Washington residents are being invited to suggest the person, invention or breakthrough that should appear on the state’s American Innovation $1 coin, due to be issued in 2029.
State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti will lead an advisory committee in reviewing submissions before recommending a shortlist to Governor Bob Ferguson. The governor is expected to send proposed designs to the United States Mint by mid-October.
The final choice will be made by the US Secretary of the Treasury after the designs have gone through further development and review.
How to submit an idea for Washington’s innovation coin
Ideas can be submitted online through the Washington State Treasurer’s website. Organisers are seeking suggestions that reflect Washington’s contribution to innovation, whether through an individual, a group, an invention or a wider concept.
The American Innovation $1 Coin programme began in 2019 and covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five US territories. Four coins are released each year, with the programme scheduled to run until 2032.
Each coin carries a common obverse design featuring the Statue of Liberty, while the reverse depicts an innovation or innovator associated with the state or territory being honoured.
Recent examples include Iowa’s recognition of agricultural scientist Norman E Borlaug, Wisconsin’s tribute to the Cray-1 supercomputer, California’s celebration of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and Minnesota’s commemoration of mobile refrigeration.
“Washington’s story is suffused with innovation in the arts and sciences which span eras of American history,” Mr Pellicciotti said. “As leaders of culture and industry, I am confident that our state will have a broad range of options to represent our state’s tradition of invention and revolution.”
Mr Ferguson said the programme offered an opportunity to honour Washington’s history and share its story, adding: “Share your ideas today.”
