative Coin program started in 2018, allowing each state to nominate local innovators or innovations to create their own commemorative coin.
Newsom pointed out that Steve Jobs embodied California’s unique spirit of innovation. As a co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, Steve Jobs pioneered the world’s first fully computer-animated feature film, “Toy Story.” His influence is undoubtedly profound. During his time at Apple, he launched a series of revolutionary products, including the first mass-produced microcomputer, the Apple II, and the first personal computer with a graphical user interface, the Macintosh. He later introduced the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, all of which hold significant positions in their respective markets.
Currently, the design of this commemorative coin has been submitted to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) for review. The preliminary design features Steve Jobs’ iconic turtleneck and glasses look. The American Innovation Dollars will issue a total of 57 designs, releasing four each year, with the California design expected to officially launch in 2026. However, these commemorative coins will not circulate in the market and will be sold directly to the public.
