California Gov. Newsom Nominates Steve Jobs for $1 American Innovation Coin
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Governor Gavin Newsom has recommended Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs be commemorated with a $1 American Innovation Coin for the State of California that will be minted by the US Mint.
Each state, territory, and the District of Columbia can create a unique coin recognizing an innovation or innovator from their region to be commemorated as part of the Innovation Coin Program launched in 2018. The program “celebrates the spirit of ingenuity that defines America.”
In his recommendation, Newsom said that Steve Jobs “encapsulates the unique brand of innovation that California runs on.”
Jobs’ legacy spans industries and products: Jobs was the co-founder and CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, bringing to life the world’s first fully computer-animated feature: “Toy Story.” But even that legacy-defining achievement is surpassed by his work as co-founder and two-time CEO of Apple, launching several revolutionary computers, including Apple II – the first mass-produced microcomputer – and Macintosh – the first mass-market personal computer that included a graphic display, so users could see what they were working on.
The goal, according to Jobs, was to “bridge the gap between sophisticated technology and ‘the rest of us’ who make up most of humanity…to make complex technology easy to use and fun to use.” That approach led to the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, devices that refined existing technology to make it more precise, more intuitive, and more functional.
By focusing on who he was innovating for – other people – Jobs was able to use technology to connect people to each other and to the broader world, bringing people onto the same level by providing them with equal access. And that approach was built on a willingness to try new ideas and push the boundaries of what was possible – an approach that embodies the California spirit.
The Golden State’s nomination has been submitted to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), which will then submit design recommendations to the Treasury Secretary for final approval.
The CCAC recommends a coin showing Steve Jobs in his iconic turtleneck and glasses. However, the coin’s design is not set in stone, and updates to the design could be made before the coin is struck.
The coin is expected to be produced and made available sometime in 2026.
Jobs’ legacy includes being a co-founder and CEO of Apple, where he was involved in launching several industry-changing computers and devices. The Apple II was the first mass-produced microcomputer, while the Macintosh was the first mass-market personal computer to offer a WYSIWIG graphical display, which was controlled in part with a mouse. When the Macintosh debuted in 1984, most computers still used a character-based interface.
Jobs once said the Macintosh was designed to “bridge the gap between sophisticated technology and ‘the rest of us’ who make up most of humanity…to make complex technology easy to use and fun to use.”
The Macintosh wasn’t the only Apple device that shook up the industry. Apple’s iPod, iPhone, and iPad were also trendsetters, causing other tech firms to stop what they were working on and try to catch up with Apple’s devices.
